Open federal opportunities

30--CONNECTING LINK,RIGID

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation Richmond is procuring a connecting link, rigid (FSC 30). This is a hardware item used in mechanical and structural assemblies, typically for applications requiring rigid, non-articulating connections between components. In aviation and defense contexts, rigid connecting links are commonly used in flight control systems, landing gear assemblies, and other mechanical linkages where precise, fixed-length connections are critical for safety and performance.

This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, meaning the notice both announces the opportunity and serves as the formal solicitation document—vendors can respond directly to this posting without waiting for a separate solicitation release.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation has no small business set-aside specified in the metadata, meaning it is full and open competition. Any responsible vendor—large or small business—can submit a bid. However, small businesses remain eligible to compete.

Under NAICS 333613 (Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing), this classification covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing mechanical power transmission equipment, including gears, bearings, drive chains, and related mechanical linkage components. If your business manufactures or supplies hardware items such as connecting links, torque tubes, control rods, or similar aerospace hardware, you may be qualified.

If you are a small business in this NAICS, consider:

• Registering in DLA's Qualifying Parts/Suppliers List (QSL) or related technical data systems if this requires source approval
• Checking your SAM.gov small business representations are current
• Verifying your cage code is active and your Past Performance information is updated in CPARS or similar systems

How to put together a competitive bid

For DLA Aviation supply contracts, bids are typically evaluated on price and technical compliance rather than past performance narratives. Focus on:

Technical compliance: Rigid connecting links for aviation use must meet strict material specifications, dimensional tolerances, and often require traceability documentation. Obtain the full Item Identification or specification (likely MIL-DTL, NAS, or AS standard) from the solicitation. Do not assume you know the part—aviation hardware has exact requirements.

Drawing and technical data: DLA Aviation often provides technical packages with invitations for bid. Ensure you can access and quote from the correct revision level. If the item requires source control or qualification, the solicitation will state this—check early whether you need pre-approval.

Pricing strategy: Review historical prices for similar NSNs if available in DLA's public data. Consider tooling, material certification costs, and lot quantities (see the solicitation for actual quantity). DLA frequently awards on lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) basis for standard hardware.

Delivery and packaging: DLA has strict MIL-STD-129 marking and MIL-STD-2073 packaging requirements. Factor these costs into your price. Shorter promised delivery may be evaluated if this uses a best value tradeoff.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A127T0144
2. Download all attachments—technical drawings, specifications, and delivery requirements are typically embedded in Combined Synopsis/Solicitation documents
3. Note the deadline: October 23, 2026—verify exact time of day (usually 11:59 PM ET for DLA) in the solicitation
4. Submit your quote through SAM.gov or the specified electronic system; DLA Aviation generally does not accept emailed bids for competitive solicitations

View the official notice on SAM.gov →