PAE Maneuver Air – The new home of the Black Hawk Helicopter

Alaska Army National Guard in a UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter

Recently the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA (ALT)) reorganized procurement processes by consolidating Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and transitioned to a new system where Capability is front and center.

In this new system Capability Program Executives (CPEs) operate under Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs).  This restructuring replaces current Program Executive Offices (PEOs) with a structure that aligns programs under broader capability portfolios ensuring resources, priorities and outcomes are better synchronized across the Army’s modernization efforts.  The reorganization puts increased focus on capabilities rather than on individual programs. Portfolio Acquisition Executives will own a comprehensive “Capability Area” aligned to the emerging Army Warfighting Concept.

There are six (6) Portfolio Acquisition Executive organizations:

  • PAE Agile Sustainment and Ammo
  • PAE Command and Control and Counter Command and Control
  • PAE Fires
  • PAE Layered Protection and CBRND
  • PAE Maneuver Air
  • PAE Maneuver Ground

All Portfolio Acquisition Executives report to both ASA(ALT) & T2COM

PAE Acquisition professionals will play a direct role in shaping outcomes, rather than navigating layers of approvals.  This means clearer responsibilities, quicker coordination and a culture that prioritizes getting needed capabilities into Soldiers’ hands without being slowed by unnecessary procedural steps.

PAE Maneuver Air consolidated both PEO Aviation and Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) into one group. This reorganization helps to streamline processes and consolidate oversight under this newly created portfolio. 

The PAE Maneuver Air team manages both CPE Aviation and CPE Special Programs Air

Capability Program Executive (CPE) for Aviation is Rodney Davis.  The mission of this office is to design, develop, deliver, and support advanced aviation capabilities for our warfighters and allies.   

There are eight (8) CPE Aviation Project Offices:

  • Apache Helicopters
  • Cargo Helicopters
  • Utility Helicopters
  • Aviation Mission Systems & Architecture
  • Aviation Turbine Engines
  • Fixed Wing
  • Future Long Range Assault Aircraft
  • Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

The Sikorsky Black Hawk Helicopter managed through its Utility Helicopters Project Office (UHPO) formally under PEO Aviation is now PAE Maneuver Air.  The Army has plans to keep the UH-60M Helicopter in service well beyond 2050.

Sustainment of the BlackHawk Helicopter:

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is the leading procurement arm of ALL Armed Services posting 1000’s of solicitations every day.  If you are seeking solicitations such as UH-60 Helicopter spare parts, this is the place to find these government opportunities.

Specifically the DLA Aviation Huntsville, Depot Level Repairable (DLR) Procurement Operations office buys these types of items.  This office is located at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville Alabama.  Regarding Helicopters, DLA Aviation’s forward presence teams are also found at Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) in Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama.

AMCOM is the Army’s lead organization for aviation sustainment maintenance, providing support for all aviation platforms. PAE Maneuver Air is in partnership with AMCOM. 

In addition to the Army the Sikorsky BlackHawk helicopter is also used by multiple agencies such as the Customs and Border Protection and Army National Guard.

DoD 101 – Department of Defense (DoD) Acronyms

As there are 1000’s of Acronyms used within the DoD this section defines a few Acronyms used within this article.

Program Executive Officer (PEO)

Definition: A military or civilian official assigned program responsibilities for Acquisition Category (ACAT) I and sensitive classified programs, or for any other program determined by the Component Acquisition Executive (CAE) to require dedicated executive management.

Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs)

A team of subject matter experts with authority to direct program outcomes, move money, and quickly adjust system features to deliver on time and under budget.

Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) – T2COM redefines how the Army generates, develops, and designs its forces to ensure readiness at the speed of relevance, enabling the integration and synchronization of force generation, force development and force design to transform how the Army brings together technology and doctrine at speed.

Assistant Secretary of Army, Acquisition Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)) – Acquisition and materiel development The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) is basically the top of the Organizational Chart as it relates to the reporting the Army Commands (ACOM): U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) and U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) report direct to (ASA(ALT))

Capability Program Executives (CPEs) are part of a restructured approach within the U.S. Army aimed at enhancing the acquisition and delivery of military capabilities, focusing on a capability-centric model rather than a program-centric one.

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Surge & Sustainment appearing in solicitations

An F/A-18F Super Hornet performs an arrested landing using Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)
An F/A-18F Super Hornet performs an arrested landing using Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

We are starting to see Surge & Sustainment appear in current solicitations in response to the Defense Department’s need to resupply after recent incursions in Iran and Venezuela.

Surge and sustainment (S&S) means increased quantities and accelerated delivery rates required to meet Military Service requisitions across a broad spectrum of contingencies. The increased quantity and accelerated delivery rate are above and beyond the normal peacetime requirements, and are identified as MWR, D1-D6 schedule, or a surge quantity event.

In addition to increasing the military’s inventory, the sustainment part means DOD is supporting manufacturer’s long-term to guarantee supply in the future. During military draw-downs in the past, companies closed their facilities, destroyed tooling, and fired employees causing long-term damage to the supply chain. Realizing this, DOD now supports companies by offering long-term contracts that allow them to commit to new equipment, facilities, and staff.

Solicitations that include S&S have clauses that look like:

NOTICE TO OFFERORS: NEW SURGE REQUIREMENTS APPLY. SEE PROCUREMENT NOTES BELOW:


– C06 SURGE AND SUSTAINMENT (S&S) REQUIREMENTS
– L18 SURGE AND SUSTAINMENT (S&S) REQUIREMENTS – INSTRUCTIONS
– L19 SURGE AND SUSTAINMENT (S&S) – CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT PLAN (CAP)
– M07 SURGE AND SUSTAINMENT (S&S) EVALUATION


CONTRACT LINE-ITEM 0002 REPRESENTS THE MONTHLY WARTIME RATE (MWR) FOR THE SURGE PORTION OF THIS SOLICITATION. THE SURGE DELIVERY SCHEDULE IS 3 EVERY 30 DAYS FOR SIX (6) MONTHS. OFFERORS MUST COMPLETE THEIR CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT PLAN (CAP) ELECTRONICALLY USING THE WORLD WIDE WEB INDUSTRIAL CAPABILITIES PROGRAM (WICAP) WEBSITE.

S&S is usually represented as a separate line item showing the additional quantities required. Suppliers have to prove to the government that they can handle the additional quantities when responding to the proposal.

Below is a solicitation that includes Surge & Sustainment:

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$300,000 solicitation for dial pressure gauges

Sikorsky Seahawk SH-60B

Sikorsky Seahawk SH-60B

DLA Aviation is soliciting dial pressure gauges (NSN 6685-01-161-8612) used on the Sikoirsky Seahawk helicopter. This gauge has a range of +40 to +200 PSI with 20 PSI gradations. This solicitation is set-aside for small business. Total quantity is 111 units.

The last company to sell these to the military was Pacific Scientific for $2,690 in quantity of 123. Prior to that, Jamaica Bearing sold them for $3,001 in quantity of 176. The price increased from $973 in 2022.

Based on an analysis of past procurement pricing we estimate the value of this contract at $300,000. The awardee has 158 days to deliver the goods.

Offers due by June 4, 2026.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A5-26-T-190C into Search for Anything at the top.

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$560,000 solicitation for F-15 bumper

F-15 Eagle
F-15 Eagle

DLA Aviation has issued a pre-solicitation which will result in a two year contract for F-15 bumper assemblies. This announcement precedes the solicitation to give manufacturers more time to get approved to supply this part. The formal solicitation will be issued on or about June 8, 2026.

The last company to supply this bumper (NSN 1560-01-045-0371) was Maven Engineering which sold 621 units for $875 each. The first article test item cost the government $1,200. Although the solicitation says F-15, technical characteristics and next higher assembly indicate this item is for the F-16.

The announcement states annual demand of 320 units for total of 640 over two years. However DLA’s annual demand database shows 2,180 annual demand with 20 in stock and 880 on back-order.

Based on past procurement history we estimate the value of this contract at $560,000. Drawings are available and the contract is set-aside for small businesses.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A7-26-R-0578 into Search for Anything at the top.

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$4.4 Million solicitation for truck parts (HEMTT)

DLA Land and Maritime will be issuing a five year contract for supply of parts for the HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck). The contract will last for five years against which DLA will issue periodic delivery orders. There are four line items in the solicitation:

NSNItemAnnual quantityLast price / vendor
5330-01-147-6003Packaging405$1.71 / Triman Ind.
5330-01-234-2618Gasket895$15.28 / Kampi
5330-01-348-8345Gasket251$26.75 / BC Tech
2530-01-474-5785Parts kit, ball joint26,271$33 / Triman Ind.

Based on past procurement history, we estimate the value of this contract at $4.4 Million.

All offers due by June 17, 2026.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE7LX-26-R-X025 into Search for Anything at the top.

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$72 Million five year contract for duffel bags

DLA Troop Support has issued a solicitation which will result in a five year contract for duffel bags. The military will purchase 2.4 Million bags over the contract term.

The solicitation includes two styles of bags, regular and improved:

NSNAnnual DemandUnit Price
8465-01-117-8699200,000$23.38
8465-01-604-6541280,000$35.53

The last company to supply these to the military was Park Industries at the prices above. Quantities on these orders were 228,800 and 156,800 respectively. DLA has an estimated minimum of 600,000 and a maximum of 4,950,000 total over five years.

Based on this we estimate the value of this contract at $74 Million. All offers are due by June 30, 2026.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE1C1-26-R-0054 into Search for Anything at the top.

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$3 Million contract for anchor shackles

DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation for Anchor Shackles (NSN 4030-01-622-9684). These Alloy Bolt Type Anchor Shackles are 1-3/8″ with a 21 ton (42,000 lbs) load capacity. The contract to be awarded will have five base years with an annual demand of 4,009 units each year.

They were last sold to the military by Alloy Sling Chains, Inc. for $159.32 in quantity of 43. A larger quantity of 5,002 was sold in the same year from Kampi Components for $155.84ea. The price has increased from $89 in 2023.

The total estimated quantity over the contract term is 20,045 units with a guaranteed minim of 949. Periodic delivery orders will be sent to the awardee over the life of the contract. Vendors have 144 days from delivery order to deliver the goods.

Based on past procurement history pricing we anticipate the value of this contract at $3.1 Million.

All offers due by May 1, 2026.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A6-26-R-X694 into Search for Anything at the top.

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$500,000 solicitation for HMMWV wiring harness

This High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle
This High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle

The Defense Logistics Agency has issued a solicitation for branched wiring harnesses (NSN 5995-01-184-2228). These cable assemblies are 96″ long with 4 branched connectors. It’s used for communication and is found in the HMMWV. Annual demand for this item is only 33 units, but DLA indicates that there are 3,446 units back-ordered.

The last company to sell this cable to the military was Aero-Tel wire which sold them for $148.47 in quantity of 178. Based on past procurement history pricing this contract could be worth close to $500,000.

This solicitation is set-aside for small business. All offers due by May 7, 2026.

A technical data package is available so new companies can compete.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A6-26-Q-0755 into Search for Anything at the top.

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DLA top contractors / supply classes for April 2026

Looking at the first three weeks of DLA purchases we have identified the top contractors and which supply classes are making the most money.

CompanyApril sales
SUMMIT SHOJI INC.$54,439,945
GLOBAL ADVANCED METALS USA, INC.$45,210,000
CENTRAL LAKE ARMOR EXPRESS, INC.$32,366,880
BETHEL INDUSTRIES, INC$32,276,160
SLATE SOLUTIONS, LLC$31,037,760
RIO TINTO SERVICES INC.$24,806,432
SRI INTERNATIONAL$24,000,000
COASTAL PACIFIC FOOD DISTRIBUTORS,$21,105,496
CBMM NORTH AMERICA, INC$20,029,987
PROPPER INTERNATIONAL, INC.$18,750,875
HARDWICK TACTICAL CORPORATION$17,336,837
AMERIQUAL GROUP, LLC$17,001,239
ORIGINAL FOOTWEAR COMPANY, THE$16,183,279
KBR SERVICES, LLC$15,838,900
PAULEY RODINE INC$15,032,922
HARTECH GROUP LLC$14,408,826
BELLEVILLE SHOE MANUFACTURING$12,695,127
GIL SEWING CORP.$12,260,823
C5MI INSIGHT LLC$11,709,732
WINSTON-SALEM INDUSTRIES FOR THE$11,194,457
BETHEL YUUT LLC$11,107,800
MCRAE INDUSTRIES, INC.$11,013,289
ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC.$10,448,207

As to which supply classes are bringing in the most sales volume, body armor is still #1. Of course food and clothing are always in the top 25.

FSC / PSCTitleSales volume
8470Armor, Personal$53,581,140
6505Drugs and Biologicals$40,862,426
9650Nonferrous Base Metal Refinery and Intermediate Forms$39,748,432
6830Gases: Compressed and Liquefied$38,316,545
8915Fruits and Vegetables$37,200,742
8970Composite Food Packages$32,805,495
8405Outerwear, Men’s$26,199,962
8415Clothing, Special Purpose$25,761,456
8430Footwear, Men’s$24,532,784
S222Housekeeping- Waste Treatment/Storage$22,222,140
9130Liquid Propellants and Fuels, Petroleum Base$19,268,699
1560Airframe Structural Components$16,968,690
4820Valves, Nonpowered$15,875,043
8905Meat, Poultry, and Fish$14,628,131
1680Miscellaneous Aircraft Accessories and Components$11,428,927
6150Miscellaneous Electric Power and Distribution Equipment$11,318,210
4220Marine Lifesaving and Diving Equipment$11,207,217
9640Iron and Steel Primary and Semifinished Products$9,999,994
5340Hardware, Commercial$9,677,259
3120Bearings, Plain, Unmounted$9,044,220
6850Miscellaneous Chemical Specialties$8,513,800
9150Oils and Greases: Cutting, Lubricating, and Hydraulic$8,090,088
8910Dairy Foods and Eggs$8,032,758
R425Non-Medical Technical Support$7,919,450

This list is limited to DLA, so larger orders on SAM are not included. SAM procurement history often lacks NSN / FSC data.

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$74,000 RFP for adhesive tape

DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation which will result in a five year contract for supply of black and white adhesive tape. This tape (NSN 5975-01-525-7728) is manufactured by Brother International part number TZ-S241. It’s 3/4″ wide, black / white, designed for labels. The tape is 27.2 feet long.

It was last sold to the military by Farmville Wholesale Suppy for $15.93 ea in quantity of 425. Other suppliers include Kampi Components, BDS Supply, and Szy holdings. DOD estimates that they purchase 945 units each year. The contract will last for five years. Minimum annual quantity is 268, but only the first year has a guaranteed minimum quantity.

This solicitation is set-aside for small business. All offers are due by April 20, 2026.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A7-26-R-X605 into Search for Anything at the top.

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