15--TORQUE TUBE,RUDDEVATOR
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Tue, 13 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
DLA Aviation at Richmond is procuring a torque tube, ruddervator—a flight control component used in aircraft. Torque tubes are structural/mechanical assemblies that transmit rotational force to control surfaces; the ruddervator is a combined rudder-elevator control surface found on V-tail aircraft configurations. This falls under DLA Aviation's mission of supplying spare and replacement parts for military aircraft and supporting weapon systems. The procurement is for the Department of Defense through the Defense Logistics Agency's aviation-specific supply chain operation.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | DLA Aviation Richmond (Defense Logistics Agency) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A527T0091 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted) |
| Response deadline | October 13, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
The NAICS 336413 code covers "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing"—establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing aircraft parts (except engines and propulsion units) and auxiliary equipment. This includes flight control components, structural parts, and other aerospace manufacturing activities.
The unrestricted status means this contract is open to all responsible sources, including large businesses and small businesses, with no small-business set-aside applied.
Who can bid
Any responsible offeror—large or small business—may submit a bid on this unrestricted procurement. DLA Aviation typically sources aerospace parts from manufacturers with appropriate quality certifications and past performance in defense aviation supply. Companies with capabilities in precision machining, aerospace welding, or flight control component manufacturing under NAICS 336413 should evaluate this opportunity.
Given the specialized nature of aircraft torque tubes, relevant experience may include:
- AS9100/ISO 9001 quality management certification
- Nadcap accreditation for special processes (heat treat, welding, NDT)
- Prior DLA or military aviation contracts
- Experience with specific aircraft platforms using ruddervator configurations
Small businesses with these qualifications compete directly against larger established suppliers; the absence of a set-aside means evaluation criteria and price/technical trade-offs will determine the award without small-business preference.
How to put together a competitive bid
Verify technical requirements precisely. Aircraft torque tubes have exacting material specifications, tolerances, and traceability requirements. See the solicitation for the complete technical data package, including drawings, material specifications, and any source control or qualification requirements.
Confirm your manufacturing capability against the specific part number and anyFirst Article Test or qualification requirements. DLA Aviation parts often require conformance to military specifications (MIL-SPEC) or industry standards; verify you can meet all testing and documentation obligations.
Evaluate your supply chain for specialty materials. Torque tubes typically require high-strength aerospace alloys (e.g., 17-4 PH stainless, titanium, or aluminum alloys). Confirm material availability and lead times, as these affect both pricing and delivery commitments.
Price competitively but sustainably. Unrestricted DLA solicitations often attract established aerospace suppliers with significant economies of scale. Analyze whether your cost structure supports competitive pricing against larger manufacturers while maintaining quality and delivery reliability.
Review DLA's terms and conditions, including packaging and marking requirements (often MIL-STD-2073), inspection clauses, and the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) rating if applicable.
Next steps
Read the complete solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A527T0091. The Combined Synopsis/Solicitation will contain the full technical specifications, quantity, delivery schedule, evaluation criteria, and all contractual terms. Note the response deadline of October 13, 2026—DLA typically requires electronic submission through its procurement systems by the stated date and time. Verify whether this opportunity includes electronic bids through DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) or another specified submission method.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →