How to bid on C-5 Galaxy Air Conditioning-Heating Duct Assembly for DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense is seeking an indefinite-quantity contract for air conditioning and heating duct assemblies. These parts are specifically for C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The contract will be for a five-year period.

The estimated annual demand for these duct assemblies is 40 units. Delivery orders will range from 10 to 40 units, with a required delivery time of 324 days. This is a critical application item.

Key dates and deadlines

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation. The actual solicitation is expected to be issued on or about October 1, 2026. The deadline for responses to the RFI is October 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

At the deadline, all submitted responses will be considered by the agency. This RFI helps the agency gather information before issuing the formal solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for manufacturers or approved sources of the NSN 1660-004212087, DUCT ASSEMBLY, AIR CONDITIONING-HEATING, A. The part is manufactured by Arrowhead Products Corp. (CAGE 70628) under part number 12991-101A.

Because this is a source-controlled item, only offers from the approved manufacturer or approved sources will be considered. Alternate offers will not be evaluated. Firms interested in qualifying their product for future acquisitions must contact the design control activity specified on the source control drawing.

How to respond

The solicitation, when issued, will be available through DLA’s DIBBS website. To access the opportunity, click “View original source” to open it on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required. A paper copy of the Request for Proposal will not be available. Offerors must complete a copy of the solicitation to be considered for award.

Tips for a competitive response

For source-controlled items, ensure your company is an approved source or the original manufacturer. If you are not, your offer will not be evaluated. Verify your status before investing time in a proposal.

When the solicitation is released, carefully review all requirements, including delivery schedules and quality standards for critical application items. Pay close attention to the evaluation factors, which will include price, past performance, and other factors described in the solicitation.

Prepare a detailed and accurate proposal. Ensure all requested documentation is included and that your pricing is competitive and clearly justified. Double-check that all forms are completed correctly and submitted by the deadline.