17--TOWBAR,AIRCRAFT
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Philadelphia, PA is soliciting proposals for Aircraft Towbars (NEW SPARES). This requirement involves Critical Safety Items (CSI), necessitating engineering source approval by Naval Air Systems Command. Only approved sources are eligible for award, though new manufacturers may submit a Source Approval Request by the closing date. Proposals are due May 29, 2026.
Scope of Work
This solicitation is for the procurement of new spare aircraft towbars. The components are classified as Flight Critical and Critical Safety Items (CSI), requiring stringent quality control and engineering source approval. Key requirements include:
- Manufacturing, testing, and inspection in accordance with drawing 6532D787, Revision T, and referenced specifications.
- Development of a system for individual piece part traceability.
- Compliance with MIL-STD 130 for markings.
- MIL-STD 2073 packaging.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Solicitation
- Set-Aside: None
- Product Service Code: 1730 (Aircraft Ground Servicing Equipment)
- Proposal Due: May 29, 2026, 6:00 PM UTC
- Published: May 27, 2026
Key Requirements
- Source Approval: Mandatory engineering source approval by Naval Air Systems Command. Companies not previously approved must submit a comprehensive Source Approval Request (SAR) by the solicitation's closing date, including configuration drawings, process sheets, purchase orders, comparative analysis, and inspection method sheets.
- Quality Assurance: Extensive QA requirements, including potential pre-award surveys, post-award conferences, and NAWCADLKE inspection surveillance. Critical and major characteristics, plating, hardness, and non-destructive testing require 100% inspection.
- First Article Testing (FAT): Required for one uncoated unit. The contractor must conduct all necessary tests, provide facilities and personnel, and submit a First Article Test Report within 15 calendar days of testing. A waiver for FAT may be granted for offerors with recent, identical production history from the same facility, provided specific certification and dual pricing are submitted.
- Interim Inspections: Required at the contractor's location for specific part numbers (e.g., P/N 6532B068-1), covering heat treatment, hardness, magnetic particle, and dimensional inspections.
- Contractor Assist: The contractor must provide adequate facilities, inspection equipment, skilled personnel, gauges, tools, fixtures, and rigging for required inspections.
Additional Notes
Drawing Update Sheet TDR 25-10043 is incorporated and applicable; TDR 25-10103 does not apply. No drawings are available directly with the solicitation. For QA matters and inspection notifications, contact Jose G. Torraca (jose.g.torraca.civ@us.navy.mil) at NAWCADLKE QA. All records pertaining to ALRE CSI/CAI manufacture and inspection/test must be maintained for seven years.