16--SEAT ASSEMBLY,HYDRAULI
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Thu, 12 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Richmond is procuring a seat assembly, hydraulic—an aircraft component used in seating systems that incorporate hydraulic mechanisms. DLA Aviation serves as the primary supply chain manager for military aircraft parts, supporting Department of Defense maintenance and operations worldwide.
Hydraulic seat assemblies are typically found in military aircraft where crew seating requires adjustment capabilities for positioning, shock absorption, or ejection-related functions. These assemblies may include hydraulic cylinders, reservoirs, valves, and associated hardware integrated into the seat structure. The specific application—whether for fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing platforms, or ground support equipment—is not specified in the available metadata; see the solicitation for the exact technical requirements, including part numbers, military specifications, and intended end-use systems.
This procurement falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 16, which covers aircraft components and accessories. Given DLA Aviation's role, this likely supports ongoing depot-level maintenance, field-level repair, or inventory replenishment for one or more military services.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation – Richmond |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A527T2236 |
| NAICS | 336413 – Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted competition) |
| Response deadline | November 12, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This solicitation is unrestricted—no small business set-aside applies. Any responsible offeror, including small businesses, large manufacturers, and non-traditional defense contractors, may submit a bid. Competition will be open to all qualified sources.
Manufacturers with NAICS 336413 capabilities are best positioned. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing aircraft parts (except engines and propulsion units) and auxiliary equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic systems for aircraft applications.
Small businesses should note that while no set-aside applies here, DLA maintains other pathways for small business participation in subsequent procurements, including blanket purchase agreements and long-term contracts. Unrestricted competitions of this nature often favor established suppliers with existing government contracts and Technical Data Packages, but new entrants with demonstrated manufacturing capability and quality certifications may still compete effectively.
How to put together a competitive bid
Technical compliance is paramount. DLA Aviation procurements typically require strict adherence to military specifications (MIL-SPEC), technical drawings, and interchangeability standards. Request any referenced technical data immediately if not attached to the solicitation. Verify your firm can produce to the exact part number, material specifications, and performance requirements—deviations usually require formal engineering approval.
Quality certifications matter. Expect requirements for AS9100 (aerospace quality management) at minimum, with possible additional requirements for ISO standards or specific military quality programs. NADCAP accreditation for special processes (welding, heat treatment, non-destructive testing) may apply depending on the seat assembly's construction; see the solicitation for explicit quality requirements.
Past performance and supply chain reliability. DLA evaluates offeror capability to meet delivery schedules consistently. Document your production capacity, lead times for specialty materials or sub-tier components, and any existing DLA or military contracts that demonstrate successful performance.
Pricing strategy. Analyze historical pricing for similar components through DLA's Procure-to-Pay systems or FPDS data if available. Factor in first-article inspection requirements, which are common for new suppliers or redesigned components. Consider whether consignment inventory or vendor-managed inventory arrangements might offer competitive advantage in future procurements.
Small business subcontracting. If you are a large business, prepare a subcontracting plan. Small businesses bidding should highlight any small business status for potential evaluation preferences in other solicitations, though not applicable here.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A527T2236. Review all technical requirements, clauses, and attachments carefully before preparing your offer. Note the response deadline of November 12, 2026—allow adequate time for solicitation review, technical data requests, and proposal preparation, particularly if first-article testing or sample submission is required.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →