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16--CCA,CPU,AIRCRAFT,MA

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation Richmond is seeking to acquire aircraft control cables, CPUs, and related aircraft hardware classified under Federal Supply Classification 16. This category covers aeronautical instruments, engine instruments, and flight instruments—as well as the mechanical control components, computing equipment, and airframe structural elements that keep military aircraft operational.

The Defense Logistics Agency's Aviation supply chain supports aircraft readiness across all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Items in FSC 16 typically include everything from cable assemblies that link cockpit controls to flight surfaces, to airborne computing hardware that processes navigation and mission data. As with most DLA Aviation procurements, the agency is buying for stock to support ongoing military maintenance and repair programs rather than for a single end-user installation.

Because this is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, the notice serves as both the presolicitation announcement and the formal request for offers. Vendors should treat the attached documents as the complete bidding package.

Key facts

Who can bid

This procurement is open to all responsible sources—no small business set-aside applies based on the available metadata. That means large businesses, small businesses, and nontraditional defense contractors may all submit offers.

However, NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) carries a small business size standard of 1,500 employees. Small businesses at or below this threshold should consider bidding even against larger competitors, particularly if they can demonstrate past performance on military-grade cable assemblies, aircraft control systems, or MIL-SPEC computing hardware.

Prospective bidders must be registered in SAM.gov and hold any required DLA qualifications. For FSC 16 items, this typically includes compliance with military specifications and standards, plus Quality Assurance Program requirements specific to aviation critical safety items. Companies without prior DLA supplier experience should verify whether the solicitation requires start-up approval or qualification testing before award.

How to put together a competitive bid

Aircraft parts bidding demands precision in both technical compliance and pricing strategy.

Technical compliance: Scrutinize the solicitation for specific military specifications (MIL-DTL, MIL-PRF, or SAE standards) governing materials, testing, and traceability. Control cables may require particular tensile strength ratings, end fitting configurations, or fatigue cycle documentation. CPUs or embedded computing components likely carry electromagnetic interference (EMI) hardening, environmental testing, or form-fit-function interchangeability requirements. DLA Aviation rarely accepts deviations on safety-critical items without full technical evaluation.

Quality system: Ensure your Quality Management System meets the solicitation's baseline—often AS9100 or ISO 9001 with additional aviation-specific controls. Be prepared to submit your latest audit results and corrective action history.

Data deliverables: Government aircraft procurements routinely require material certifications, test reports, and source inspection. Price these data deliverables into your bid; omitting them creates cost overruns and delivery disputes.

Pricing: DLA uses competitive market pricing with historical data. Research recent awards for similar National Stock Numbers through FPDS or DLA's Internet Bid Board System. Consider whether long-lead materials or specialty alloys affect your required delivery schedule.

Past performance: Highlight comparable deliveries to DLA, military depots, or OEMs with airworthiness authority. Civil aviation experience transfers if you draw explicit parallels to military specification compliance.

Next steps

Download and read the complete solicitation package on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627T4557. The full documents will contain item-by-item specifications, quantities, inspection requirements, and any amendments to the notice metadata. Note the October 23, 2026 response deadline—Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices often have short turnaround times, so begin qualification and costing work immediately upon receipt.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →