How to bid on Cylinder & Piston Assembly for UH-60 Helicopters from DLA

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is looking to establish a 5-year Indefinite Quantity Contract for cylinder and piston assemblies for UH-60 helicopters. The estimated annual quantity is 40 units.

This is a 100% small business set-aside, meaning only small businesses can compete for this contract. This is a significant opportunity for small businesses specializing in equipment manufacturing or supply for aviation components, particularly those related to military aircraft.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation is expected to be issued around July 11, 2026. The deadline for responses is August 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All proposals received by this deadline will be considered by the government.

Technical data for the part will become available on July 11, 2026, via cFolders on DIBBS. This data is crucial for preparing an accurate and competitive proposal.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for small businesses with experience in manufacturing or supplying critical aviation equipment, specifically cylinder and piston assemblies. Firms with expertise in NSN 1620-01-623-9220 or similar components for UH-60 helicopters will find this particularly relevant.

The contract requires production units to be FOB: Destination, with Inspection/Acceptance at Origin. Export Control applies to this item. Vendors should be prepared to meet these logistical and regulatory requirements.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation, click “View original source” 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.

The solicitation will be available on DIBBS on the issue date. A paper copy will not be provided. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF documents.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your company is registered in the System For Award Management (SAM.gov) as this is mandatory for receiving an award, regardless of dollar value. Verify your registration is active and up-to-date.

Since a reverse auction may be conducted, familiarize yourself with the Procurex system and its reverse auction tutorials. Understanding how to participate in an auction can be a significant advantage.

The final contract award decision may be based on a combination of price, past performance, and other evaluation factors. Therefore, focus on presenting a competitive price, highlighting relevant past performance, and addressing all other factors described in the solicitation.