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16--HARNESS SET,AIRCRAFT S

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Thu, 29 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking to acquire a harness set for aircraft—specifically items falling under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 16, which covers aircraft components and accessories. Harness sets in this context are assemblies of wiring, cables, connectors, and related hardware designed for installation in aircraft systems. These components distribute electrical power, signals, and data throughout an aircraft's avionics, engine controls, lighting, and other critical subsystems.

Aircraft wire harnesses must meet stringent military specifications for durability, electromagnetic interference shielding, temperature resistance, and reliability under operational stress. DLA Maritime and DLA Weapons Support components of this acquisition suggest the harness sets may support Navy, Marine Corps, or other defense aviation platforms, though the specific end-use platform is not specified in the available metadata. See the solicitation for precise technical requirements, including specifications, quantities, and any required certifications such as AS9100 or specific military standards (MIL-SPEC).

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is unrestricted—no small business set-aside applies. All responsible sources may submit offers, including large manufacturers, small businesses, and nontraditional defense contractors. NAICS 336413 corresponds to "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing," with a Small Business Administration size standard typically based on employee count or receipts; check SAM.gov for current thresholds.

To bid, your firm must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) with active status
• Possess a valid CAGE Code
• Meet any applicable defense contractor cybersecurity requirements (CMMC, if triggered by the solicitation's handling of Controlled Unclassified Information)
• Demonstrate capability to manufacture or supply aircraft-qualified harness assemblies to military specifications

Small businesses may still compete but should realistically assess their capacity against established aerospace wire harness manufacturers. Veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, 8(a), or women-owned small business certifications provide no preferential consideration in an unrestricted competition but may support subcontracting plans if required.

How to put together a competitive bid

For aircraft harness work under DLA contracts, competitiveness depends on technical compliance and proven performance history:

Technical response depth: Provide detailed evidence of your harness manufacturing capabilities—automated wire cutting/stripping equipment, laser wire marking, crimp force monitoring, and automated electrical testing (continuity, hi-pot, resistance). Reference prior military or commercial aerospace harness contracts, especially to DLA, OEMs, or prime contractors.

Quality systems: Emphasize AS9100D certification and any NADCAP accreditation for electrical testing or cable/harness assembly. Include your FAA Repair Station certificate if applicable, though this is a supply contract rather than maintenance.

Traceability and counterfeit prevention: DLA increasingly emphasizes supply chain integrity. Detail your procedures for component traceability, vendor qualification, and AS5553 counterfeit avoidance.

Pricing strategy: Aircraft harness pricing reflects labor intensity, specialized tooling, and testing overhead. Analyze DLA's historical pricing for comparable NSNs if available through FPDS or DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). Consider whether your cost structure supports small-quantity production typical of DLA depot-level spares acquisitions.

Past performance: If you lack direct DLA experience, highlight subcontractor relationships with Tier 1 aerospace suppliers or direct sales to military aviation depots.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7M427T1377 to obtain specifications, quantity, delivery requirements, and precise instructions for quotation submission
2. Verify your SAM registration remains active through the response deadline
3. Note the firm deadline of October 29, 2026—DLA typically does not extend deadlines without published amendment
4. Register for access to DIBBS (DLA's procurement portal) if quotes must be submitted through that system; many DLA solicitations require DIBBS electronic quotation submission

See the solicitation for all binding requirements.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →