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SHELF,MANAGER

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION PHILADELPHIA.DLA AVIATION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA · Response deadline: Mon, 09 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation at Philadelphia is soliciting offers for a shelf manager contract. This is a supply-chain support role within DLA Aviation's inventory management operations. Shelf managers in DLA's context typically support the storage, organization, and oversight of aircraft parts and related materiel within DLA's distribution network. The specific scope of services—whether this involves physical warehousing, inventory tracking system support, or other logistics functions—would be detailed in the full solicitation documents.

NAICS 336413 corresponds to "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing," though DLA Aviation frequently uses this code for logistics and supply-chain support contracts related to aircraft spare parts rather than manufacturing itself. The classification code 1680 further points to aerospace craft components and related equipment.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning businesses of any size may submit offers. Small businesses will compete directly against large businesses and other-than-small entities.

To bid, your firm must be registered in SAM.gov and have an active registration valid through the award period. For DLA Aviation contracts, familiarity with DLA's Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), WebVLIP, or other DLA supply-chain platforms may be relevant depending on the specific requirements. Past performance supporting military aviation logistics or defense supply-chain operations would strengthen a proposal, though it is not required to bid.

If you are a small business, note that you will not receive size-based preference in evaluation. Consider whether your competitive advantages—agility, specialized expertise, or cost structure—can offset the resources of larger competitors.

How to put together a competitive bid

Given DLA Aviation's operational environment, focus your proposal on these elements:

Demonstrate aviation logistics competency. DLA Aviation manages thousands of National Stock Number (NSN) items with strict accountability requirements. Highlight relevant experience with DOD or FAA-regulated parts, shelf-life management, or hazardous materiel handling if applicable.

Address past performance concretely. For full-and-open DLA competitions, past performance often carries significant weight. Use CPARS ratings, specific contract numbers, and quantifiable metrics (inventory accuracy rates, order fulfillment times) rather than vague claims.

Understand DLA's pricing environment. DLA Aviation contracts often involve cost-plus or fixed-price arrangements tied to DLA's catalog pricing structures. Review whether the solicitation references DLA's pricing tools or requires cost/price data submission.

Confirm your SAM registration and representations. Verify your NAICS 336413 size standard eligibility if pursuing small-business opportunities elsewhere, and ensure all DOD-specific representations in SAM are current.

Assess teaming needs. For small businesses lacking direct DLA experience, a subcontracting arrangement or joint venture with a more seasoned defense logistics provider may improve competitiveness—though any such arrangement must be structured before proposal submission.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRPA127QZA48. The detailed statement of work, delivery requirements, evaluation factors, and any amendments will be posted there.
2. Note the deadline: Proposals are due November 9, 2026, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time.
3. Verify your SAM.gov registration is active and update any expiring representations before preparing your offer.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →