30--GEAR,INTERNAL
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 mechanical power transmission equipment—specifically, internal gears classified under Federal Supply Classification 30. This is a direct procurement for a spare or replacement part supporting military aircraft or related aviation systems. DLA Aviation serves as the primary supply chain manager for Defense Department aviation requirements, purchasing parts to maintain readiness across military platforms.
Items in this category typically involve precision-machined components manufactured to strict military or aerospace specifications. Internal gears are ring-shaped gears with teeth on the interior surface, used in planetary gear systems, reduction drives, and other compact power transmission applications common in aircraft engines, rotorcraft transmissions, and auxiliary power units.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation – Richmond |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A627T4515 |
| NAICS | 333613 – Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted, full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | October 23, 2026 |
| Place of performance | See the solicitation |
Who can bid
This is an unrestricted solicitation with no small business set-aside, meaning businesses of any size may compete. The NAICS code 333613, Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing, defines the industry—manufacturers of gears, gearboxes, speed changers, and other mechanical power transmission components.
To bid, your firm should have:
- Manufacturing capability for precision gears to aerospace or military tolerances
- Experience with quality systems such as AS9100 (aerospace) or ISO 9001
- Potential need for DFARS compliance (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) for specialty metals, counterfeit parts prevention, and cyber security
- Valid SAM.gov registration and active CAGE code
- Ability to meet source qualification requirements DLA commonly imposes for aviation-critical parts
Small manufacturers without past DLA experience should note that aviation parts often require source approval or first-article inspection before contract award. See the solicitation for any specific qualification requirements.
How to put together a competitive bid
Technical compliance first: DLA Aviation solicitations emphasize traceability, material certification, and dimensional accuracy. Submit complete specifications for alloy composition, heat treatment, and gear geometry (diametral pitch, pressure angle, tooth form).
Pricing strategy: Unrestricted DLA competitions often draw established defense suppliers. Evaluate your position on the GSA Manufacturing Extension Partnership landscape or consider subcontracting arrangements if you lack direct aviation manufacturing capacity.
Proposal elements to prepare:
- Detailed manufacturing process description
- Quality assurance plan with inspection equipment and methods
- Past performance references for similar gear production
- Delivery schedule certainty—DLA tracks supplier delivery performance rigorously
Small business considerations: Without a set-aside, consider whether you qualify for subcontracting opportunities under a larger prime, or whether this item might later be reserved under DLA's small business programs if initial competition fails.
Next steps
Review the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627T4515. The Combined Synopsis/Solicitation format means the notice itself may contain sufficient terms to constitute the complete offer document, or it may direct you to additional attachments. Pay close attention to inspection requirements, packaging specifications, and any Qualified Parts List (QPL) or Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) references.
The response deadline is October 23, 2026—only eight days from the posting date of October 15, 2026. Given the compressed timeline, confirm your SAM.gov registration is current and immediately request any drawings or specifications not directly attached to the notice.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →