Bid guide
How to bid on Duct Assembly, Start / Aircraft, Stratolifter C/KC-135 for DLA
What the DLA is buying and why it matters
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking 369 duct assemblies for Stratolifter C/KC-135 aircraft. The National Stock Number (NSN) for this item is 1560-012905140. This is a direct procurement by DLA.
This opportunity is a total small business set-aside, meaning only small businesses can compete. The contract type will be Firm Fixed Price. Production units are required to be delivered within 630 days after the order is received. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on September 03, 2026. The deadline for responses to this RFI is September 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
The actual solicitation for this procurement is expected to be issued on or around October 18, 2026. This RFI helps the DLA gather information before the formal solicitation is released.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for small businesses that can supply equipment, particularly aircraft parts like duct assemblies. Firms with experience in manufacturing or supplying components for military aircraft, especially the C/KC-135 Stratolifter, would be well-suited.
Given the total small business set-aside, this is an excellent chance for eligible small businesses to secure a government contract for a specific, high-demand item.
How to respond to this opportunity
The solicitation, when issued, 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 the RFP using the solicitation number, which is expected to be SPE4A726R0784. Solicitations are in PDF format, so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. A paper copy of the solicitation will not be available.
Practical tips for a competitive response
For a firm-fixed-price contract, ensure your proposed price accurately reflects all costs, including materials, labor, overhead, and profit, for the 630-day delivery window. Account for any potential fluctuations in material costs over that period.
Since this is a total small business set-aside, clearly demonstrate your small business status and eligibility. If you have past performance supplying similar items to the government or commercial entities, be prepared to highlight that experience. Pay close attention to all specifications and requirements once the full solicitation is released to ensure your offer is compliant.
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.