Bid guide
How to bid on Duct Assembly, Air C for C-5 Aircraft with the Defense Logistics Agency
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is looking for sources to provide Duct Assembly, Air C, National Stock Number (NSN) 1660-00-221-1176, for C-5 aircraft. This is a critical item, though not a Critical Safety Item. The agency plans to establish an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) for a five-year base period, with an estimated annual quantity of 40 units.
This opportunity is significant because it's a long-term contract for a critical component. If your company can become an approved source, it could lead to stable work for five years.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a request for competitive proposals. The deadline for interested parties to identify their interest and capability is August 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Any proposals received within 45 days after the publication date of July 07, 2026, will be considered.
The estimated solicitation issue date is July 23, 2026. While this RFI is not a formal solicitation, responding by the deadline allows the government to consider your firm for future competitive procurements. The government will use the information received to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is primarily for manufacturers or suppliers of aircraft equipment, specifically duct assemblies. Currently, only Lockheed Martin and Arrowhead Products are approved sources for this part. If your company is not one of these, you would need to submit a Source Approval Request (SAR) package to become an approved source.
This is suitable for firms with the technical capability to produce source-controlled parts for military aircraft and who are willing to go through the source approval process. Experience with government contracting and DLA Aviation requirements would be beneficial.
How to respond
To access the opportunity, click the "View original source" link. If you land on the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, but for many bids, this is not required.
Once you have reviewed the RFI, interested persons should identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. If you are not an approved source, you must submit a Source Approval Request (SAR) package for approval. The final solicitation, when issued, will be available via DIBBS.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is an RFI, a thorough response can position your company for future solicitations. Clearly demonstrate your firm's technical capabilities and experience with similar aircraft components. If you are not an approved source, begin preparing your Source Approval Request (SAR) package immediately, ensuring it addresses all technical data and quality requirements.
Ensure your company is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and that your registration is active. This is a mandatory requirement for any contract award, regardless of dollar value. Pay close attention to any specific instructions for identifying your interest or submitting proposals, even if they are informal at this RFI stage.
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.