How to bid on Connector, Plug ELEC for F/A 18 Aircraft from Defense Logistics Agency

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) needs to purchase approximately 40 electrical plug connectors annually for F/A-18 aircraft. This is identified by National Stock Number (NSN) 1680-01-501-4748, a CONNECTOR, PLUG ELEC. The agency plans to establish an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) with a 5-year base period.

This is a sole-source opportunity, meaning the government intends to negotiate with a limited number of approved sources. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is Boeing, and an approved source is Amphenol Corp. If your firm is not an approved source, you would need to submit a Source Approval Request (SAR) package to be considered.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation is expected to be issued around July 20, 2026. The deadline for responses is August 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All proposals received within forty-five days after the publication date of the synopsis will be considered by the Government.

The final contract award decision may be based on a combination of price, past performance, and other evaluation factors detailed in the solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is primarily suited for manufacturers or suppliers of aircraft electrical components, specifically those with experience in NSN 1680-01-501-4748 or similar critical parts for military aircraft. Firms already approved as sources for this part, such as Amphenol Corp., are directly positioned for this bid.

Companies not currently approved as sources but with the capability to produce this item would need to submit a Source Approval Request (SAR) package to the assigned Engineering Support Activity (ESA) for approval. This process is necessary to be added as an approved source.

How to respond to this solicitation

The solicitation will be available via DIBBS on the issue date, which is estimated to be July 20, 2026. A paper copy of the solicitation will not be available. You will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the documents.

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” above. If you land on the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids, it is not required. All contractors must be registered in the System For Award Management (sam.gov) to receive an award.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Given this is a sole-source opportunity, if you are not an approved source, prioritize submitting a comprehensive Source Approval Request (SAR) package as soon as possible. This package must clearly demonstrate your capability to meet the technical requirements for this critical item.

The solicitation may include a Reverse Auction. It is advisable to access the Procurex system and review the reverse auction help tutorials to understand how to participate effectively. Be prepared to compete on price in this format. Ensure your pricing is competitive while still allowing for profitability.

Pay close attention to the inspection and acceptance terms, which are specified as Origin. This means the government will inspect and accept the goods at your facility. Also, clearly address past performance in your proposal, as it will be a factor in the award decision alongside price and other evaluation criteria.