Award Watch: DLA and USACE activity highlights—C-5 actuator (SB set-aside), mirror assembly IDC, mapping MATOC, and a $250M–$500M hangar build

Executive takeaway

The most “winnable” near-term action for many small businesses is the total small business set-aside procurement for new and unused surplus C-5 electro-mechanical actuators (estimated qty 12; 30 calendar days ARO). Several other DLA NSN RFQs in this watchlist are constrained by approved sources and/or lack of drawings/specs, which can limit true competition unless you already control the supply chain. On the other end of the spectrum, USACE is moving a large, negotiated construction procurement for a 4-dock hangar at Tinker AFB with a disclosed magnitude of $250M–$500M and a bifurcated best-value trade-off approach.

What the buyer is trying to do

Across these notices, the buyers are primarily trying to:

• Replenish/position supply of specific NSN items through DLA-managed distribution channels (often with limited technical data provided in the notice).
• Source aircraft support hardware with tight delivery needs—especially where the requirement specifies available new and unused surplus.
• Establish ordering vehicles (e.g., an automated IDC for mirror assemblies; a photogrammetric/mapping MATOC).
• Execute a major construction program using negotiated procurement and staged proposal submissions (USACE hangar).

What work is implied (bullets)

• C-5 Electro-Mechanical Actuator (NSN 1680-01-263-1554): procure available new and unused surplus, deliver within 30 calendar days ARO (estimated quantity 12 each) under a total small business set-aside.
• Mirror Assembly (NSN 2540-01-479-4144): quote and fulfill recurring orders under an automated IDC concept (one-year term or until aggregate orders reach 350,000.00; estimated 10 orders/year; guaranteed minimum 24), with shipments to various CONUS and OCONUS destinations via DLA depots.
• Photogrammetric & Mapping MATOC (MATOC IDIQ): compete for placement on a mapping/photogrammetry multiple-award vehicle (scope details to verify in attachments).
• MAWTS-1 Utility Vehicles: provide utility vehicles (details to verify in the solicitation).
• Bomber Agile Common Hangar (Tinker AFB): propose and deliver construction of a 4-dock hangar under a competitive, firm-fixed-price contract using FAR 15 negotiated procurement and a bifurcated best-value trade-off process; incorporate site visit information provided via Amendment 0001.
• Push Switch (NSN 5930-01-151-0676): supply qty 9 EA to DLA Distribution Cherry Point by 167 days ADO; approved source listed in the notice.
• Ring, Wiper (NSN 5330-01-727-4951): supply qty 580 EA to DLA Distribution San Joaquin by 213 days ADO; digitized drawings/specs may be retrievable electronically.
• Gear, Spur (NSN 3020-01-293-1536): supply qty 1 EA to DLA Distribution Depot Oklahoma by 167 days ADO; approved sources listed in the notice.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if you…
  • Can immediately source new and unused surplus C-5 electro-mechanical actuators matching NSN 1680-01-263-1554 and can meet 30 days ARO (small business eligible).
  • Are an established NSN supplier who regularly supports DLA distribution with compliance-ready packaging/shipping for CONUS/OCONUS flows (especially for the mirror assembly automated IDC concept).
  • Are an A/E, surveying, or geospatial firm positioned for photogrammetric mapping MATOC work and can compete for an IDIQ slot.
  • Are a large construction prime (or JV) with a pipeline and capacity for a $250M–$500M magnitude, negotiated, best-value procurement and can manage staged submissions.
• Pass if you…
  • Need detailed drawings/specifications to quote: multiple DLA RFQs state that specifications, plans, or drawings are not available (or must be retrieved separately), which can make pricing/spec compliance risky.
  • Do not have access to the listed approved sources for items where sources are constrained (e.g., mirror assembly, push switch, spur gear).
  • Cannot absorb schedule risk on a 30-day ARO delivery requirement for the C-5 actuator.

Response package checklist (bullets; if unknown say “verify in attachments”)

• Complete electronic quote submission (multiple DLA notices specify quotes must be submitted electronically).
• Confirm the exact NSN, quantity, and delivery terms (ARO/ADO) for each line item.
• For the C-5 actuator: document that inventory is available, new, and unused surplus (supporting evidence to verify in attachments).
• For mirror assembly IDC: validate ordering structure (one-year term or until aggregate orders reach 350,000.00; guaranteed minimum 24; estimated 10 orders/year) and shipment expectations to CONUS/OCONUS depots.
• For USACE hangar: comply with bifurcated submission instructions and incorporate site visit information from Amendment 0001 (verify in attachments).
• Representations/certifications and small business information where requested (verify in attachments).
• Source approval documentation where the notice lists approved sources (verify in attachments).

Pricing & strategy notes (how to research pricing; do not invent pricing numbers)

• Work backward from NSN history: for DLA NSN buys, research prior award/price history for the same NSN and comparable delivery terms, then normalize for quantity, lead time (ARO/ADO), and any source restrictions.
• Validate data availability risk: when the notice states drawings/specs are not available, price in the cost of compliance uncertainty (or avoid bidding unless you have prior build/supply history for that exact item).
• Mirror assembly IDC strategy: model pricing around the guaranteed minimum (24) while ensuring the unit price remains sustainable across potential surge ordering up to the aggregate ceiling described. Consider logistics cost drivers for “various CONUS and OCONUS” ship-to locations via DLA depots.
• USACE hangar approach: treat this as a best-value capture effort—align pricing strategy to the staged technical evaluation and any subsequent pricing/small business info requests noted in the description (details to verify in attachments).
• Source-constrained RFQs: if you are not one of the approved sources, confirm whether you can legitimately quote as a distributor/reseller without creating compliance risk; if not clear, do not assume.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• USACE hangar: primes should line up specialty subs for airfield/base construction environments and develop coverage for schedule-critical trades; teaming is often necessary at this magnitude.
• Photogrammetric/mapping MATOC: pair photogrammetry providers with GIS/mapping production teams and field survey capacity to cover varied task orders under an IDIQ.
• DLA supply actions: if you can’t meet approved source constraints directly, consider teaming with an approved manufacturer/source (where permitted) and focusing on compliant logistics and fulfillment.

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• “New and unused surplus” is specific: for the C-5 actuator, ensure your supply meets the exact condition requirement; avoid substituting “new manufacture” unless the solicitation explicitly allows it (verify in attachments).
• Very short delivery clock: 30 days ARO can be unforgiving—confirm inventory on-hand and shipping readiness before you bid.
• Approved source limitations: multiple DLA notices list approved sources; competition may be more constrained than “all responsible sources may submit a quote” implies.
• Data scarcity: some RFQs state specifications, plans, or drawings are not available; bid only if you have prior experience with the exact NSN/item.
• USACE bifurcated process: proposal sequencing matters; missing the first technical submission window can effectively end your chances (follow the amendment instructions closely).
• OCONUS shipping complexity: mirror assembly orders may route through consolidation/containerization points—build processes to avoid chargebacks or delays.

Related opportunities

• C-5 Electro-Mechanical Actuator
• 25--MIRROR ASSEMBLY,REA
• New Photogrammetric and Mapping CX IDIQ
• MAWTS-1 Utility Vehicles
• FY26 BOMBER AGILE COMMON HANGAR - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE (TAFB), OK
• 59--SWITCH,PUSH
• 53--RING,WIPER
• 30--GEAR,SPUR

How to act on this

1. Pick 1–2 targets that match your real supply/production capacity (don’t shotgun bids where drawings/specs are missing).
2. Open the BidPulsar notice and download the RFQ/solicitation; confirm all submission instructions and required documentation (verify in attachments).
3. For NSN parts, confirm source eligibility/approved source constraints and validate delivery feasibility against ARO/ADO timelines.
4. Submit electronically per the notice instructions and keep proof of timely submission.

If you want a compliance-first bid plan (what to submit, what to avoid, and how to reduce disqualification risk), engage Federal Bid Partners LLC to pressure-test your response package before you hit “submit.”