ACTUATOR,MECHANICAL
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION PHILADELPHIA.DLA AVIATION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA · Response deadline: Fri, 20 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Philadelphia is soliciting bids for mechanical actuators—components that convert energy into mechanical force to control movement in machinery and equipment. Mechanical actuators are standard hardware items used across military aircraft and aviation support systems to drive valves, control surfaces, landing gear, and other moving parts.
This is a straightforward parts procurement through DLA Aviation, the Department of Defense's primary supplier of aviation items. DLA typically buys these components under long-term contracts with established quality and certification requirements. See the solicitation for exact specifications, quantities, and delivery requirements.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation Philadelphia |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPRPA127QYA35 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted) |
| Response deadline | November 20, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This solicitation is unrestricted—any responsible offeror can compete, including large and small businesses. The NAICS code 336413 corresponds to "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing," which carries a Small Business Administration size standard of 1,250 employees. While no set-aside applies, small businesses registered in SAM.gov with this NAICS in their profile can bid alongside larger competitors.
To qualify, you must:
- Have an active SAM.gov registration valid through the award period
- Meet any security clearances or facility requirements DLA specifies
- Demonstrate past performance manufacturing or supplying aerospace-quality mechanical actuators (or similar precision components)
- Show acceptable quality systems (typically AS9100 or ISO 9001 for aviation work)
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand DLA's pricing expectations: DLA Aviation awards many actuators through multi-year contracts with economic price adjustment clauses. Review historical sales data in DLA's Procurement History Records if available. Competing on price requires understanding your true manufacturing cost, including material volatility for metals and seals.
Address quality head-on: Aviation actuators require traceability, materials certifications, and testing to military specifications. Submit evidence of your quality system registration and any prior DLA or OEM approvals. If you lack direct experience, highlight comparable commercial aerospace work.
Confirm deliverability: Mechanical actuators often have precise lead times due to specialized materials or processes. Verify your supply chain can meet any required delivery schedule DLA establishes. Late deliveries carry penalties and damage past performance ratings.
Review packaging and marking: DLA has strict Military Standard packaging requirements. Non-compliant shipments are rejected. Factor packaging costs into your price.
Consider teaming: If you're a small business lacking full manufacturing capability, explore subcontracting arrangements or manufacturer partnerships—but disclose relationships clearly and comply with any domestic sourcing requirements. See the solicitation for Buy American or Berry Amendment applicability.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRPA127QYA35 for complete specifications, quantity, delivery schedule, and clause requirements
- Note the deadline: Submit your bid by November 20, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET—DLA does not extend deadlines for technical issues
- Verify SAM.gov registration is current and includes NAICS 336413
- Request clarifications early through the SAM.gov Q&A function if specifications are unclear; last-minute questions risk inadequate response time
View the official notice on SAM.gov →