Bid guide

How to bid on Cap, Center Forward aircraft parts for the Defense Logistics Agency

Defense Logistics Agency Richmond, VACloses August 6, 2026

What the agency is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking bids for "Cap, Center Forward" aircraft parts, identified by NSN 1560-008049975. This will be an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) for a base period of five years. There are no option periods. The estimated annual quantity is 273 units. The minimum delivery order quantity is 41 units, and the maximum delivery order quantity is 273 units.

This is a DLA Direct Procurement and is set aside 100% for small businesses. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the origin, and the Free On Board (FOB) point will also be at the origin. This is not a critical safety item.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on June 22, 2026. The deadline for submitting offers is August 06, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. The solicitation itself is expected to be issued on or around July 7, 2026.

The total delivery date for awarded contracts will be 428 days. This includes 154 days to deliver First Article Test (FAT) exhibits, 120 days for the government to evaluate these exhibits, and then 154 days to deliver the production units to the government.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses that can supply aircraft parts, specifically "Cap, Center Forward" components. Firms with experience in manufacturing or distributing aerospace equipment, particularly those familiar with DLA procurement processes, will find this relevant. The requirement for a First Article Test means vendors should be prepared for this evaluation step.

Companies with a strong past performance record and competitive pricing will be well-positioned, as price, past performance, and delivery will be equally weighted in the evaluation.

How to respond

This is a Request for Written Quote. You must submit your offer in writing. The solicitation will be available via the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). To access it, go to the DIBBS homepage, select "Requests for Proposal (RFP) / Invitation for Bid (IFB)" from the menu under the "Solicitations" tab. Then, search for and download the RFP.

The solicitation documents are in PDF format, so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. A paper copy of the solicitation will not be provided. You may need a free account on the portal to view documents, though for some bids, an account is not required.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all sections of the solicitation once it is released, paying close attention to the specific requirements for the "Cap, Center Forward" part. Ensure your proposed product meets all technical specifications and quality standards.

Since price, past performance, and delivery are equally weighted, focus on all three areas. Provide a competitive price, highlight relevant past performance on similar contracts, and clearly outline your proposed delivery schedule, including the First Article Test timeline. Be prepared for the First Article Test requirement, as this is a mandatory step for this contract.

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 BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Defense Logistics Agency; the original posting controls.