DLA Aviation pulse: quick-turn RFQs and longer-term IDCs for aviation NSNs (actuator, absorbent material, battery door kit, interconnecting box, holding clamp, shackle)

Executive takeaway

This batch of DLA Aviation buys is a classic mix of (1) small-quantity, approved-source NSN replenishments issued as RFQs (several flagged as potential Automated IDC awards) and (2) a higher-volume shackle requirement structured as a multi-year commercial indefinite delivery contract with a reverse-auction provision. If you are an approved-source manufacturer or an authorized distributor with strong traceability, these are straightforward bids. If you need drawings/specs to quote, most of these will be a poor fit because the notices explicitly state that specifications/plans/drawings are not available.

What the buyer is trying to do

DLA Aviation is replenishing stocked aviation-related items using NSN-based procurement and approved-source controls, with delivery to DLA distribution/depot channels (including consolidated CONUS/OCONUS shipping for some lines). Several notices indicate the procurement may result in an Automated Indefinite Delivery Contract with a one-year ordering window (or until an aggregate order ceiling is reached), suggesting DLA wants faster repeat ordering rather than one-off buys.

One requirement (shackle, NSN 4030-01-369-7612) is described as a five-year commercial indefinite delivery contract under FAR 13.5, with award potentially based on price, past performance, and other factors as described in the solicitation, and it includes a reverse-auction procurement notice.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Review the RFQ/RFP package online (no hard copies are available per the notices).
• Quote NSN line items at the stated quantities/units, aligned to the approved source (or provide acceptable traceability where permitted).
• Plan for delivery timelines stated as days ADO/ARO depending on the notice.
• Support electronic quote submission.
• For Automated IDC candidates: be prepared for a one-year ordering term and multiple orders per year (as estimated in the notice), including meeting any guaranteed minimum quantity language.
• For items shipped to various CONUS and OCONUS depots: coordinate packaging/shipping to DLA depot requirements and consolidation/containerization points where applicable.
• For the shackle requirement: prepare for a reverse auction possibility and any additional compliance referenced (e.g., Covered Defense Information; COQC; CAI considerations) as ultimately defined in the solicitation.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if you are:
  • The approved source for the NSN/part number cited in the notice.
  • An authorized distributor/dealer able to provide adequate traceability documentation (especially relevant where the notice invites surplus/newly manufactured inventory responses, as described for the shackle).
  • A small business that fits the SBA set-aside actions shown on several RFQs (and can meet the delivery schedules).
  • Comfortable quoting without drawings/specs being posted (i.e., you already know the item, have the part, or have established sourcing).
• Pass if you:
  • Need specifications, plans, or drawings to accurately manufacture/quote (multiple notices state these are not available).
  • Cannot meet traceability expectations for stocked/critical items (or cannot support surplus certificates where applicable).
  • Are not positioned to compete in a possible reverse auction environment (for the shackle).

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

• Completed electronic quote submission per the RFQ instructions (verify in attachments).
• Pricing for the line item(s) and acknowledgment of delivery schedule (verify in attachments).
• Documentation demonstrating compliance with the approved source requirement (verify in attachments).
• If offering surplus/newly manufactured inventory where invited (shackle notice):
  • Completed surplus certificate (DLAD 52.211-9000) or adequate traceability documentation (verify in attachments).
  • Statement of quantity available and offered price (verify in attachments).
• Any past performance/evaluation-factor information requested (explicitly noted for the shackle solicitation; verify in attachments).
• Reverse auction registration/readiness if the solicitation proceeds to auction (verify in attachments).

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

• Start with DIBBS history: for each NSN, review prior awards, award quantities, and delivery performance patterns to frame a realistic price-to-win and lead-time posture (where available through DIBBS/linked solicitation tools).
• Approved-source constraints matter: when a notice cites an approved source and no drawings are available, pricing is typically driven by your ability to supply the exact item with traceability—not by a “build-to-print” cost model.
• IDC vs. spot buy: for Automated IDC candidates, consider whether you can price for repeat ordering over the stated one-year term and estimated number of orders per year, while still protecting against volatility in materials or acquisition costs.
• Reverse auction prep (shackle): if a reverse auction is conducted, build a walk-away floor price and confirm you can sustain it under FOB Destination terms and the inspection/acceptance terms stated in the notice (details to be confirmed in the solicitation).
• Delivery timing as a lever: where the notice provides a requested delivery window (days ADO/ARO), validate you can hit it; if the solicitation allows alternatives, consider whether schedule can be a discriminator (verify in attachments).

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Pair an approved-source manufacturer with a distributor that specializes in DLA packaging/shipping to multiple depots (including consolidated CONUS/OCONUS flows mentioned in the Automated IDC notices).
• For the shackle requirement, consider teaming with a dealer/distributor experienced in surplus certificate workflows and traceability documentation, if you plan to offer existing inventory.
• Use a logistics partner that can reliably execute FOB Destination shipping while supporting inspection/acceptance at origin requirements referenced in the shackle notice.

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• No drawings/specs available: multiple notices state that specifications/plans/drawings are not available—quote only if you can confidently supply the exact approved-source item.
• Approved-source limitation: each item cites an approved source (e.g., source CAGE/part number in the notice). If you are not that source, confirm whether alternate sourcing is acceptable before investing bid effort (verify in the solicitation).
• Automated IDC mechanics: pay attention to the stated one-year term, aggregate order ceiling language, estimated number of orders per year, and guaranteed minimum quantities where shown.
• Reverse auction exposure (shackle): the solicitation includes a reverse auction procurement notice; margins can compress quickly if you are not disciplined on a price floor.
• Compliance flags (shackle): the notice references Critical Application Item (CAI), Covered Defense Information, and COQC/quality control codes—confirm your compliance approach in the solicitation.
• Electronic-only submissions: the notices emphasize electronic quoting; ensure your internal workflow and registrations are ready before the deadline.

Related opportunities

• 12--ACTUATOR,ELECTRO-ME (RFQ; potential Automated IDC)
• 42--ABSORBENT MATERIAL, (RFQ; potential Automated IDC)
• 58--BATTERY DOOR KIT (RFQ; potential Automated IDC)
• 58--INTERCONNECTING BOX (RFQ)
• 49--HOLDING CLAMP,SPRIN (RFQ)
• 40- SHACKLE (RFP; commercial indefinite delivery contract; reverse auction notice)
• UNRESTRICTED; Shaft, Shouldered; NSN 3040-01-634-2460 (limited public detail; “J&A” snippet)

How to act on this

1. Open the BidPulsar listing(s) above and download the RFQ/RFP from the linked posting site (and, where directed, from DIBBS).
2. Confirm you can meet the approved-source and traceability expectations before you build pricing.
3. Map delivery requirements (days ADO/ARO) to your supply chain reality; decide whether to bid, no-bid, or request clarification through the solicitation’s permitted channels (verify in attachments).
4. Submit electronically ahead of the response deadline shown on the notice.

If you want a fast go/no-go read, a compliance crosswalk, and a quote-review before submission, consider support from Federal Bid Partners LLC.

Author: Morgan Reyes, GovCon Market Analyst