58--RECEIVER-TRANSMITTE
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION PHILADELPHIA.DLA AVIATION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
DLA Aviation Philadelphia is soliciting bids for a receiver-transmitter, a type of radio communications equipment used in military aviation applications. Receiver-transmitters combine both receiving and transmitting functions in a single unit, allowing aircraft to communicate with ground stations and other aircraft. These are critical components for military operations, supporting voice and data communications across various frequency bands.
Based on the classification code 5841 (Communications Security Equipment and Components) and NAICS 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing), this procurement falls within the broader category of aerospace and defense electronics manufacturing. This type of equipment typically must meet stringent military specifications for reliability, environmental resilience, and electromagnetic compatibility. see the solicitation for specific technical requirements, quantities, and performance characteristics.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | DLA Aviation at Philadelphia, PA |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPRPA126RWA18 |
| NAICS | 334511 |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted competition) |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This is an unrestricted solicitation with no small business set-aside, meaning any qualified business—large or small—may submit a bid. However, the NAICS code 334511 and defense electronics nature of this work create significant practical barriers for unprepared firms.
To compete, businesses typically need:
- Existing defense contracting infrastructure, including registration in SAM.gov and a CAGE code
- Security clearance or facility clearance if the equipment involves classified specifications (see the solicitation for classification level)
- Experience with military specifications (MIL-SPEC) and Defense Logistics Agency procurement processes
- Quality certifications such as AS9100 (aerospace) or ISO 9001, depending on requirements
- Past performance in manufacturing similar communications or avionics equipment
Small businesses without defense contracting experience face steep challenges in this unrestricted competition against established defense contractors. Firms new to DLA should carefully evaluate whether they can meet any first-article inspection requirements, source inspection protocols, and packaging/marking standards (likely MIL-STD-129 or 2073).
How to put together a competitive bid
Given the specialized nature of radio communications equipment for military aviation, focus your proposal on:
Technical compliance: Receiver-transmitters for military use must typically meet detailed specifications for frequency stability, output power, spurious emissions, and environmental testing (temperature, altitude, humidity, shock, vibration). See the solicitation for exact specifications and ensure your proposed unit is form-fit-function compatible with existing systems if this is a replacement procurement.
Traceability and counterfeit prevention: DLA emphasizes supply chain integrity. Document your component sourcing, obsolescence management program, and procedures for preventing counterfeit parts—particularly critical for electronics where end-of-life components are common.
Production and delivery capability: Demonstrate capacity to meet any required delivery schedules and surge requirements. DLA Aviation contracts often include options for additional quantities; see the solicitation for specific line items and option periods.
Pricing strategy: Unrestricted competitions among defense primes typically feature aggressive pricing. Analyze your cost structure carefully, including special tooling, test equipment amortization, and any non-recurring engineering costs.
Past performance documentation: Prepare relevant contract performance data, particularly for DLA or military aviation customers. CPARS ratings and similar commercial ratings strengthen your position.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRPA126RWA18. The response deadline is October 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT—note this is only five days from the October 21, 2026 posting date, leaving minimal preparation time. Verify the place of performance, any security requirements, exact quantities, and delivery requirements directly in the solicitation documents. Consider contacting the contracting officer immediately if you need clarification on technical specifications or delivery terms.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →