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53--COUPLING,CLAMP,GROOVED

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 procuring couplings, clamps, and grooved pipe fittings—components used in fluid transfer and piping systems. These are standard hardware items commonly found in aircraft maintenance, fuel systems, hydraulic lines, and ground support equipment across military aviation operations.

NAICS 336413 designates "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing." This classification covers manufacturers and suppliers of miscellaneous aircraft parts that don't fall into more specific categories like engines or avionics. Companies in this space typically produce or distribute mechanical hardware, fasteners, fittings, and structural components for aerospace applications.

The classification code 53 (Hardware and Abrasives) confirms this is a commodities purchase through DLA's standard supply system rather than a complex systems integration contract.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning any qualified business—small or large—may submit a bid. DLA Aviation does not restrict this opportunity to socioeconomic categories like 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, or women-owned small businesses.

To compete, you must be registered in SAM.gov, have an active CAGE code, and meet any technical qualifications DLA specifies for manufacturing or supplying these hardware items. Given the NAICS code, prior experience with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, MIL-SPEC compliance, or DFARS flowdown requirements) will likely be expected.

Small businesses should weigh this carefully: without a set-aside, you'll compete directly with large manufacturers and established DLA suppliers who may have economies of scale and existing stocking arrangements.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand DLA's sourcing model. DLA Aviation typically awards firm-fixed-price contracts for hardware with delivery orders against long-term contracts or spot buys. Determine whether this is a one-time purchase or potential seed for a multi-year requirements contract.

Verify technical compliance. Couplings and clamps for aviation use must meet strict material, dimensional, and performance specifications. See the solicitation for the exact military or commercial specification (e.g., MIL-DTL, NAS, or AS standard) and confirm your product qualifies or that you can source an approved equivalent.

Price aggressively but sustainably. DLA uses automated procurement tools and historical pricing data. Research prior awards for similar NSNs in FPDS or DLA's Internet Bid Board System. Factor in: material costs, lot charges, testing/certification, and catalog management fees if this becomes a stock-listed item.

Assess past performance requirements. DLA evaluates vendor performance through metrics like on-time delivery and quality acceptance. Be prepared to document relevant delivery history or team with an experienced supplier.

Consider small-business teaming. Without set-aside protection, a joint venture or mentor-protégé arrangement with a larger, established DLA supplier could strengthen your competitiveness while preserving small-business participation benefits for future opportunities.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A727T2512. The complete notice will specify quantities, technical requirements, inspection criteria, packaging standards, and any special contract terms.

Note the deadline: November 9, 2026. DLA Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices move quickly—verify whether responses are accepted electronically through DLA's procurement platform and confirm any mandatory pre-bid requirements or vendor surveys.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →