NAICS 336412 pulse-check: DLA Aviation RFQs for engine/aircraft component NSNs (late Jan 2026)

Executive takeaway

Several DLA Aviation (Richmond) and DLA Land & Maritime (Columbus) notices posted 2026-01-27 align to NAICS 336412 and read like classic DLA supply buys: discrete NSNs, defined quantities, distribution-point delivery, and electronic-only quoting. Multiple items show approved source language (and others lack detail), so bid/no-bid decisions will hinge on whether you can quote as an approved source (or an acceptable alternate per the RFQ attachments) and meet the required delivery timelines.

What the buyer is trying to do

The buyer is procuring specific aviation/engine-related parts by NSN for delivery into the DLA distribution network. Across the listed opportunities, the emphasis is on:

• Fulfilling near-term and longer-lead replenishment needs (delivery requirements are stated in days ADO on several notices).
• Controlling technical risk via approved source procurement on certain NSNs.
• Running the buy as an RFQ with no hard copies and limited publicly stated technical detail (often noting that specifications/drawings are not available in the notice itself).

What work is implied (bullets)

• Review the RFQ package online and confirm the exact NSN, part number, and sourcing/qualification terms for each line item (several notices explicitly say the solicitation will be available via the notice link).
• Quote supply of the specified quantity and unit of issue, including packaging and shipment to the named DLA distribution location (e.g., W1A8 DLA Distribution; DLA Distribution Cherry Point is also referenced).
• Meet stated delivery requirements in days ADO where provided (examples include 136 days, 145 days, 343 days, 782 days, and multiple line-specific delivery dates).
• Confirm whether the buy is restricted to approved sources (explicitly stated on some notices) and whether alternates may be considered under the RFQ terms.
• Submit the quote electronically by the response deadline (several have deadlines of 2026-02-04; others differ or are not shown in the notice snippet).

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Who should bid
  • Manufacturers or distributors who can supply the exact NSN/part as an approved source where called out (e.g., items that list an approved source and identifier).
  • Firms experienced with DLA RFQs that can work within limited notice-level technical detail and rely on the posted RFQ/attachments for requirements.
  • Small businesses for the notice that indicates an SBA set-aside (verify set-aside type and eligibility details in the RFQ attachments).
• Who should pass
  • Vendors unable to meet “approved source” restrictions where stated and who do not have a clear path to acceptability under the RFQ.
  • Teams without a reliable electronic quoting workflow (these notices indicate electronic submission and no hard-copy solicitations).
  • Firms that cannot support the required delivery timelines in days ADO for the specific lines they intend to quote.

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

• Completed RFQ pricing/offer form (verify in attachments).
• NSN and line-item compliance confirmation (exact item offered matches the RFQ terms; verify in attachments).
• Delivery schedule acknowledgment in days ADO per line item (where stated in the RFQ; verify in attachments).
• Source/traceability documentation if required for approved-source items (verify in attachments).
• Any required technical/quality representations and certifications (verify in attachments).
• Electronic submission method and format exactly as instructed in the RFQ (the notice states quotes must be submitted electronically; verify portal/process in attachments).

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

These RFQs look like targeted replenishment buys with known NSNs and, in some cases, constrained sources. Practical pricing research steps:

• Start by mapping each RFQ to your cost driver (OEM sourcing vs. authorized distribution vs. internal manufacture) and whether the notice specifies an approved source.
• Use the delivery requirement (days ADO) as a lever: if you can commit faster delivery without added risk, consider whether that supports a more competitive total evaluated outcome (confirm evaluation basis in the RFQ).
• For items with limited public detail (“specifications, plans, or drawings are not available” in the notice), avoid pricing blind—pull all requirements from the solicitation package before finalizing your unit price.
• Where quantities are higher (e.g., 181 units on the parts kit notice; 149 sets plus additional lines on the blade set notice), evaluate whether volume supports better supplier terms or batching efficiencies—then decide whether to pass savings through to strengthen competitiveness.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Team with an authorized source or established distributor if the RFQ maintains an approved-source requirement and you are not currently positioned to supply directly.
• Use a logistics/packaging partner familiar with DLA distribution-point deliveries to reduce execution risk and avoid shipping/packaging noncompliance (verify packaging requirements in attachments).
• For the SBA set-aside notice, consider partnering with an eligible small business that already sells into DLA Aviation and can prime the quote (verify set-aside details in the RFQ).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Approved source constraints: multiple notices explicitly state approved sources; confirm whether alternates are acceptable and what documentation is required (verify in attachments).
• Limited notice-level technical detail: several state that specifications/drawings are not available in the notice; ensure you rely on the actual RFQ package before committing.
• Electronic-only submission: the notices emphasize electronic quoting and no hard-copy solicitations—late or misformatted submissions are an avoidable failure mode.
• Deadline variation: most show 2026-02-04, but others differ (e.g., 2026-02-09, 2026-02-11) or are blank—confirm the controlling deadline in the RFQ.
• Delivery timelines: days ADO requirements vary widely by item/line; align supplier lead times before quoting.

Related opportunities

• 28--DISK,COMPRESSOR,AIR (SPE4A526T7474)
• 29--PARTS KIT,MOTOR AND (SPE4A726T8527)
• 29--SWITCH,OVERSPEED CO (SPE4A726Q0383)
• 28--BLADE SET,TURBINE,A (SPE4A126T1292)
• 29--HOUSING,ENGINE DRIV (SPE7M426T5875)
• 28--ROLLER,CAM (SPE4A726RX360)
• 29--BELLOWS ASSEMBLY (SPE4A526T7471)

How to act on this

1. Pick 1–2 NSNs where you are already an approved source (or can clearly comply per the RFQ) and where the delivery timeline matches your supply chain.
2. Open each notice link and download the RFQ; confirm submission instructions, evaluation approach, and any required traceability/quality documentation (verify in attachments).
3. Build a quote that is clean, line-item accurate, and explicitly acknowledges delivery in days ADO.
4. Submit electronically ahead of the stated deadline and retain confirmation of submission.

If you want a second set of eyes on approved-source language, quote compliance, and how to position your submission, engage Federal Bid Partners LLC to support your response strategy and packaging.