Open federal opportunities

16--HEAT EXCHANGER,AIR

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION PHILADELPHIA.DLA AVIATION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation Philadelphia is seeking vendors to supply aircraft heat exchangers. Heat exchangers are critical components in aviation systems that transfer thermal energy between fluids or between a fluid and air, helping regulate temperatures in engines, environmental control systems, and other aircraft subsystems. The "AIR" designation in the item description indicates this is an air-to-air or air-to-fluid heat exchanger type commonly used in military or government aircraft platforms.

This is a DLA Aviation procurement, which means the Defense Logistics Agency is buying on behalf of military services that need spare or replacement parts to maintain operational readiness. DLA Aviation typically manages long-term supply contracts for high-demand aviation items, often with recurring delivery requirements.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no small-business set-aside, meaning businesses of any size may submit offers. The NAICS code 336413 corresponds to Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. To bid, your firm must be registered in SAM.gov, have this NAICS code in your profile, and meet any applicable size standards if you intend to compete as a small business (the small business size standard for this NAICS is 1,000 employees per SBA regulations).

If you are a small business, you will compete directly against large aerospace manufacturers and distributors. Consider whether you qualify under DLA's Prime Vendor or Long-Term Contract programs, or if partnering as a subcontractor to a larger firm might be viable. Manufacturers with AS9100 quality certifications and prior DLA supply experience will have significant advantages.

How to put together a competitive bid

Focus on these areas specific to DLA Aviation component contracts:

Technical compliance: See the solicitation for exact specifications, including military or industry standards (possibly MIL-PRF or SAE specifications), part numbers, and interchangeability requirements. Heat exchangers for military aircraft typically require rigorous performance, materials, and testing standards.

Quality certifications: Expect requirements for AS9100 (aerospace quality management), NADCAP accreditation for special processes like welding or brazing, and possibly source inspection by DLA or the military services. See the solicitation for specific quality clauses.

Past performance: Document your experience supplying similar aviation components to DLA, other defense customers, or commercial aerospace OEMs. Include delivery and quality performance metrics.

Pricing strategy: DLA Aviation solicitations often use competitive pricing with historical demand data. Review DLA's Standard Price or existing contract prices if applicable. Consider offering economic price adjustment terms for long-delivery materials like aluminum or titanium.

Packaging and marking: Military packaging requirements (MIL-STD-2073) are typically mandatory. Factor these costs into your proposal.

Debarment and representations: Ensure your firm is not suspended or debarred, and complete all required SAM.gov representations and certifications.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRPA126RVC65. The notice was posted October 5, 2026, with offers due November 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions will not be accepted. Review all attachments for technical specifications, delivery requirements, and evaluation factors before preparing your quote.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →