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

What the agency is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency needs to buy aircraft skins for B-52 planes. This is an opportunity for small businesses to supply these critical parts for military aircraft.

The contract is for an indefinite quantity over a five-year base period, with an estimated annual quantity of 40 skins. Delivery of production units will be 300 days from order. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the origin of shipment.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 13, 2026. The deadline for responses is September 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. The actual solicitation is expected to be issued on or about August 10, 2026.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a total small business set-aside, making it suitable for small businesses specializing in aircraft parts manufacturing, particularly those with experience in producing aircraft skins.

Vendors interested in this procurement must be certified by the Department of Defense to access unclassified technical data, as required by DOD 5220.22M. This certification is obtained by submitting DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, to the Defense Logistics Information Services.

How to respond

The solicitation will be available through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). To access it, go to 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 documents will be in PDF format, requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

A paper copy of the solicitation will not be available. You may need a free account on the portal to view documents, though for some bids, an account is not required.

Practical tips for preparing your response

Given the requirement for special certification to access technical data, ensure your DD Form 2345 is current and approved well in advance of the solicitation release. This is a critical prerequisite for even viewing the necessary information.

As this is an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) for a five-year period, demonstrate your firm's capacity for consistent production and quality control over an extended timeframe. Highlight your ability to meet the estimated annual quantity of 40 units and the 300-day delivery requirement.

Focus on clearly articulating your manufacturing capabilities and experience with similar aircraft components. Emphasize any relevant quality certifications or processes that align with Department of Defense standards for aircraft parts.