DLA Aviation parts pulse: KC-46 accessory gearbox spares (SPRTA1-26-R-0023) and related component buys

Executive takeaway

The most actionable posting in this batch is the KC-46 Gearbox, Accessory, D spare buy under SPRTA1-26-R-0023: five units (range 1–8) needed by 01 Oct 2026, with FAA certification procedures (14 CFR Part 21) and IUID requirements called out. The notice also states the government does not own the data/rights to manufacture—so this is a realistic prime opportunity mainly for qualified sources or firms that can source from the OEM/approved manufacturer.

What the buyer is trying to do

DLA Aviation (Oklahoma City) is seeking to procure aviation components—primarily spares—supporting aircraft/engine readiness. For the KC-46 accessory gearbox line, the requirement is for a specific NSN/part number item with defined dimensions/weight, tied to KC-46 application, and delivered to a DLA destination (Ship To SW3211) by an “on or before” date.

In parallel, there are additional component notices where the description is “see attached,” plus a separate synopsis for an F110 case and vane assembly indicating an intent to limit competition to known sources.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Source and deliver spares for Gearbox, Accessory, D (NSN 2840-01-653-1366; PN N012000000-3) for KC-46 application.
• Meet “on or before” delivery requirement of 01 Oct 2026 for the gearbox line item.
• Comply with FAA certification procedures per 14 CFR Part 21 (as stated in the synopsis) for the gearbox item.
• Implement IUID marking/compliance as IUID requirements will apply (gearbox notice).
• Coordinate logistics to the specified destination (Ship To SW3211).
• For other postings (Compressor Housing, Fire Extinguisher, Valve): review and comply with requirements contained in attachments (scope/details not in the snippet).
• For the F110 Case and Vane Assembly (SPRTA1-26-R-0168): be prepared for a limited-source posture and provide capability/qualification information if attempting to influence competition.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Should bid: firms that are already a qualified/approved source for the KC-46 accessory gearbox item, or that can lawfully obtain the required data/rights through the OEM/approved manufacturer chain (the notice explicitly flags a data-rights constraint).
• Should bid: aerospace suppliers experienced with FAA certification procedures and able to execute IUID requirements on delivered spares.
• Should bid: distributors/repair-capable firms that can supply the exact NSN/PN configuration and support traceability suitable for aviation/military or space application language in the notice.
• Should pass (or pursue as subcontractor only): firms that cannot access OEM data/rights and are planning to reverse engineer or newly manufacture—this notice warns the government lacks manufacturing data/rights.
• Should pass: firms unable to meet the delivery date (01 Oct 2026) or IUID/FAA certification expectations.
• Likely pass as prime: for SPRTA1-26-R-0168 (F110 case and vane), if you are not an approved/known source—this synopsis says the government intends to solicit/compete with only a limited number of sources and identifies a sole known source in the notice.

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

• Completed offer for RFP SPRTA1-26-R-0023 (verify exact instructions in the solicitation package).
• Evidence of ability to comply with FAA certification procedures per 14 CFR Part 21 (as applicable to this part) (verify required artifacts in the solicitation/attachments).
• IUID compliance approach and any required deliverable marking/data (verify in attachments/solicitation).
• Proof of qualification/approved-source status or sourcing plan tied to OEM/approved source (critical due to stated lack of government data/rights).
• Delivery schedule commitment meeting “on or before 01 Oct 2026.”
• Shipping/packaging plan to Ship To SW3211 (verify packaging/marking in attachments).
• For FD20302601035 / FD20302601032 / FD20302600656: verify in attachments (requirements not provided in the snippet).
• For SPRTA1-26-R-0168: written capability/qualification information if attempting to be considered for competition (verify in solicitation once issued; synopsis indicates electronic procedures).

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

For the KC-46 accessory gearbox spare, pricing strategy should start with supply-chain reality: the notice states the government does not own manufacturing data/rights and identifies a qualified source. That typically pushes pricing leverage toward the approved manufacturing channel.

• Benchmark prior buys where available: this gearbox synopsis states “no DLA procurement history,” so you may need to rely on internal sales history, OEM/distributor quotes, and any comparable NSN market intelligence you can access.
• Confirm total quantity uncertainty: the notice lists 5 each with a range of 1–8. Build pricing and lead time logic that can tolerate quantity movement without breaking delivery.
• Account for compliance costs: FAA certification procedures and IUID requirements can add non-trivial overhead—ensure they are priced into your approach (details to be confirmed in the solicitation).
• For SPRTA1-26-R-0168 (F110 case and vane): the synopsis cites prior awards and a limited-source intent. If you are not the known source, the “price to win” may be irrelevant unless you can credibly change the competitive landscape through qualification.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Team with the listed qualified source or an authorized channel partner for the KC-46 gearbox if you cannot prime as an approved manufacturer.
• Pair a parts supplier with an IUID-capable marking/traceability partner to reduce execution risk (verify exact IUID deliverables in the solicitation).
• If you are strong in government contracting but weak in FAA Part 21 procedures, team with an aerospace compliance specialist (scope to be confirmed in the solicitation).
• For the “see attached” component buys, consider teaming with niche component OEMs/distributors once the attachments confirm scope and technical data requirements.

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Data-rights constraint: the notice states the government does not own the data/rights needed to manufacture the gearbox item; this can eliminate new manufacturing approaches.
• Qualification gate: a qualified source is identified for the gearbox; the F110 case and vane synopsis states only one known source can satisfy requirements and indicates limited competition intent.
• Regulatory/compliance risk: FAA certification procedures (14 CFR Part 21) are explicitly called out for the gearbox.
• IUID execution risk: IUID requirements will apply—confirm marking, reporting, and acceptance requirements in the solicitation/attachments.
• Schedule risk: delivery is “on or before 01 Oct 2026” for the gearbox; ensure lead times from the approved supply chain are realistic.
• Attachment dependency: multiple related notices provide no details beyond “see attached,” so bid/no-bid decisions are blocked until attachments are reviewed.
• Foreign participation uncertainty: the gearbox synopsis notes the extent of foreign participation has not yet been determined and advises foreign-owned firms to check restrictions before proposing.
• Surplus restriction: surplus is not authorized for the gearbox line.

Related opportunities

• Gearbox, Accessory, D (SPRTA1-26-R-0023)
• Compressor Housing (FD20302601035)
• Fire Extinguisher (FD20302601032)
• VALVE, LINEAR, DIRECT (FD20302600656)
• F110 Case and Vane Assembly (SPRTA1-26-R-0168)
• SHROUD SEGMENT, TURB (SPRTA126P0046) (awarded competitively)

How to act on this

1. Open the BidPulsar notice and pull the solicitation/attachments (especially for the “see attached” notices) to confirm exact technical, packaging, and submission instructions.
2. For the gearbox: validate approved-source status or secure an authorized supply path that addresses the stated data-rights limitation; confirm FAA Part 21 and IUID deliverables.
3. Build a delivery-feasible plan to meet the “on or before” requirement and the stated quantity/range.
4. If you need help structuring the response, compliance mapping, or teaming approach, engage Federal Bid Partners LLC for capture and proposal support.

By Morgan Reyes, GovCon Market Analyst