Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz (U.S. Navy photo by Samuel Osborn)
Come see the U.S. Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in New York City in the before its Dismantling which is scheduled to happen the year 2027. It will be in the International Naval Review (INR) 250 in for celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Honoring 250 Years of Navy and Marine Corps history.
The USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the lead ship of the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers was first deployed on July 7, 1976
Events Happening in the New York Harbor July 3-8, 2026
For details see https://www.navy.mil/Navy-250/Events/INR-2026/
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cFolders access disappeared, What’s TDMT and how can I get access?
Anytime someone makes a change to a Government website there are sure to be issues, well, this week is no different.
If you sell to the Defense Department, use DIBBS or SAM to look for open government solicitations you’ve probably lived through many website disasters. Looking for Government solicitations on the DLA Internet Bid Board System or DIBBS was challenging this week as there were several days of NO POSTED solicitations. This just happen to coincide with the rollout of the New Drawing Access System on June 22, 2026.
If you are a regular DIBBS user who needs access to DoD drawings you might rely on the link in the thousands of PDF solicitations posted every day that says “WHEN TECHNICAL DATA IS PROVIDED IT MUST BE OBTAINED” AT: https://pcf1x.bsm.dla.mi…
Well, that link goes to the now retired cFolders Tech Data access portal, showing the following message shown below.
If you’ve ever called this help desk, well probably not the best way to handle this issue, especially when there is a direct path to the answer. Who had the great idea to put up a splash page to a general help line instead of fixing the issue like to change the text in the PDFs or possibly redirect the URL – Maybe AI created their website.
The current way to access DoD Technical Data and Drawings from the DIBBS website is to click on the link Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT) https://tdmt.dla.m… Shown below
Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT) Drawings Site
HOWEVER, if you don’t have a login already then what? This webpage shows no other links, How do you get a login? Government – Maybe show a link “Don’t Have an Account Click here.” Probably another AI generated web page.
So How do I get access to DoD Drawings?
There is a solution, 1st you need to create an AMPS account. Once the account is set up you will have the ability to set up your TDMT account. Make sure when registering in AMPS the email address you use is the same for your DIBBS account and your AMPS account.
Account Management and Provisioning System (AMPS) is the Defense Logistics Agency’s management system that sets up your access to DoDs computers to provide the resources you need such as drawings. If you are a DLA Vendor you only need a basic AMPS account which in turn will provide a TDMT Vendor Role to get Drawings.
Once set up in AMPS you should be able to log into TDMT to get Drawings at https://tdmt.dla.mil/ this will provide access to procurement technical data relating to DIBBS RFPs, and RFQs. TDMT registration questions they can be submitted via email to: techdatapmo@dla.mil
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NAVAIR Testing a Mantis SHH in the Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron
The Department of Defense (DoD) has a few open solicitations relating to Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) items. The RFPs, RFI, and Solicitations showing this week are out of various Department of the Navy and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) offices.
Specific offices that were found buying parts for Navy Ships:
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst
Naval Supply (NAVSUP) Systems Command, Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville
Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC)
DLA Troop Support Construction and Equipment Division
New Aircraft tugs Wanted
RFI: NAVAIR NAWC is interested in information potentially leading to the replacement of the A/S32A-47, Shipboard Helicopter Handler Extra Low Profile (SHH-ELP) and the Multi-Aircraft Nose/Tail Integrated System (MANTIS). This GSE is basically a battery powered remote control Aircraft Tug that grips the front wheel of the aircraft be able to move the aircraft around the deck. These specific Aircraft Tugs are used on the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) to move Helicopters. Aviation Ground Support Equipment (GSE) such as this is typically called either Aircraft Handlers or Aircraft Tugs. They are currently used on the Littoral Combat Ships to move the MH-60R Sikorsky SEAHAWK helicopters and MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter between the flight deck and the hangar bay. Curtiss-Wright INDAL Technologies division has manufactured this type of item
Other RFPs – Items used Littoral Combat Ship:
Main Propulsion Diesel Engine (MPDE) Hour Maintenance Kits
Flight Deck Nets
Pressure Tank
Power Operated Winch Drums
Specific Littoral Combat Ships mentioned were the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and USS Oakland (LCS 24).
A simple keyword search in BidLink such as “LCS” or use the Federal Supply Class (FSC) 1730 for Ground Support Equipment bids or FSC 2815 for Diesel Engines and Components bids or if you like NAICS codes use 333618 to show Engine Part results.
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DLA Aviation will be issuing a five year contract for supply of duct assemblies for the B1-B aircraft. The solicitation is for the Transition Engine Bleed Air Duct Assembly NSN 1560-01-470-6681. It includes a sub assy, tubes, support flange, transition, nameplate, flange, check valve, clamps, doubler, and bellows. Weight not to exceed 7.62lb, made of Steel Comp 321. Technical data is available for this item.
This item was produced by Senior Operations and was last sold to the military by Corgistics, Inc. for $78,235 each in quantity of two. A larger order of 11 units was sold for $74,592. DOD anticipates buying 40 ducts assemblies each year over the five year contract term.
The maximum value of the solicitation is $14,999,999. All offers due by July 27, 2026.
To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A7-26-R-0624 into Search for Anything at the top.
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DLA Troop Support has issued a solicitation for 990 tactical helmets. The solicitation mentions Chase Tactical part number CT-BUMP1-BK, but is not limited to that source. If you can provide a helmet with similar specifications you are encouraged to submit a bid. The solicitation is set-aside for small businesses.
This helmet was recently sold to the military by Atlantic Diving Supply for $115 each in small quantities. Other suppliers include Kampi Components and Vertex, LLC. Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at $114,000.
The NSN of this item is 8470-01-698-7150. All offers due by July 23, 2026.
To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE1C1-26-Q-0328 into Search for Anything at the top.
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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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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:
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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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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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:
NSN
Item
Annual quantity
Last price / vendor
5330-01-147-6003
Packaging
405
$1.71 / Triman Ind.
5330-01-234-2618
Gasket
895
$15.28 / Kampi
5330-01-348-8345
Gasket
251
$26.75 / BC Tech
2530-01-474-5785
Parts kit, ball joint
26,271
$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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