DLA Aviation RFP: Gearbox, Accessory, D (NSN 2840-01-653-1366) for KC-46 — What to Know Before You Bid

Executive takeaway

This DLA Aviation buy is for spares—a small quantity (five each, with a noted range of 1–8) of a Gearbox, Accessory, D used on the KC-46. Two items drive bid/no-bid decisions fast: (1) the part is subject to FAA certification procedures (14 CFR Part 21), and (2) the synopsis explicitly states the government does not own the data/rights needed to manufacture the item. If you can’t secure OEM data/rights or otherwise meet qualification/certification expectations, this is likely a pass.

What the buyer is trying to do

DLA Aviation at Oklahoma City is trying to fill a supply requirement for an aircraft accessory gearbox identified as:

• NSN: 2840-01-653-1366
• Part number: N012000000-3
• Application: KC-46
• Quantity: line item 0001, 5 each (range 1–8)
• Required delivery: on or before 01 OCT 2026

The synopsis also notes no DLA procurement history for this item, which can affect how much the buyer relies on stated qualification sources and documentation in your response.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Source and deliver Gearbox, Accessory, D spares matching NSN 2840-01-653-1366 / PN N012000000-3.
• Plan for the part’s described characteristics (metal housing with electrical components; dimensions and weight provided in the synopsis).
• Meet FAA certification procedures per 14 CFR Part 21 (ensure your production/supply chain and documentation align).
• Implement IUID (Item Unique Identification) requirements.
• Ship to the destination cited for line item 0001 (verify exact ship-to details in the solicitation package).
• Account for the stated constraint: the government does not own manufacturing data/rights; coordinate with the OEM as needed to obtain data/rights required to manufacture.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

Who should bid

• Firms that can supply the item as the OEM/qualified source, or can credibly meet the qualification/certification expectations described (including FAA Part 21 procedures).
• Offerors prepared to comply with IUID requirements.
• Teams that can confidently hit the on-or-before 01 OCT 2026 delivery requirement.

Who should pass

• Manufacturers/resellers who cannot obtain OEM data/rights or otherwise cannot resolve the stated “government does not own the data” constraint.
• Offerors without an established path to satisfy FAA certification procedures (14 CFR Part 21).
• Firms that cannot support IUID marking/serialization expectations.

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

• Completed pricing/offer schedule for RFP SPRTA1-26-R-0023 (verify in attachments).
• Evidence of compliance with FAA certification procedures per 14 CFR Part 21 (verify format and required documentation in attachments).
• IUID compliance approach (marking/serialization/data submission requirements—verify in attachments).
• Supply chain/source justification tied to NSN 2840-01-653-1366 and PN N012000000-3 (verify in attachments).
• Delivery schedule confirming ability to meet on or before 01 OCT 2026.
• Any representations/certifications required by the solicitation (verify in attachments).

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

• Start with the constraint, not the unit price: since the government does not own the data/rights, your cost and risk profile will depend heavily on whether you are sourcing from the qualified source/OEM channel or pursuing another allowable path.
• Use the quantity and range to sanity-check:
• Check for packaging/marking requirements:
• Validate schedule risk costs:

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Team with the qualified source listed in the synopsis if you are positioned as an integrator/reseller and need an authorized supply path.
• Partner with a provider experienced in IUID implementation (marking, serialization, and compliance workflow) if that is not an in-house strength.
• If pursuing manufacturing roles, align early with an entity that can support FAA Part 21 procedure expectations (verify exact documentation needs in the solicitation).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Data rights constraint:
• Qualification sensitivity:qualified source; if you are not that source, expect scrutiny on your authorization and compliance path.
• Certification obligations:14 CFR Part 21 are called out—don’t assume “standard spares” paperwork will be sufficient.
• IUID applies:
• No DLA procurement history:
• Foreign participation uncertainty:

Related opportunities

• NSN 2915-01-262-3039 Breakaway Valve (IQC synopsis; small business set-aside)
• Fire Extinguisher (see attachment)
• NSN1650-01-481-8039HS Motor Hydraulic (see attached MRSSS)
• Gearbox, Accessory, D (this opportunity)

How to act on this

1. Download and review the full solicitation for SPRTA1-26-R-0023 and confirm the response deadline shown on BidPulsar.
2. Decide your sourcing posture immediately: authorized/qualified source channel versus an alternate path that still satisfies the stated certification/qualification constraints.
3. Build your compliance matrix around FAA Part 21 and IUID, then validate lead times to meet 01 OCT 2026.
4. If you need help shaping the response package or teaming approach, engage Federal Bid Partners LLC to accelerate capture and proposal execution.

Prepared by Avery Collins, Proposal Research Analyst.