DLA Aviation quick-turn RFQs (Jan 2026): NSN spares with limited drawings and approved-source cues

Executive takeaway

DLA Aviation (Richmond) has multiple RFQs posted on 2026-01-21 for NSN-managed items, with at least two notices explicitly stating that specifications/plans/drawings are not available and identifying an approved source. If you are not the approved source (or cannot lawfully supply an equivalent acceptable item under the RFQ terms), your fastest path is to confirm source eligibility and documentation needs in the solicitation package before spending cycles on pricing.

What the buyer is trying to do

These notices indicate DLA Aviation is replenishing discrete aviation supply items through electronic RFQs. For the items with details provided, the buyer is seeking specific NSNs in small quantities with a stated delivery window (“0171 DAYS ADO”) to DLA Distribution (W1A8).

Opportunities in this set include:

• ROD, PISTON, LINEAR A (NSN 1650012975420), Qty 2 EA, approved source referenced, RFQ, electronic quotes
• BEARING, PLAIN, ROD E (NSN 3120014961801), Qty 9 EA, approved source referenced, RFQ, electronic quotes
• Additional DLA Aviation Richmond notices for MOTOR, CONTROL, CONTROL WHEEL, AIRCR, BEARING, BALL, ANNULAR, CHAIN, STUD LINK (SDVOSBC set-aside), and TUBE ASSEMBLY (details to verify in the RFQ package)

What work is implied (bullets)

• Review each RFQ package (posted at the notice link) and confirm line-item requirements and any source restrictions.
• For the NSN items where no drawings/specs are available, validate you can meet the requirement via approved-source supply, acceptable equivalent rules (if allowed), or verifiable traceability to the approved item.
• Prepare and submit quotes electronically (explicitly required for at least two of the notices).
• Plan fulfillment to DLA Distribution (W1A8) consistent with the delivery requirement stated in the solicitation (e.g., “0171 DAYS ADO” appears in the detailed notices).
• For the SDVOSBC set-aside item, confirm your eligibility and representations prior to quoting.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if:
  • You are the referenced approved source for the NSN (or can supply the approved part number cited in the notice).
  • You have established aviation/NSN supply chain documentation to support source/traceability when drawings are unavailable.
  • You can quote quickly and submit electronically by the stated deadline (several are 2026-01-29).
  • You are an SDVOSBC and can supply the CHAIN, STUD LINK requirement under set-aside conditions.
• Pass if:
  • You cannot meet approved-source expectations (and the RFQ does not allow alternates acceptable to DLA for that NSN).
  • You rely on technical drawings/specs to manufacture/reverse-engineer—these notices state that such materials are not available (for the detailed items).
  • You cannot support traceability or compliance documentation typical for aviation supply items.

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

• Completed electronic quote submission per the RFQ instructions (verify in attachments).
• Item identification: NSN, part number/cage (as applicable), and quantity/units (verify in attachments).
• Delivery and ship-to confirmation (DLA Distribution/W1A8 appears in detailed notices; verify for each RFQ).
• Source/traceability documentation needed to support the offered item when drawings/specs are not provided (verify in attachments).
• Any required representations/certifications for set-aside eligibility (SDVOSBC item; verify in attachments).
• Acknowledgement of any RFQ terms and conditions (verify in attachments).

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

• Start with the approved-source cue. For the NSNs that cite an approved source, confirm whether you can quote as that source or with that exact approved item reference before investing in broader market pricing research.
• Use small-quantity dynamics. Quantities are low (e.g., 2 EA; 9 EA in the detailed notices). Your pricing approach should account for minimum order quantities, lead-time impacts, and documentation overhead.
• Check delivery feasibility early. The notices show a delivery requirement expressed as “0171 DAYS ADO” for the detailed items—make sure your supplier lead time matches the RFQ expectations.
• Build a compliance-first price. When “specifications, plans, or drawings are not available,” risk shifts to sourcing and paperwork. Ensure your price covers verification effort and any required documentation.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Partner with an established aviation/NSN distributor that can provide traceability for approved-source items when drawings/specs are not available.
• For the SDVOSBC set-aside (CHAIN, STUD LINK), consider teaming where an SDVOSBC primes and a specialty supplier supports sourcing (roles and eligibility must align with the RFQ—verify in attachments).
• Team with a logistics/packaging specialist if the RFQ includes packaging/marking requirements (verify in attachments).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• No drawings/specs available (explicitly stated for at least two notices): increases the risk of quoting an item that will be rejected for nonconformance.
• Approved-source references: if the RFQ is effectively restricted, non-approved offers may be noncompetitive or unacceptable—confirm in the solicitation.
• Short response windows: multiple deadlines show 2026-01-29; ensure internal approvals and supplier quotes can be completed in time.
• Electronic submission required: confirm file formats, portal, and cut-off time conventions in the RFQ.
• Set-aside compliance (SDVOSBC item): eligibility must be clean and defensible.

Related opportunities

• 16--ROD,PISTON,LINEAR A (SPE4A526T7016)
• 31--BEARING,PLAIN,ROD E (SPE4A626T531A)
• BEARING, BALL, ANNULAR (SPE4A626RX475)
• 40--CHAIN,STUD LINK (SPE4A526T6993)
• 47--TUBE ASSEMBLY (SPE4A526T6999)
• 61--MOTOR,CONTROL (SPE4A626T7583)
• 16--CONTROL WHEEL,AIRCR (SPE4A725Q1254)

How to act on this

1. Open each notice link and download the RFQ package; confirm whether the buy is approved-source-only and what documentation is required (verify in attachments).
2. Decide bid/no-bid within a day based on source eligibility, ability to ship within the required window, and your capacity to submit electronically by the deadline.
3. If bidding, lock supplier availability and traceability documentation before finalizing price.
4. Submit the electronic quote and keep proof of submission.

If you want a second set of eyes on source eligibility signals, bid positioning, and a fast compliance checklist, consider support from Federal Bid Partners LLC.