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29--BELLOWS ASSEMBLY,DAMPE

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation is procuring a bellows assembly damper, a component used in aircraft systems. Bellows assemblies in aviation applications typically serve as flexible seals or pressure-responsive elements that accommodate thermal expansion, vibration, or movement in fluid or pneumatic systems, dampers specifically help control or isolate oscillations. The classification code 29 indicates this falls under engines, turbines, and components. See the solicitation on SAM.gov for exact specifications, quantities, and delivery requirements.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation, meaning the notice serves as both the presolicitation announcement and the formal request for offers. Vendors can respond directly to this notice without a separate solicitation release.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is unrestricted—no set-aside applies, so businesses of any size may compete. The NAICS code 336412 corresponds to Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing. Firms operating under this NAICS or with relevant manufacturing capabilities may qualify.

To bid through DLA Aviation, you generally need:

• An active SAM.gov registration (valid through contract award)
• A CAGE code
• For foreign manufacturers, compliance with Buy American Act requirements or applicable trade agreement exceptions
• Ability to meet any source approval, qualification, or first article testing DLA requires for aviation safety-critical parts

If you are a small business, you may still compete and should evaluate whether you meet any small business size standard tied to NAICS 336412 ($1,500 employee threshold). However, you will face competition from large manufacturers and potentially non-U.S. sources.

How to put together a competitive bid

Manufacturing and quality credentials: Aviation bellows assemblies for military use typically require stringent quality systems. Prepare documentation of your AS9100 certification or equivalent aerospace quality management system. If you lack this, evaluate whether pursuing qualification is feasible within the response timeline—it likely is not for this specific opportunity.

Technical data package: See the solicitation for the exact specification (likely a military or industry standard such as an SAE or AMS specification). DLA Aviation procurements frequently reference Mil-Spec drawings or technical orders. You must verify your part number matches or develop a cross-reference showing full equivalency.

Source approval status: Check whether this item requires DLA qualified vendors list (QVL) status or source approval. If you are not an approved source, your bid may be non-responsive unless the solicitation explicitly allows alternatives with qualification testing.

Pricing strategy: Research historical award data on SAM.gov Contract Opportunities or USASpending.gov for comparable DLA aviation bellows assemblies. Factor in:

• Raw material costs (stainless steel, Inconel, or other alloys common in high-temperature bellows)
• NDT inspection and pressure testing
• Traceability and certification documentation

Past performance: Prepare relevant past performance references, particularly for DLA, other DoD components, or commercial aviation OEMs. DLA evaluates reliability of supply and quality history.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A727T1835. Verify all technical requirements, inspection clauses, and delivery schedules. Note that responses are due October 30, 2026—a relatively short turnaround from the October 22, 2026 posting date. Submit your offer through SAM.gov before the deadline; late submissions are typically not accepted.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →