6140-01-055-0435 (26-R-0248)

The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation (DLA Aviation) is soliciting proposals for the manufacture and supply of 403 Storage Application Batteries for F-16 aircraft, identified by National Stock Number (NSN) 6140-01-055-0435 and part number 16VE013003-1. Key contract requirements include strict adherence to military and international packaging standards (MIL-STD 2073-1, MIL-STD 129, ASTM D3951, and ISPM 15), comprehensive preservation and marking protocols, compliance with leaded solder specifications as mandated by the Air Force, and manufacturing qualification meeting stringent technical and verification standards. Potential contractors must complete a Manufacturing Qualification Requirements (MQR) process, which typically requires approximately 180 days and an estimated investment of $10,000 to demonstrate facilities, testing capabilities, and compliance with government specifications. The solicitation was issued on December 29, 2025, with offers due on February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The contract will be awarded on a firm fixed-price basis with delivery required by April 30, 2027, and the government will accept early and partial deliveries at no additional cost.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside restricted to six qualified sources: SAFT America Inc., Thermal Electronics Inc., Spencer Industries Inc., Aerospace Maintenance Solutions LLC, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Gulton Industries Inc. The procurement falls under NAICS code 335910 (Battery Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,250 employees. Performance of work will occur in the United States, with the contracting office located at DLA Aviation in Ogden, Utah at Hill Air Force Base. The solicitation requires contractors to comply with engineering data requirements and specialized technical documentation, including nickel-cadmium battery specifications and Foreign Disclosure Office approval procedures for any foreign-owned company involvement. Less than truckload shipment is permitted, and the contract represents a critical supply requirement for maintaining operational readiness of the F-16 aircraft fleet.