DLA Aviation RFQs (Feb 2026): washers, nuts, cable assemblies, wiring harnesses, and insulation sleeving (multiple NSNs)

Executive takeaway

DLA Aviation (Richmond) posted multiple parts RFQs on Feb 8, 2026 spanning hardware (washers/nuts) and electrical components (wiring harnesses, cable assemblies, insulation sleeving). Several notices indicate the buy may result in an Automated IDC (Indefinite Delivery Contract) with a one-year term or until the aggregate orders reach $350,000, and shipments to various CONUS and OCONUS DLA depots. The fast path to a compliant quote is to confirm whether you are an approved source, can meet any source controlled drawing or QPL constraints, and can support electronic submission by the stated deadlines.

What the buyer is trying to do

The buyer is replenishing specific NSN items for aviation supply chains, with delivery requirements stated as days after date of order (ADO). Several RFQs anticipate recurring ordering (estimated orders per year are stated in the notices) and minimum guaranteed quantities, which signals the buyer is balancing readiness needs with on-demand ordering through an Automated IDC structure.

The opportunities included in this cluster:

• NSN 5310-01-195-1441 WASHER, FLAT (RFQ; may result in Automated IDC; approved source referenced)
• NSN 5995-00-446-3639 WIRING HARNESS, BRANCHE (RFQ; may result in Automated IDC; drawings/specs may be retrievable electronically)
• NSN 5995-01-603-8843 CABLE ASSEMBLY, RADI (RFQ; may result in Automated IDC; approved sources listed)
• NSN 5310-01-093-2471 NUT, SELF-LOCKING, DO (RFQ; multiple lines shipping to DLA Distribution San Joaquin; electronic quote submission)
• NSN 6150-01-555-9781 CABLE ASSEMBLY, SPEC (RFQ; may result in Automated IDC; source controlled drawing item; approved source referenced)
• NSN 5970-01-024-5038 INSULATION SLEEVING, EL (RFQ; may result in Automated IDC; QPL item)

What work is implied (bullets)

• Prepare and submit an electronic quote for the specified NSN(s) and line item quantities/units of issue.
• For notices indicating an Automated IDC: be ready to support ordering over up to one year (or until the aggregate ceiling is reached) with the stated guaranteed minimum and estimated order frequency.
• Plan fulfillment to various CONUS and OCONUS DLA depots (often via consolidation/containerization points), where stated.
• Meet delivery expectations stated as days ADO (each notice lists a required “By: ____ DAYS ADO”).
• Confirm technical compliance where the notice flags constraints, such as:
• Approved-source restrictions (some items list approved source CAGE/part references).
• Source controlled drawing requirements (items must meet the drawing cited in the solicitation).
• QPL requirements (qualified products list item).
• Use of digitized drawings and Military Specifications/Standards where available electronically.
• For the nut RFQ shipping to a specific depot: verify line-level packaging and delivery timing across multiple lines shipping to W1A8 DLA DIST SAN JOAQUIN as shown in the notice.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Who should bid
• Manufacturers/distributors already positioned as an approved source for the listed NSN(s), where the notice identifies approved sources.
• Shops that routinely support DLA Aviation depot shipments, including OCONUS routing via consolidation/containerization points.
• Firms that can reliably quote and ship against days ADO delivery requirements.
• Suppliers eligible for the stated set-aside when one is indicated (e.g., the washer notice lists “SBA”; the nut notice lists “HZC”).
• Who should pass
• If you cannot meet an approved source restriction for items that list one (or cannot otherwise comply with how the solicitation controls sources).
• If you cannot access/comply with source controlled drawings or the QPL requirement (for the QPL item).
• If you cannot support shipping to multiple depots (including potential OCONUS) within the stated ADO timelines.

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

• Completed RFQ response with pricing and acknowledgement of required delivery (in days ADO) for each line.
• Confirmation of capability to ship to the destinations described (various CONUS/OCONUS depots; or the specific depot listed for the nut RFQ).
• Evidence of compliance with technical controls, as applicable:
• Approved-source documentation where required (verify in attachments).
• Source controlled drawing compliance statement (verify in attachments).
• QPL status/qualification documentation (verify in attachments).
• Any required certifications/representations (verify in attachments).
• Electronic submission format and portal instructions (the notices state quotes must be submitted electronically; verify exact method in the solicitation link).

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

These are parts buys with defined NSNs, quantities, and delivery windows; pricing strategy should be anchored to your actual cost-to-serve against depot distribution complexity and any technical compliance burden (approved source, drawings, QPL).

• Start by mapping each NSN to your internal cost history and any recent quote/award outcomes you have for the same NSN or functionally similar items.
• For the Automated IDC candidates, model the impact of:
• Guaranteed minimum quantities versus the stated estimated number of orders per year.
• Carrying cost and lead-time buffers to meet days ADO delivery expectations.
• Account for shipping complexity (various CONUS/OCONUS depots; consolidation/containerization points where described) as a real cost driver.
• Where specifications/drawings are not available (as some notices state), price in the risk of tighter source control and rework avoidance by ensuring you can supply exactly what the solicitation requires.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Pair an approved-source manufacturer with a distributor experienced in DLA depot shipping (including OCONUS routing) to reduce fulfillment risk.
• For items referencing digitized drawings/MIL specs, team with a shop that routinely builds to military standards and can manage documentation flow from solicitation retrieval through production.
• For the QPL insulation sleeving item, consider teaming only with a supplier that already holds the needed qualification status (verify in attachments/solicitation).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Approved source limitations: several notices explicitly list approved sources; if you are not one, confirm whether and how alternate sourcing is permitted in the solicitation.
• No hard copies: the notices state hard copies are not available; ensure your team can access and respond through the electronic posting.
• Specs/drawings availability varies: some items state specifications/plans/drawings are not available, while others state digitized drawings/MIL specs may be retrieved electronically—don’t assume consistency across the cluster.
• Source controlled drawing item (cable assembly, spec): failure to meet the cited drawing requirements is a common disqualifier—confirm you can build exactly to the drawing referenced in the solicitation.
• QPL requirement (insulation sleeving): verify qualification before investing heavily in quoting.
• Delivery stated in days ADO: treat these as schedule commitments; validate lead times and logistics before quoting.
• Automated IDC structure: plan for multiple orders and administrative throughput if the award becomes an IDC (estimated orders/year vary by notice).

Related opportunities

• 53--WASHER,FLAT (SPE4A626U1753)
• 59--WIRING HARNESS,BRANCHE (SPE4A626U1669)
• 59--CABLE ASSEMBLY,RADI (SPE4A626U1740)
• 53--NUT,SELF-LOCKING,DO (SPE4A626T639Q)
• 61--CABLE ASSEMBLY,SPEC (SPE4A626U1736)
• 59--INSULATION SLEEVING,EL (SPE4A626U1674)

How to act on this

1. Pick the NSN(s) where you can clearly satisfy the stated constraints (approved source / source controlled drawing / QPL) and delivery in days ADO.
2. Open the solicitation link(s) and download/confirm all quote instructions (submission method, required documents, and any attachments).
3. Build a line-by-line quote that reflects depot/OCONUS shipping reality and the potential Automated IDC ordering pattern where stated.
4. Submit electronically before the listed deadline for each notice.

If you want a second set of eyes on eligibility, compliance risks, and a quote-ready checklist for one or more of these DLA Aviation RFQs, coordinate with Federal Bid Partners LLC to accelerate the bid/no-bid decision and tighten your submission.