Open federal opportunities

WATER SEP ASSEMBLY,

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 bids for a water separator assembly. This falls under DLA's core mission of supplying aviation parts and logistics support to the U.S. military services. Water separator assemblies are critical components in aircraft environmental control systems, removing moisture from conditioned air to prevent icing and ensure safe cabin pressurization and equipment operation.

NAICS 336413 covers "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing." Companies in this industry manufacture a wide range of components that support aircraft systems without producing complete aircraft or engines. Water separator assemblies are typical of the specialized, flight-critical parts DLA Aviation procures to maintain military aircraft readiness.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open with no set-aside program, meaning any qualified U.S. business can compete regardless of size or socioeconomic status. Small businesses, including those with no prior DLA contracts, are eligible to bid alongside large defense contractors.

To qualify, bidders must meet DLA Aviation's standard requirements for aviation parts suppliers, which typically include:

• Compliance with DFARS quality assurance provisions for aeronautical equipment
• Proper CAGE code registration in SAM.gov
• Ability to meet any source control drawing, military specification, or technical order requirements that govern this specific assembly
• Acceptable past performance references or manufacturing capabilities

Given the 1680 classification code (Aerospace Crafts and Structural Components), this part likely requires traceability documentation, material certifications, and possibly National Stock Number (NSN) alignment.

How to put together a competitive bid

For aircraft parts manufacturing, focus on these specifics:

Technical compliance first. Obtain and study the complete technical data package cited in the solicitation—this typically includes drawings, specifications, and acceptance test procedures. Deviations from exact requirements usually disqualify bids or trigger costly corrective action.

Understand DLA's pricing expectations. Research historical pricing for this NSN or comparable water separator assemblies through DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) or FPDS-NG data. DLA evaluates price against historical buys and market research; unrealistic pricing often leads to rejection.

Address lead time realistically. Manufacturing aerospace components with specialized materials or processes requires honest capacity assessment. DLA tracks delivery performance rigorously; late deliveries affect future eligibility.

Quality system documentation. Be prepared to submit evidence of AS9100 certification or equivalent quality management systems, plus any required NDT, welding, or special process certifications.

Small-business advantages: Even without a set-aside, competitive pricing from small manufacturers often wins against larger competitors with higher overhead structures. Emphasize direct manufacturing capability rather than brokered supply.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRPA127QZA38—technical specifications, delivery requirements, and clauses are not in this notice summary.

2. Note the firm deadline: November 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern. DLA typically does not accept late bids.

3. Request drawings or technical data through DIBBS or the contracting officer if needed for accurate quoting; lead times for data access can affect proposal preparation.

4. Verify SAM.gov registration is active through the contract performance period.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →