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TOWED BODY ASSEMBLY

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION PHILADELPHIA.DLA AVIATION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA · Response deadline: Mon, 30 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation at Philadelphia is soliciting bids for a towed body assembly, a piece of equipment used in aerial operations. Towed body assemblies are typically aerodynamic devices or sensor platforms pulled behind aircraft during flight, commonly supporting test, training, surveillance, or electronic warfare missions. This type of equipment requires precision manufacturing, specialized materials, and rigorous quality standards due to the aerodynamic stresses and safety-critical nature of airborne operations.

This procurement falls under NAICS code 334290 (Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing), indicating the work involves manufacturing communications or electronic equipment rather than simple mechanical fabrication. Given DLA Aviation's role as the supply chain manager for military aircraft and related components, this item likely supports Department of Defense aviation programs requiring certified, traceable production.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is open to all responsible sources—no small-business set-aside applies. Large businesses, small businesses, and nontraditional defense contractors may all submit offers. However, given DLA Aviation's typical requirements, bidders should be prepared to demonstrate:

• Manufacturing capability for aerospace or defense-grade equipment
• Quality management system certification (likely AS9100 or ISO 9001; see the solicitation for specific requirements)
• Past performance in producing similar aerial or towed equipment
• Defense priority rating and DFARS compliance experience

Small businesses without prior DLA or defense aviation contracting experience should assess whether they can meet qualifications quickly or partner with an experienced subcontractor. The NAICS 334290 designation suggests electronics integration capabilities may be relevant.

How to put together a competitive bid

For this type of manufactured defense equipment, focus your proposal on:

Technical compliance: See the solicitation for exact specifications, but towed body assemblies typically require detailed engineering data, material certifications, and environmental testing provisions. Address every specification requirement explicitly.

Quality and traceability: DLA Aviation contracts emphasize source inspection, material traceability, and configuration management. Highlight your quality system, inspection capabilities, and record-keeping processes.

Pricing strategy: With no set-aside, expect competition from established defense manufacturers. Analyze proposed unit pricing against your actual costs plus reasonable profit—DLA evaluates price reasonableness against historical data and market prices.

Past performance: Document relevant experience with towed systems, aerial targets, or similar aerodynamic structures. Include contract numbers, dollar values, and customer references.

Small business considerations: If you qualify as small under NAICS 334290 size standards, note this in your bid even without a set-aside—some DLA evaluations consider socioeconomic factors where permitted.

Delivery and packaging: Military shipments require specific marking, labeling, and documentation per MIL-STD-129 and other standards. Confirm your capability to comply.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRPA127QYA46—the notice alone does not include specifications, quantities, or evaluation criteria.

2. Note the deadline: November 30, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. DLA solicitations typically do not allow late submissions.

3. Review attachments carefully for technical drawings, quality requirements, and any testing provisions before committing resources to a bid.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →