16--BLADE,ROTARY RUDDER
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION PHILADELPHIA.DLA AVIATION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA · Response deadline: Mon, 30 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Philadelphia is procuring a blade, rotary rudder—a component used in helicopter or rotary-wing aircraft systems. This falls under Federal Supply Classification code 1615, which covers aircraft hardware, airframe structural components, and related parts. DLA Aviation serves as the primary supply chain manager for military aviation requirements, sourcing spare parts and components to support aircraft readiness across the U.S. armed forces.
Rotary rudder blades are critical flight control components that work with a helicopter's tail rotor system to provide directional stability and yaw control. These parts must meet stringent military aviation standards for materials, tolerances, and performance. The actual quantities, specific aircraft platforms, and technical specifications are not included in the available metadata; see the solicitation for complete requirements, drawings, and delivery schedules.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Dept of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, DLA Aviation Philadelphia, PA |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPRPA127QRA16 |
| NAICS | 333998 |
| Set-aside | None |
| Response deadline | November 30, 2026, 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning any responsible business can bid regardless of size, ownership, or socioeconomic status. The NAICS code 333998 (All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing) carries a small business size standard of 1,000 employees, so small businesses under that threshold that can meet all technical and contractual requirements should strongly consider competing.
To bid, your firm must:
- Register in SAM.gov with active status
- Have or obtain any required ISO certifications or aviation-specific quality approvals (such as AS9100 for aerospace suppliers)
- Demonstrate capability to produce or source military-grade aviation components with full traceability
Because this is DLA Aviation procurement, contractors typically need to understand Federal Supply Schedule procedures or DLA Tailored Logistics Support Programs, though the specific contract vehicle depends on the solicitation terms.
How to put together a competitive bid
For rotary rudder blades, DLA evaluates on total evaluated price including delivery and technical compliance. Given the 13-month response window, use this lead time strategically:
Technical compliance: Request the full technical data package through SAM.gov early. Aviation hardware requires exact conformance to military specifications—substitutions or deviations usually require formal approval and can disqualify bids.
Quality systems: Verify your quality management system meets DLA requirements. If you lack AS9100 certification or past performance with military aviation parts, consider partnering with an established aerospace manufacturer or seeking subcontracting opportunities.
Pricing research: Use FPDS and SAM.gov contract data to analyze historical prices for NSNs under FSC 1615. DLA awards are price-sensitive; understand your cost floor before bidding.
Past performance: Prepare documentation of on-time delivery and quality history for similar aerospace components. DLA weighs this heavily in source selection even for simplified acquisitions.
Small business advantage: Without a set-aside, you compete directly with large defense contractors. Differentiate through responsiveness, shorter lead times, or superior delivery reliability rather than price alone.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRPA127QRA16. The posting date of October 29, 2026 suggests this is an active procurement with substantial documentation available. Download all attachments including specifications, drawings, delivery requirements, and clauses.
Note the deadline carefully: responses are due November 30, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time—approximately 13 months from posting. This extended timeline may indicate complex technical requirements or a deliberate market research phase. Use SAM.gov's Q&A function if clarifications are needed, and monitor for amendments.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →