ELEVATOR FEEL, AIRC
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
This is a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation procurement for elevator feel components used in aircraft systems. The title "ELEVATOR FEEL, AIRC" indicates this involves parts related to the elevator control feel system in military aircraft—the mechanism that provides artificial feedback to pilots through the control stick or yoke, simulating aerodynamic forces on the horizontal stabilizer.
NAICS code 334511 classifies this under "Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing." This confirms the work involves specialized aeronautical instruments and control systems rather than general construction or maintenance elevators. Elevator feel systems are critical flight safety components that help pilots sense how much control surface deflection they're commanding, particularly at varying airspeeds.
DLA Aviation Philadelphia handles procurement for spare and replacement parts to support military aircraft fleets worldwide. See the solicitation for specific part numbers, quantities, and technical requirements.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Philadelphia, PA |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPRPA126QUB86 |
| NAICS | 334511 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice (see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside designation, meaning any responsible supplier—large or small business—may bid. However, small businesses in NAICS 334511 should evaluate whether they can meet DLA's technical and logistical requirements for aerospace components.
Prospective bidders should verify their SAM.gov registration is active, confirm they have appropriate ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance infrastructure if controlled technical data is involved, and assess their capacity for defense-unique requirements such as:
- MIL-STD or MIL-SPEC conformance
- DFARS flow-down clauses
- Source inspection or first article testing
Small businesses new to DLA may benefit from reviewing the DLA Small Business Programs resources and understanding whether they qualify for any subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors.
How to put together a competitive bid
For aerospace instrument manufacturing, competitiveness depends on demonstrating exact technical conformance rather than lowest price alone.
Technical approach: Obtain the full drawings, specifications, and qualified products list (QPL) requirements from the solicitation. Elevator feel components typically require precise calibration, specific materials certifications, and traceability documentation. If your firm holds existing OEM approvals or prior DLA contract performance for similar NSNs, highlight this.
Quality systems: Ensure your AS9100 certification (aerospace standard) or appropriate MIL-STD capability is current and well-documented. Provide evidence of lot traceability, material certifications, and test report capabilities.
Pricing strategy: Analyze DLA's historical pricing for similar NSNs through FPDS or DLA's LMI/Price Pro tools if available. Factor in tooling, special inspection, and potential long lead-time materials. Consider economies if this could lead to multi-year or repetitive production.
Past performance: Prepare relevant CPARs or commercial references for similar flight control or aeronautical instrument work. DLA evaluates delivery reliability heavily.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation SPRPA126QUB86 on SAM.gov immediately to obtain technical specifications, quantities, inspection requirements, and any amendments. With only 10 days between posting and the October 26, 2026 deadline, time is limited to prepare questions, request specification clarifications, and assemble required documentation. Sign up for solicitation updates on SAM.gov to receive amendments automatically.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →