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61--CABLE ASSEMBLY,SPECIAL

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Tue, 17 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation is seeking to procure cable assemblies, special-purpose, through the Defense Logistics Agency's Richmond procurement office. This is a DLA-managed sustainment order for the Department of Defense supply chain.

Cable assemblies in DLA's Federal Supply Classification 61 typically involve electrical and fiber-optic cable configurations built to military specifications. These may include power distribution cables, data transmission assemblies, coaxial arrangements, or hybrid configurations for aircraft, ground vehicles, or weapon systems platforms. The "special" designation indicates non-standard or application-specific builds rather than commercial off-the-shelf items.

See the solicitation for the complete technical description, qualified products list references, packaging requirements, and delivery schedule.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is restricted to small business concerns under NAICS 334419. To qualify, your business must:

• Meet SBA size standards for NAICS 334419: typically 500 employees for this industry (verify current thresholds on SBA.gov)
• Be registered in SAM.gov with active registration valid through award period
• Hold any required DLA qualifications, such as a valid Cage Code and acceptance on relevant Qualified Manufacturers Lists (QML) or Qualified Products Lists (QPL) if the cables require military specification compliance
• Demonstrate past performance with military-grade cable assemblies or equivalent harsh-environment electrical interconnects

Small businesses under this NAICS manufacture electronic components including connectors, harnesses, and cable assemblies. If your firm produces custom cables for aerospace, defense, telecommunications, or industrial applications, you may qualify.

How to put together a competitive bid

Register and qualify first. Confirm your SAM.gov registration is current and your business size status is documented in your SAM profile. Review whether this item requires QPL/QML listing—the solicitation will specify military specifications like MIL-PRF-XXXX series or SAE standards.

Understand DLA's pricing expectations. Research historical pricing for comparable national stock numbers through DLA's Internet Bid Board System (iBUS) or DLA customer support. DLA Aviation frequently uses automated procurement tools; unit prices and delivery terms heavily influence award decisions.

Assess manufacturing and testing capability. Special cable assemblies likely require:

• Raw cable inventory meeting mil-spec conductor, insulation, and shielding requirements
• Automated cutting, stripping, and crimping equipment
• Continuity, hipot, and environmental testing per military standards
• Serialization and traceability documentation

Evaluate supply chain and lead times. Specialty components like military-spec contacts, backshells, or exotic jacketing materials can drive long lead times. DLA typically evaluates delivery commitments alongside price.

Review packaging and marking requirements. DLA has strict Military Standard 129 and 2073 packaging standards for preservation and shipment.

Submit through designated channel. Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices typically require electronic response through DLA's specified system—confirm whether iBUS, DIBBS, or email submission applies.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627U0171
2. Note the deadline: Responses are due November 17, 2026 — confirm the specific time in the solicitation
3. Download all attachments including technical drawings, specifications, and clauses
4. Verify your small business size status and any QPL requirements before investing bid preparation resources

View the official notice on SAM.gov →