17--TOWBAR,AIRCRAFT
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.TROOP SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT.DLA TROOP SUPPORT · Response deadline: Mon, 09 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support is procuring aircraft towbars under solicitation SPE8EF27T0168. Towbars are essential ground support equipment used to connect aircraft to towing vehicles for moving planes on the ground—during maintenance, parking, or preparation for flight. This type of item falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 17, which covers aircraft and airframe structural components and related equipment.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE8EF27T0168 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14) |
| Response deadline | November 9, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice (see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
This opportunity is strictly set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) under FAR 19.14. To qualify, your business must:
- Be at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Have one or more service-disabled veterans manage daily operations and make long-term decisions
- Meet the small business size standard for NAICS 336413 ($2,000 million/employee count threshold; see the solicitation for specific applicability)
- Be certified in the SAM.gov system as an SDVOSB (registration in the Veteran Small Business Certification, Vets First Verification Program, or successor system is required)
Widely known context: NAICS 336413 covers "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing." Companies in this space typically produce or supply components for military and civilian aircraft. DLA Troop Support frequently issues simplified acquisition procedures for such items, meaning this may fall at or below the simplified acquisition threshold or use other streamlined methods.
How to put together a competitive bid
Verify your SDVOSB status is active. DLA contracts require current certification. Lapses will disqualify your bid.
Confirm technical specifications. Aircraft towbars vary significantly by aircraft type—military vs. commercial, specific model compatibility, load ratings, and NATO standard pin configurations may apply. See the solicitation for exact NSN (National Stock Number) or military specification requirements.
Understand DLA's pricing expectations. DLA Troop Support typically seeks firm-fixed pricing with historical cost data for recurring items. Review the solicitation for any required cost/price analysis or commercial item determinations.
Assess your supply chain. Towbar manufacturing or sourcing requires materials meeting military durability standards (often including corrosion-resistant finishes and proof-load testing). If you are a non-manufacturer, ensure you comply with any non-manufacturer rule limitations or waivers applicable to this procurement.
Submit through DLA's electronic systems. Most DLA solicitations require submission via DLA Internet Bid Bond Application System (DIBBS) or ASVAC, not just SAM.gov. Verify submission method in the full solicitation.
Review clause requirements. SDVOSB set-asides carry specific FAR 52.219-29 clauses and may include additional DLA-unique provisions.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE8EF27T0168. The complete document will contain specifications, quantities, delivery requirements, packaging standards, and exact submission instructions.
Critical deadline: Responses are due November 9, 2026—approximately 12 days from the October 28, 2026 posting date. This is a tight turnaround; prioritize obtaining the full solicitation immediately if you intend to bid.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →