INDICATOR,HEIGHT
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION PHILADELPHIA.DLA AVIATION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA · Response deadline: Mon, 16 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Philadelphia is soliciting offers for "INDICATOR,HEIGHT"—an item governed by Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 5841, which covers optical instruments for measuring and surveying. Height indicators in this classification typically include altimeters, clinometers, and related devices used to determine elevation or vertical displacement.
NAICS code 334511 designates Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing. This classification covers manufacturers of flight instruments, navigation equipment, and related aerospace components. Companies in this space produce or service instruments that support military aviation operations, including altitude measurement systems critical for flight safety and mission planning.
This is a standard DLA procurement for supply of a cataloged item, likely through the DLA Land and Maritime or Aviation supply chains. DLA Philadelphia serves as a major procurement hub for aviation sustainment, supporting U.S. military platforms worldwide.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation, Philadelphia, PA |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPRPA127QWA24 |
| NAICS | 334511 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 16, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside, meaning businesses of any size may submit offers. However, small businesses in NAICS 334511—including manufacturers of aviation instruments, precision measurement device producers, and aerospace component suppliers—should evaluate whether they can meet technical, quality, and delivery requirements competitively against larger firms.
To bid, you must be registered in SAM.gov with active registration through the contract period. If you hold relevant manufacturing certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100 for aerospace), ensure these are current in your SAM profile. DLA typically requires conformance to military specifications or commercial item descriptions; see the solicitation for specific quality standards.
Small manufacturers with capabilities in military flight instrumentation, repair and overhaul experience, or commercial aviation instrument production should assess their competitive position. If you lack manufacturing capability but hold distribution agreements with qualified producers, review whether the solicitation permits non-manufacturer bids.
How to put together a competitive bid
For DLA Aviation supply solicitations, competitiveness hinges on price, delivery, and past performance:
- Pricing: Analyze historical DLA prices through the DLA internet bid board system (DIBBS) or FPDS data for comparable NSNs. DLA buys on lowest-price technically acceptable basis for many supply items; understand your floor price including material costs, labor, overhead, and fee.
- Technical compliance: Confirm your product meets the specific military specification or performance requirements cited. If offering an alternate, prepare technical data demonstrating equivalency—DLA may require first article testing or source approval.
- Delivery schedule: The solicitation specifies required delivery dates. Accelerated delivery can differentiate your offer if evaluated on best value rather than lowest price.
- Past performance: If you have prior DLA contracts, ensure your Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) ratings are favorable. New entrants should highlight relevant commercial or other federal agency performance.
- Packaging and marking: DLA has strict military preservation and packaging requirements (MIL-STD-2073). Noncompliance risks rejection.
Consider whether teaming with a larger manufacturer or certified repair station strengthens your technical offer, though this is full and open competition with no subcontracting goals.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRPA127QWA24. Verify the complete specification, inspection requirements, delivery schedule, and any amendments issued after the October 30, 2026 posting date.
Note the deadline: Offers are due November 16, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Allow adequate time for SAM.gov technical submission and any required DIBBS registration if applicable to this procurement method.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →