TAB,TRIM,AIRCRAFT
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION PHILADELPHIA.DLA AVIATION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA · Response deadline: Mon, 19 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Philadelphia is soliciting offers for aircraft trim tabs. Trim tabs are small, hinged surfaces attached to the trailing edges of primary control surfaces—such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders—on fixed-wing aircraft. They reduce the pilot's control force workload by deflecting airflow to generate aerodynamic forces that assist in positioning the larger control surface. In military aviation supply chains, trim tabs are critical flight-control components that must meet strict airworthiness and technical-specification standards.
This procurement falls under NAICS code 336413: Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. Companies in this sector produce components and subassemblies for military and civilian aircraft, excluding engines, propulsion units, and complete airframes. DLA Aviation is the primary materiel manager for Department of Defense aviation supplies, handling procurement, storage, and distribution of aerospace parts across all military services.
DLA typically issues solicitations for aircraft parts under long-term contracting vehicles or as one-time buys to replenish inventory at its distribution centers. See the solicitation for specific quantities, delivery requirements, and any applicable technical orders or military specifications.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation, Philadelphia |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPRPA127QZA11 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | None specified |
| Response deadline | October 19, 2026 at 4:30 PM EDT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This solicitation has no small-business set-aside listed, meaning it is open to businesses of all sizes—small, large, and non-traditional defense contractors. However, the standard federal contracting rules still apply. Bidders must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active registration covering the response deadline period.
For NAICS 336413, the Small Business Administration size standard is typically 1,500 employees, though bidders should verify current thresholds. Companies supplying aircraft parts to DLA generally need quality-management certifications relevant to aerospace manufacturing—commonly AS9100 or ISO 9001—and must demonstrate traceability and configuration-control capabilities. DLA Aviation often requires suppliers to meet Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) specialty metals and counterfeit-parts prevention requirements.
If you are a small business evaluating this opportunity, assess whether you can compete on price, technical compliance, and delivery performance against larger established aerospace suppliers already in DLA's supply base.
How to put together a competitive bid
Review technical requirements meticulously. Aircraft trim tabs must conform to precise dimensional, material, and performance specifications—possibly including specific military or manufacturer drawings. See the solicitation for referenced technical documents and any first-article test or inspection requirements.
Confirm your quality system. DLA Aviation expects robust quality assurance. Prepare documentation of your AS9100 certification, material certifications, and supplier surveillance processes. If you lack direct aerospace certifications, identify a teaming partner or subcontractor who does.
Analyze DLA's pricing history. Use the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) or DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) historical data to benchmark pricing on similar part numbers. DLA awards frequently go to lowest-price technically acceptable offers.
Verify supply-chain compliance. DFARS clauses on counterfeit electronic parts, specialty metals sourcing, and country-of-origin restrictions commonly apply. Map your material sources early to avoid compliance surprises.
Plan for packaging and marking. DLA has strict military packaging requirements (MIL-STD-2073). Noncompliant packaging is a frequent source of rejection.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation SPRPA127QZA11 on SAM.gov to obtain the statement of work, technical specifications, delivery schedule, and all applicable clauses and provisions. Note the firm response deadline of October 19, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time—DLA does not typically accept late submissions. Begin your SAM registration or renewal immediately if needed, as processing can take several weeks.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →