NSN 1680-015818046, aircraft diverter strip, wsdc: 17N, aircraft, hawkeye E-2C

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify companies capable of manufacturing or legitimately obtaining NSN 1680-015818046, an Aircraft Diverter Strip for the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. Interested parties must demonstrate their ability to manufacture the product to equal or superior quality standards compared to the current item and submit responses by November 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time to Tatjana Klemmer at tatjana.vaughan@dla.mil. Companies seeking approval as an "Approved Source" must submit a Source Approval Request (SAR) package through the SAR Program, which requires comprehensive technical documentation proving manufacturing competency and product equivalency or superiority. The evaluation will focus on a contractor's ability to meet the technical specifications and quality standards outlined in the Aviation Source Approval and Management Handbook, with particular emphasis on Critical Safety Items and Critical Application Items procedures. This notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding solicitation or commitment by the government to award a contract; no funds are available for response preparation, and all submissions are strictly voluntary.

This is a non-set-aside procurement currently supplied by two manufacturers: Northrop Grumman Systems Corp (CAGEs 26512, 70974, and 79RG9) under part number 60979-1232, and Lightning Diversion Systems LLC (CAGE 61391) under part number LDS10-01-64-1-OV-00W-1232. The Aircraft Diverter Strip falls within the Miscellaneous Aircraft Accessories and Components product service code (PSC 1680) and Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing NAICS category (336413), indicating this is a specialized aviation component. No specific award value or quantity requirements are stated in this sources sought notice, as the primary objective is market research to identify potential alternate sources rather than soliciting offers. The Source Approval Request process noted in the supporting documentation indicates that review timelines can exceed 180 days, and contractors must verify cost-effectiveness through the DLA Supplier Requirements Visibility Application before submission. Interested vendors should reference the AVN SAR Submit Instructions and the SAR Handbook for detailed procedures on preparing and submitting their qualifications packages.