NAICS 335311 pulse: DoD signal/controls and cable assembly buys (RFQs + potential IDCs)

Executive takeaway

NAICS 335311 is showing a tight cluster of DoD demand around signals/alarms (PSC 6350 / “63”) and cable assemblies (PSC 6150 / “61”). Two DLA Aviation notices explicitly flag the possibility of an Automated IDC structure (one-year term or until an aggregate ceiling is reached), while NAVSUP WSS items read like clause-heavy, quality- and acceptance-driven RFQs that will reward suppliers who already have compliant production, documentation, and electronic invoicing workflows in place.

What the buyer is trying to do

Across the set, the government is trying to replenish and sustain stocked components that support fielded systems—delivered to depots and destinations that can include CONUS and OCONUS. The DLA Aviation actions look aimed at repeat ordering efficiency (Automated IDC language; estimated multiple orders per year). The NAVSUP WSS actions emphasize contracting controls (stop-work, clause updates, bilateral award acceptance) and production/inspection discipline.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Manufacture and/or supply of signal/alert hardware (e.g., horn/signal; control/alarm items) and cable assemblies under NAICS 335311.
• Build-to-spec execution where applicable, including inspection of supplies—fixed price and stated higher-level quality requirements (noted in NAVSUP WSS language; verify exact spec callouts in Section C/E where referenced).
• Electronic quoting and submission (DLA Aviation explicitly requires electronic quote submission).
• Logistics to government points including shipments routed through depot networks; for some buys, items may ship to various CONUS and OCONUS depots (including via consolidation/containerization points).
• Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) invoicing/receiving report steps (NAVSUP WSS clauses reference WAWF payment instructions).
• Potential warranty obligations (NAVSUP WSS cable assembly notice includes a one-year warranty for supplies of a noncomplex nature; confirm applicability by CLIN).
• Compliance with applicable acquisition clauses flagged in snippets (e.g., Buy American / Free Trade Agreements, transportation by sea, supply chain security act prohibitions, and cybersecurity maturity model certification notice—details to confirm in the full solicitation/attachments).

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if:
  • You already sell into DLA/NAVSUP channels and can support depot-driven fulfillment with documentation discipline.
  • You can meet military inspection expectations (including any referenced higher-level quality requirement such as MIL-I-45208 where cited) and can manage inspection/acceptance processes.
  • You have an established process for WAWF invoicing and shipment documentation.
  • You are an approved source where the notice lists approved sources (DLA horn/signal lists approved sources; if you are not among them, evaluate whether the solicitation permits alternate-source qualification within the response window).
• Pass if:
  • You cannot support OCONUS-ready distribution and the documentation that comes with consolidated shipments.
  • You do not have the ability to comply with the clause environment (e.g., supply chain prohibitions / sea transport / certification notices) without significant internal rework.
  • You rely on drawings/specs that are not available for the item—DLA’s horn/signal notice states specifications, plans, or drawings are not available.

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

• Signed/complete RFQ response with price validity period stated (NAVSUP WSS control/alarm language requests vendors specify the number of days pricing is valid; default mentioned as 90 days unless otherwise specified—verify in the solicitation).
• Confirmation of delivery schedule and ability to meet stated “days ADO” or required delivery terms (verify per notice/CLIN).
• Evidence of ability to meet inspection/acceptance requirements (verify in attachments/Sections C/E where referenced).
• Representations and certifications as required (annual reps/certs and small business program representations are referenced; verify exact submission instructions).
• WAWF invoicing readiness (including the required receiving report type—verify in attachments).
• If applicable, warranty statement aligned to the solicitation (one-year warranty is referenced in the NAVSUP WSS cable assembly notice—verify by CLIN).
• Any required attestations related to supply chain security and cybersecurity certification notices (verify in attachments).
• For DLA items: ensure your quote is submitted electronically through the method specified in the solicitation (verify in the RFQ posting).

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

These buys read like unit-priced hardware procurements where the win often comes from matching the government’s form/fit/function expectations while keeping lead time and compliance friction low.

• Check prior awards for the same NSNs (the DLA notices provide NSNs for horn/signal and cable assembly). Use those NSNs to research historical pricing and award patterns in your usual pricing intelligence tools.
• Model IDC economics where DLA flags an Automated IDC: plan for multiple orders per year and evaluate how the guaranteed minimum quantity affects setup, testing, and packaging costs.
• Price the documentation burden: WAWF, inspection/acceptance, and any sea-transport/export packaging requirements can swing true cost—make them explicit in your internal basis of estimate.
• Risk-price drawings availability: where “specifications, plans, or drawings are not available,” avoid underpricing re-engineering or reverse-validation effort.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Team with a shop that specializes in cable assembly manufacturing and test/verification if you are primarily a distributor.
• Use a logistics partner experienced with depot routing and OCONUS consolidation to reduce late-shipment risk.
• If you are not an approved source on the horn/signal item, consider teaming with an approved-source manufacturer (if allowed) or focusing effort on the NAVSUP WSS opportunities where source restrictions are not shown in the snippet.

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Approved source limitation: the DLA horn/signal notice lists approved sources; confirm whether alternate sources can be considered and what proof is required.
• Drawings/specs availability: DLA horn/signal explicitly states specs/plans/drawings are not available—confirm you can quote with confidence.
• Bilateral acceptance requirement: NAVSUP WSS cable assembly notice indicates the resultant award will be issued bilaterally and requires written acceptance prior to execution.
• Clause updates/amendments: NAVSUP WSS control/alarm snippet references an amendment dissolving an SBSA and updating clauses—ensure you are quoting against the latest terms.
• Compliance clauses: supply chain security prohibitions, Buy American/FTA language, transportation by sea, and cybersecurity certification notices are referenced—verify applicability and flowdowns.
• Stop-work order clause is present in NAVSUP WSS control/alarm language—factor schedule/production flexibility into planning.

Related opportunities

• CONTROL,ALARM (NAVSUP WSS)
• 63--HORN,SIGNAL (DLA Aviation)
• 61--CABLE ASSEMBLY,SPEC (DLA Aviation)
• 61--CABLE ASSEMBLY,SPEC (NAVSUP WSS)

How to act on this

1. Pick the best-fit notice(s) and open the solicitation link(s) to confirm attachments, specs, and submission method.
2. For DLA items, validate whether you are an approved source (or whether alternate-source quotes will be evaluated).
3. Build a quote that explicitly covers delivery timing, inspection/acceptance, and WAWF steps.
4. Do a quick NSN-based check of prior award history to ground your pricing and lead-time strategy.
5. Submit electronically before the stated deadlines.

If you want a second set of eyes on your bid/no-bid decision, compliance hot spots, or quote structure, engage Federal Bid Partners LLC to support your response development.