1620‐00‐117‐7326 (25‐R‐0426)

The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation is procuring 143 units of shimmy dampers for T-38 aircraft through solicitation SPRHA1-25-R-0426, with National Stock Number 1620-00-117-7326 and multiple accepted part numbers including 3-43902-7, 1397L000-509, and 5078L000-2. This acquisition is restricted to qualified sources, specifically Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Northrop Grumman Technical Services, Goodrich Corporation, and CIRCOR Aerospace Inc., with strict pre-contract award qualification requirements including submission of a qualification article for comprehensive testing. The solicitation includes first article testing requirements with an evaluation cost of $125,000, and successful qualification requires the component to undergo testing for dimensional accuracy, material composition, processing, form, fit, and function. The contract will be awarded on a fixed-price basis with evaluation factors prioritized as price being most important, followed by past performance. The proposal submission deadline is July 16, 2025, with required delivery on or before January 30, 2026.

This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designations and is open to the four pre-qualified manufacturers, with Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation appearing as a current manufacturer based on the engineering data documentation. The solicitation was amended to increase the quantity from the original 66 units to 143 units, demonstrating increased government requirements for this critical aircraft component. The contract includes two bid options (Bid A and Bid B) with different first article testing approaches and delivery timeframes ranging from 180 to 365 calendar days depending on the selected option. The place of performance is the United States, with delivery specified to DLA Distribution Depot Hill at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. While specific contract values are not disclosed, the critical nature of this high-strength steel forging component for aircraft mission capability and crew safety suggests significant value given the stringent qualification requirements and comprehensive testing protocols required.