48--ROD,OPERATING
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Navy, specifically NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, is soliciting proposals for Operating Rods for crucial shipboard systems. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. The material is designated as "SPECIAL EMPHASIS material" due to its critical application, requiring stringent quality control and certification. Offers are due by 4:30 PM EST on March 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
This solicitation requires the provision of Operating Rods in accordance with Naval Sea Systems Command drawing 7068535 item 61, and various ER drawings (ERH841-0311A2, A3, A7, A10, A12, A16, A45). Key requirements include:
- Material: QQ-N-286, form 2, annealed & age hardened, finish A, with no weld repair allowed.
- Testing & Certification: Quantitative chemical and mechanical analysis, annealing and age hardening tests, and ultrasonic inspection on starting material (for items 4 inches or greater in diameter/distance). Specific approved laboratories are listed for Slow Strain Rate Tensile Tests of QQ-N-286.
- Quality System: Contractors must maintain a quality system compliant with ISO-9001, amplified by ISO-10012 or ANSI-Z540.3 with ISO-17025, or MIL-I-45208 with MIL-STD-45662 calibration requirements.
- Traceability: Strict traceability from material to certification test reports is required, including unique traceability numbers marked on the material, and procedures for handling when markings are removed during processing.
- Inspections: Government Source Inspection (GSI) is required, and contractors must maintain records of all inspections and tests. Receiving and final inspections are detailed, including 100% inspection for traceability and certification data.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Solicitation
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Response Due: March 26, 2026, 4:30 PM EST
- Published: March 18, 2026
- Rating: Any awarded contract will be a "DO" rated order certified for national defense use under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS).
Quality Assurance & Compliance
Certification data, including Test Certifications (DI-MISC-80678) and Chemical/Mechanical Certifications (DI-MISC-81020), must be submitted to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) for review and acceptance prior to each shipment. Electronic signatures on Level I certification documents are accepted under specific controls. Waivers and deviations require review and approval by the Contracting Officer.
Additional Notes
Offerors should note the decreased quantity and the extended response date. The Electronic Contractor Data Submission (ECDS) system is available for data submissions and inquiries. Contact NOELLE.M.SMITH10.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL for further information.