How to bid on F/A-18 Aircraft Access Covers for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense is seeking a small business to provide aircraft access covers, specifically NSN 1560-01-686-8294, for F/A-18 aircraft. This will be an indefinite-quantity contract with a five-year base period. The estimated annual quantity is 40 units. Delivery and acceptance of these items will be at the destination.

This opportunity is a 100% small-business set-aside, making it suitable for eligible small businesses looking to supply the Department of Defense with specialized aircraft parts.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 09, 2026. The official solicitation is expected to be issued on September 25, 2026. The deadline for responses to this RFI is October 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

Proposals received within forty-five days after the publication date of the synopsis will be considered by the government. Information received will help determine if a competitive procurement will be conducted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses capable of manufacturing or supplying aircraft access covers (NSN 1560-01-686-8294) for F/A-18 aircraft. Firms with experience in providing equipment to the Department of Defense, particularly those familiar with technical data packages and export control regulations, would be well-suited.

The item is not considered critical or a critical safety item, but export control applies. Vendors must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for an award.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

The solicitation and technical data will be available via cFolders on DIBBS on the estimated issue date of September 25, 2026. A paper copy of the solicitation will not be provided.

Tips for a competitive response

Ensure your company is fully registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) before the solicitation is released. This is a mandatory step for any government contract award.

Familiarize yourself with the technical data for NSN 1560-01-686-8294 as soon as it becomes available on DIBBS. Understanding the exact specifications is crucial for an accurate and compliant proposal.

Be prepared for a potential reverse auction, as indicated by Procurement Note L09. Review the Procurex system tutorials to understand how to participate effectively if one is conducted. The final contract award decision may consider price, past performance, and other evaluation factors.