BALL JOINT
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, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Mechanicsburg, is soliciting proposals for the procurement of BALL JOINT components. This requirement is for Special Emphasis Material (Level I, Scope of Certification, or Quality Assured) for crucial shipboard systems, where incorrect or defective material could lead to serious injury, loss of life, or loss of vital shipboard systems. The solicitation, originally a Total Small Business Set-Aside, has been amended to be Unrestricted. Proposals are due by May 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will supply ball joint components in accordance with NAVSEA drawing 596-7409397 Assembly A and associated Engineering Reports. Key requirements include:
- Material Certification: Quantitative chemical and mechanical analysis for specific parts (Lower Body, Retainer, Ball, Flange, Stud, Self-Locking Nut) using materials like QQ-N-281, MIL-DTL-1222, QQ-N-286, and ASTM-D4066.
- Extensive Testing: Visual, Dye Penetrant, Hydrostatic, Liquid Penetrant, Quality Conformance, and Ultrasonic Inspection, adhering to standards such as T9074-AS-GIB-010/271, MIL-STD-2035, and MIL-DTL-1222.
- Radiography: Required for Joint Number J2031.
- Manufacturing Specifications: Detailed requirements for Teflon coating, ball spherical surface waviness, K-MONEL fasteners (heat treatment, mechanical properties), internal thread formation (cutting only), and thread inspection (FED-STD-H28 series).
- Quality Assurance: Implementation of a quality system (ISO-9001 or MIL-I-45208 equivalent), comprehensive traceability for Level I/SUBSAFE materials, detailed material handling, receiving, and final inspection procedures.
- Welding/Brazing: Procedures and qualification data must be submitted for review and approval, adhering to S9074-AR-GIB-010A/278, 0900-LP-001-7000, or S9074-AQ-GIB-010/248. Repair welding is prohibited on QQ-N-286 material.
- Configuration Control: Contractor must maintain equipment baseline configuration, and all waivers/deviations or Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) require Contracting Officer approval.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Solicitation
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (originally Total Small Business, dissolved by Amendment 0002)
- Response Due: May 22, 2026, 4:30 PM Local Time
- Published: May 6, 2026 (latest amendment)
- Final Delivery: On or before 365 days after the effective date of the resulting contract.
Evaluation
NAVSUP WSS Mechanicsburg will consider past performance in the evaluation of offers, in accordance with FAR 13.106(a)(2) and DFARS 252.213-7000.
Additional Notes
This is a "DX" rated order for national defense use under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and is issued pursuant to Emergency Acquisition Flexibilities (EAF). Access to classified drawings (830-6404016 - CONFIDENTIAL) is required for award, potentially necessitating a facility clearance, but not for submitting a quote. Offerors must request access to drawings on SAM.gov and email the Primary POC. Portsmouth NSY's DODAAC has changed to N50286. Molybdenum disulfide thread lubricants are prohibited; Anti-galling compound A-A-59004 must be used.