16--DUCT ASSEMBLY,AIR COND
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
DLA Aviation Richmond is procuring a duct assembly for air conditioning applications through a total small business set-aside. This is a components acquisition typical of DLA's role as the primary logistics arm for the Department of Defense, supplying spare and repair parts to maintain military aircraft and ground support equipment. Duct assemblies for air conditioning systems are standard HVAC components that channel and distribute conditioned air. The specific technical requirements, dimensions, material specifications, and performance standards for this assembly are not included in the metadata—see the solicitation for complete item descriptions, drawings, and acceptance criteria.
This procurement falls under Product Service Code 16, the DLA category for aircraft components and accessories. NAICS 326220 covers rubber and plastics hose and belting manufacturing, which includes flexible ducting and related fabricated plastic products used in air handling systems.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, DLA Aviation Richmond |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A727T1499 |
| NAICS | 326220 (Rubber and Plastics Hose and Belting Manufacturing) |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata—see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This opportunity is restricted to small business concerns certified as such in SAM.gov under NAICS 326220. Because this is a total set-aside, non-small businesses and large manufacturers are ineligible regardless of capability or willingness to subcontract.
To qualify, a business must:
- Be actively registered in SAM.gov with proper small business representation
- Have its size standard determined by the NAICS 326220 threshold ($2,000 employee-based standard)
- Meet any applicable manufacturer or commercial item assertions required by DLA
Firms currently participating in SBA programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB may bid under their small business status, but this solicitation does not appear restricted to any subset program—see the solicitation to confirm whether additional socioeconomic certifications apply.
How to put together a competitive bid
For DLA Aviation components contracts, competitive pricing depends on understanding DLA's requirements methodology and sourcing conventions:
Product analysis: Request the full technical data package immediately. DLA typically provides manufacturer part numbers, military specifications (MIL-PRF, MIL-DTL), or commercial item descriptions. Cross-reference against your existing product lines or supplier relationships. If this maps to a sole-source manufacturer part, anticipate price competition against other distributors or dealers.
Source certification clarity: Determine whether you are offering as a manufacturer, authorized distributor, or dealer. DLA's evaluation of offers differs by source type, with manufacturers generally receiving preference if price is comparable. Document your supply chain relationships in your offer.
Shipping and packaging: DLA Aviation contracts routinely include specific packaging standards (PPP-B-636, PPP-C-96, or military preservation requirements) and Defense Transportation System routing. Failure to comply causes rejection. Clarify FOB terms and whether this is a DLA-managed item with depot distribution requirements.
Past performance and quality metrics: If you have prior DLA ratings in CPARS or SPRS, ensure your account reflects satisfactory performance. DLA increasingly weighs supplier scorecard data for award decisions on recurring buys.
Defense Priorities and Allocations System: Confirm whether this item carries a DX or DO rating in the solicitation, affecting production scheduling obligations.
Next steps
Locate solicitation SPE4A727T1499 on SAM.gov using the search function or direct solicitation number lookup. Review the complete synopsis, attachments, and any amendments posted after the original October 18, 2026 publication date. Note that the response deadline is October 26, 2026—an eight-day window from posting that suggests urgency or a follow-on requirement, leaving minimal time for technical clarification requests. Submit questions through SAM.gov's Q&A function immediately if any specifications are unclear.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →