Open federal opportunities

49--BOX ASSEMBLY,BREAKOUT

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Mon, 09 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation is soliciting for box assembly, breakout work under classification code 49. This falls within NAICS 332721, Precision Turned Product Manufacturing, though box assembly for defense applications typically involves fabricating and assembling metal enclosures, junction boxes, or breakout boxes used in aircraft and avionics systems. These components house electrical connections, protect wiring, and facilitate signal distribution in military platforms.

As a Defense Logistics Agency procurement, this contract supports DLA Aviation's mission of supplying spare parts and components to military services. The "breakout" designation suggests components that split or distribute electrical circuits—common in aircraft harnesses and avionics installations. The exact specifications, quantities, and performance requirements for this delivery order are not specified in the available metadata; see the solicitation for technical drawings, quality standards, and inspection criteria.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved entirely for small businesses under the Small Business Set Aside — Total program. To qualify, your firm must:

• Meet SBA size standards for NAICS 332721 (1,000 employees for precision turned product manufacturing)
• Register in SAM.gov and hold active status
• Have or obtain any required DLA supplier qualifications, such as a valid Cage Code
• Demonstrate capability to meet quality assurance requirements typical of defense aviation work, which may include ISO 9001 or AS9100 certification depending on the solicitation's stated requirements

Given DLA Aviation's role, prior experience supplying the military or Defense Logistics Agency strengthens competitiveness, though it is not legally required.

How to put together a competitive bid

For precision metal box assemblies in defense procurement, practical bidding steps include:

Verify technical fit. Review the solicitation's technical data package for dimensional tolerances, material specifications (likely aluminum alloys or stainless steel), finishing requirements (anodizing, chem film, painting), and any MIL-SPEC references. Breakout boxes for avionics often require EMI/RFI shielding compliance.

Assess manufacturing capacity. Can your shop produce the required volumes within DLA's delivery schedule? Consider whether wire termination, connector installation, or potting operations are required beyond basic fabrication.

Price strategically. DLA Aviation typically evaluates on lowest price, technically acceptable (LPTA) basis for such set-asides. Calculate material costs carefully—aluminum and specialty connectors fluctuate. Factor in first article inspection if required.

Address quality requirements. Defense aviation parts demand rigorous traceability. Document your inspection capabilities, calibration records, and lot control procedures. If the solicitation cites AS9100 or NADCAP requirements, confirm your certifications or partnering strategy.

Review packaging and labeling. DLA has specific MIL-STD-129 and RFID tagging requirements for shipments to its distribution centers.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A727T2474. The synopsis indicates this is a combined notice, so the complete specifications, statement of work, and actual delivery quantities should be attached or accessible through the SAM.gov record.

Note the deadline: responses are due November 9, 2026—approximately one week from the November 1, 2026 posting date. This short turnaround requires prompt action to request clarifications, review drawings, and prepare your quote.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →