How to bid on B-52 Bomber Skin Panels for the Defense Logistics Agency

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is looking to purchase B-52 bomber skin panels. This will be an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) for a two-year base period. The DLA estimates an annual quantity of 40 panels.

This is a business set-aside, meaning only specific small businesses are eligible to bid. Winning this contract could provide a stable, long-term revenue stream for the selected vendor, supplying critical components for military aircraft.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on June 25, 2026. The deadline for responses is August 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. The full solicitation is expected to be issued on or about July 16, 2026.

At the deadline, the DLA will stop accepting responses to this RFI. It is crucial to submit all required information before this time. Delivery of production units will be required 365 days after an order is placed.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses specializing in aerospace manufacturing, particularly those with experience in producing aircraft skin panels or similar complex components. The item's National Stock Number (NSN) is 1560-008597718.

Vendors must be certified by the Department of Defense (DoD) to access restricted technical data, as this item requires such data. This certification is obtained by submitting DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, to the Defense Logistics Information Services.

How to respond to this RFI

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to use the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). On the DIBBS homepage, select 'Requests for Proposal (RFP) / Invitation for Bid (IFB)' from the menu under the 'Solicitations' tab. Then, search for and choose the specific RFP to download.

The solicitation documents will be in Portable Document Format (PDF), requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. A paper copy of the solicitation will not be available. You may need a free account to view documents on the portal, but for many bids, this is not required.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your company is registered and up-to-date in all relevant government contracting databases. Given this is a business set-aside, confirm your small business status aligns with the solicitation's requirements.

Carefully review all technical specifications and requirements once the full solicitation is released. Pay close attention to the delivery schedule of 365 days and the FOB origin terms. Highlight your firm's experience with similar aerospace manufacturing projects and your capacity to meet the estimated annual quantity of 40 panels.

Since access to restricted technical data is required, begin the process of obtaining or verifying your DoD certification (DD Form 2345) immediately if you have not already done so. This is a critical prerequisite for bidding.