VALVE, STARTER
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AVIATION OKLAHOMA CITY.DLA AVIATION AT OKLAHOMA CITY, OK · Response deadline: Tue, 24 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
DLA Aviation at Oklahoma City is soliciting bids for VALVE, STARTER (Federal Supply Classification 2995). This falls within the aerospace parts and equipment category—specifically, a valve component used in aircraft starter systems. Starter valves are critical pneumatic components that regulate air flow during jet engine starting operations, controlling the delivery of bleed air from an auxiliary power unit, ground cart, or cross-bleed source to spin the engine's turbine for ignition.
These components require precision manufacturing, typically involving aerospace-grade materials, tight tolerances, and compliance with military/technical specifications. The work involves production of a physical part for DLA's supply chain supporting military aviation platforms.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation – Oklahoma City |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPRTA1-27-R-0035 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted) |
| Response deadline | November 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM Central Time |
| Place of performance | see the solicitation |
Who can bid
Any qualified business may bid—this is an unrestricted solicitation with no small business set-aside. Competition is open to:
- Large businesses
- Small businesses of any type
- Non-traditional defense contractors
The NAICS code 336413 corresponds to Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. Your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this NAICS to qualify as small—currently 1,250 employees—though this being unrestricted, businesses above that threshold may also bid.
To be competitive, you typically need:
- Experience manufacturing aerospace components to military/technical specifications
- An active Cage Code and registration in SAM.gov
- Quality certifications relevant to aerospace (e.g., AS9100, or ability to meet DLA's quality requirements)
- Capability to provide certified material test reports, traceability documentation, and full manufacturing data
How to put together a competitive bid
Since this is unrestricted competition against potentially large OEMs, small businesses should emphasize agility, cost discipline, and specialized manufacturing capability:
Technical compliance: Obtain the full specification package from SAM.gov. Starter valves for military aircraft must meet precise engineering drawings and possibly Source Control Drawings (SCDs). Verify you can manufacture to the exact configuration, materials, and testing requirements—DLA Aviation typically enforces strict first-article inspection requirements.
Pricing strategy: Research historical pricing for comparable DLA spare parts. Large competitors may have volume efficiencies; counter with lean overhead, direct production costs, and willingness to accept smaller minimum order quantities.
Past performance: Highlight relevant aerospace valve or pneumatic component deliveries, especially to DLA, other DoD components, or commercial aviation OEMs. Document quality acceptance rates and on-time delivery.
Supply chain readiness: Identify qualified raw material sources and any special processes (welding, heat treatment, NDT) requiring Nadcap or military-approved suppliers. Long-lead materials should be addressed in your production plan.
Packaging and marking: DLA has precise military packaging requirements (MIL-STD-2073 or commercial equivalents). Factor these costs into your proposal—underestimating packaging compliance is a common pitfall.
Quality system: Be prepared for DLA's Supplier Quality requirements. If you lack AS9100 certification, demonstrate an equivalent quality management system with documented inspection and test capabilities.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRTA1-27-R-0035 to obtain technical specifications, delivery schedules, and all evaluation factors
- Note the deadline: November 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM CT—submissions must be complete before this time
- Verify your SAM.gov registration is active and your entity profile is current
- Download and analyze all attachments, including any drawings and qualified products lists, before committing to bid preparation resources
View the official notice on SAM.gov →