Bid guide
How to bid on B-52 Aircraft Skin for the Department of Defense
What the agency is buying
The Department of Defense is looking for vendors to supply aircraft skin panels for B-52 aircraft. The specific item is NSN 1560-011450223. This will be an indefinite-quantity contract for a base period of two years, with no option periods. The estimated quantity is 40 units per year.
This is a good opportunity for small businesses that can manufacture specialized aircraft components and are certified to handle military critical technical data.
Key dates and deadlines
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on August 25, 2026. The deadline for responses is October 07, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. The full solicitation is expected to be issued on or about September 07, 2026.
It is important to submit your response by the deadline. Late submissions are generally not considered.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is a total small business set-aside, meaning only small businesses are eligible to bid. Vendors should have experience in manufacturing aircraft components, specifically skin panels. The contract requires production delivery within 365 days, with inspection and acceptance at the contractor's location.
A critical requirement is that bidders must be certified by the Department of Defense to access unclassified technical data. 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, you will need to go to the DIBBS website. From 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 RFP you wish to download.
The documents are in PDF format, so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. A paper copy of the solicitation will not be provided.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Ensure your company is registered in all necessary government systems and that your small business status is current. Given the technical nature of this procurement, clearly demonstrate your manufacturing capabilities and experience with similar aircraft components. Highlight any quality control processes you have in place.
Pay close attention to the delivery schedule of 365 days and confirm your ability to meet this requirement. Since inspection and acceptance are at your location, ensure your facilities meet the necessary standards. Finally, make sure your DD Form 2345 certification is complete and up-to-date to access the restricted technical data.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Defense Logistics Agency; the original posting controls.