How to bid on Shear Bolts for Black Hawk Helicopters from the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) plans to award a five-year Indefinite Quantity Contract for shear bolts, specifically NSN 5306-01-098-7212, which are used on Black Hawk UH-60A, UH-60L, HH/UH-60M, and UH-60V helicopters. This is a significant opportunity for suppliers of aerospace components.

The contract has a guaranteed minimum quantity of 1,270 units, with an estimated annual quantity of 4,476 units. The terms are FOB Origin, meaning the seller is responsible for getting the goods to the shipping point, and inspection and acceptance will occur at the origin.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on August 28, 2026. The official solicitation is expected to be issued on or about September 11, 2026. The deadline for responses to the RFI is October 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

At the deadline, the agency will stop accepting responses to this RFI. It is crucial to submit your information before this time to be considered for this opportunity. The final contract award decision will consider price, past performance, and other evaluation factors detailed in the upcoming solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses that supply aerospace hardware, specifically shear bolts, and have experience with government contracts. The procurement is unrestricted, but it will use other than full and open competition, meaning the agency may have specific sources in mind or a streamlined process.

Firms with a strong track record in manufacturing or distributing parts like SPS Technologies, LLC (CAGE 56878, P/N 74178-8-19) would find this particularly relevant. The contract is for supplies, making it ideal for manufacturers or authorized distributors.

How to respond to this solicitation

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. Once there, choose the DLA Request for Proposals (RFP) / Invitation for Bid (IFB) option under Solicitations. You will then need to enter the solicitation number in the search area and click submit.

While a free account may be needed to view documents for some bids, it is not always required. In rare cases where DIBBS access is not possible, a paper copy of the solicitation may be provided upon request.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Ensure your company is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and that your registration is active and up-to-date. This is a fundamental requirement for doing business with the federal government.

Carefully review the upcoming solicitation for all specific requirements, including technical specifications, delivery schedules, and any certifications needed. Pay close attention to the evaluation factors, especially how price and past performance will be weighed.

If you are not the original equipment manufacturer, ensure you have a clear and reliable supply chain for the specified part number. Document your quality control processes and any relevant certifications that demonstrate your ability to meet DLA's standards for critical aircraft components.