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59--CONDUIT,METAL,FLEXIBLE

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Thu, 12 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is procuring metal flexible conduit through its Richmond, Virginia operation. Flexible metal conduit is a raceway system used to protect electrical wiring in applications where rigid conduit would be impractical—typically in areas requiring movement, vibration absorption, or tight bending radii. DLA Aviation manages supply chains for military aircraft and related ground support equipment, so this acquisition likely supports electrical infrastructure for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations across the armed services.

This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, meaning the notice serves as both the announcement of the opportunity and the formal solicitation document—eliminating a separate presolicitation phase and streamlining the award process.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved exclusively for small businesses certified in NAICS 335999 (with a size standard typically measured by employee count). Your firm must be designated as "small" in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and register that status for this NAICS code.

For electrical equipment manufacturing, DLA often requires compliance with Qualified Products List (QPL) or Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) standards. If your conduit products haven't been previously supplied to DLA, verify whether qualification testing or first article inspection is required—see the solicitation for specific product specifications (likely MIL-SPEC or SAE standards for flexible metal conduit).

Ensure your SAM registration is active, your Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile is current, and any required small business certifications (HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) are documented if you plan to bid under those additional programs.

How to put together a competitive bid

For DLA Aviation supply contracts, focus on these elements:

Technical compliance: Obtain the exact specification referenced in the solicitation (commonly MIL-DTL-7799 or equivalent for flexible metal conduit). Submit material certifications, test reports, and traceability documentation. DLA favors past performance on similar defense contracts.

Pricing strategy: Review DLA's Federal Supply Schedule pricing and recent contract actions for comparable conduit items. Small business set-asides can reduce price competition, but DLA uses Automated Best Value System (ABVS) scoring—balancing price against delivery and past performance.

Delivery performance: DLA measures contractor performance through CPARS. Propose realistic delivery schedules; late deliveries harm future eligibility. Clarify whether the requirement is for stock replenishment at DLA distribution centers or direct delivery to military installations.

Packaging and marking: Defense shipments require MIL-STD-129 marking and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in most cases. Factor these costs into your bid.

Buy American Act / Trade Agreements Act: Metal conduit typically falls under domestic preference requirements. Verify country of origin for raw materials and manufacturing processes.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A727Q0164—this notice provides summary information only, and binding terms, quantities, inspection requirements, and delivery instructions appear in the complete document.

2. Confirm the deadline: Responses are due November 12, 2026. DLA typically requires electronic submission through its Internet Bid Board System (iRAPT/WAWF) or as specified in the solicitation.

3. Verify product qualifications early—QPL/QML status can take weeks or months to obtain if not already held, which may preclude timely bidding.

4. Contact the contracting office listed in the SAM.gov notice with technical or administrative questions before submitting.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →