DLA Aviation: Quick-turn RFQs for aircraft parts and hardware (Panels, nuts, turbine disk/hub, and more)

Executive takeaway

DLA Aviation (Richmond) has several small, part-specific buys posted in quick succession—mostly NSN-driven items with electronic quote submission. Two notices show a set response deadline (Feb 12 and Feb 13, 2026), and at least one requirement calls out approved sources. If you’re an established OEM/authorized distributor or a shop that can comply with NSN/traceability expectations, these are worth fast triage and a disciplined quote package.

What the buyer is trying to do

The buyer is replenishing specific aviation and related components through line-item RFQs tied to NSNs and ship-to DLA Distribution locations (including Warner Robins) and, in one case, an overseas delivery location. Quantities are generally small (often 1–3 units), with delivery expressed in “days ADO,” suggesting the buyer is managing readiness with scheduled deliveries rather than bulk replenishment.

From the posted snippets, these opportunities include:

• NSN 1560-01-179-5638 PANEL, STRUCTURAL, AI (Qty 1 + Qty 1; deliver to DLA Distribution Warner Robins; deliveries at 0623 and 0180 days ADO).
• NSN 5310-01-093-2471 NUT, SELF-LOCKING, DO (Qty 189 BX plus two single-unit lines; deliveries at 0707, 0090, and 0557 days ADO; set-aside shown as HZC).
• NSN 2840-01-481-2380 DISK AND HUB, TURBIN (Qty 3; overseas delivery location; approved sources listed; no specs/drawings available per notice).

What work is implied (bullets)

• Review the RFQ and any linked solicitation content (often the only source for exact item characteristics, packaging, inspection, and marking).
• Confirm NSN alignment and ability to supply the exact item (including any source restrictions where stated).
• Build a compliant electronic quote (several notices explicitly require or allow electronic submission).
• Plan fulfillment to DLA Distribution ship-to points (e.g., Warner Robins; “W1A8 DLA Distribution” appears for the nut requirement) and meet “days ADO” delivery commitments.
• For restricted items (e.g., the turbine disk/hub), validate whether you qualify as an approved source or can offer an acceptable product that will be considered.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if:
  • You are an OEM, authorized distributor, or already-qualified supplier for the specific NSN—especially where approved sources are cited (DISK AND HUB, TURBIN).
  • You can support DLA-style packaging/marking and on-time delivery to DLA Distribution locations on long-lead schedules (multiple lines show 180–707 days ADO).
  • You can react quickly to short response windows (e.g., Feb 12, 2026 for the panel and turbine disk/hub; Feb 13, 2026 for the self-locking nut).
• Pass if:
  • You rely on drawings/specs to quote and the notice indicates they are not available (explicitly stated for the turbine disk/hub requirement).
  • You cannot meet electronic quote submission requirements or you cannot verify compliance/traceability for the exact NSN.
  • You do not have a path to meet source approval constraints when “approved sources” are called out.

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

• Signed/complete RFQ response (verify in attachments/linked solicitation).
• Pricing by line item and unit of issue (EA, BX as shown in line structure).
• Delivery commitment by line (match the “By: XXXX days ADO” schedule).
• Item identification for the NSN quoted (exact part offered; verify required data elements in the RFQ).
• Any required certifications, traceability, or source documentation (verify in attachments/linked solicitation).
• Confirmation of electronic submission method and formatting (several notices state quotes must/can be submitted electronically).

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

Because these are NSN-centric buys with small quantities, pricing often hinges on availability, lead time risk, and compliance burden more than raw material cost.

• Benchmark: Pull your internal history for the same NSN and similar delivery ADO schedules; compare what you previously charged for expedited vs. standard lead times.
• Availability-driven pricing: For items with minimal public description (e.g., “RIVET, BLIND,” “CABLE ASSEMBLY, SPEC,” “TOWED BODY, SONAR,” “NUT, PLAIN, EXTENDED”), confirm supply chain availability before you lock pricing.
• Source-restricted risk: For the turbine disk/hub, the notice lists approved sources and says specs/drawings are not available. If you are not an approved source, price the effort only if you have a credible, compliant route that will be considered.
• Multi-line delivery: When the same NSN has multiple lines with different ADO delivery points (panel and nut buys), decide whether you will price each line independently (carrying/handling) or structure pricing assuming combined logistics—then ensure it remains compliant with the RFQ.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Partner with an authorized distributor/OEM channel if the NSN is controlled or if “approved sources” language creates eligibility risk.
• Use a packaging/marking specialist familiar with DLA shipment and labeling conventions if your shop is strong on fabrication but weak on compliance (verify exact requirements in the solicitation).
• If you’re a small manufacturer quoting hardware (e.g., nuts/rivets), consider teaming with a stocking distributor for surge availability and to reduce lead time exposure.

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Short deadlines: Some notices show response deadlines of Feb 12 and Feb 13, 2026; plan same-day RFQ download and rapid BOM/availability checks.
• Limited technical data: One notice explicitly states specs/plans/drawings are not available (turbine disk/hub). Don’t assume you can reverse-engineer requirements from the title.
• Source restrictions: The turbine disk/hub notice lists approved sources; eligibility may be a gating factor.
• Electronic submission required: Multiple notices state quotes must/can be submitted electronically—missing the method/format is an avoidable disqualifier.
• Delivery ADO complexity: Long “days ADO” and multiple lines can create planning and cashflow issues; ensure your schedule and stocking strategy match each line’s delivery.
• Set-aside flag: The self-locking nut requirement shows set-aside “HZC”; confirm in the solicitation what that implies for eligibility and evaluation.

Related opportunities

• PANEL, STRUCTURAL, AI (SPE4A726Q0402)
• NUT, SELF-LOCKING, DO (SPE4A626T634P)
• DISK AND HUB, TURBIN (SPE4A126T1311)
• RIVET, BLIND (SPE4A625T04F6)
• CABLE ASSEMBLY, SPEC (SPE4A625T20AA)
• TOWED BODY, SONAR (SPE4A726T8287)
• NUT, PLAIN, EXTENDED (SPE4A625T27YX)

How to act on this

1. Open the BidPulsar notice link and download the RFQ/solicitation content for the specific NSN you can support.
2. Confirm eligibility (especially where approved sources are cited) and validate you can meet the ADO delivery lines.
3. Prepare an electronic quote package with line-by-line pricing and delivery, and submit before the stated deadline (when shown).
4. If you want a second set of eyes on compliance and strategy, contact Federal Bid Partners LLC to pressure-test your response before submission.