Headspace Gauges
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 Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, under the Department of the Navy, is soliciting proposals for the procurement of Headspace Gauges. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity for a Firm Fixed-Price contract. The requirement is for multiple headspace gauges manufactured in accordance with specified technical drawings and specifications. Proposals are due by June 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
This solicitation seeks to acquire various headspace gauges for rifle cartridges, including both shoulder-breeching and belt-breeching types. The gauges must conform to precise technical specifications, dimensions, material requirements, and quality standards.
Key Requirements
- Gauge Specifications: Gauges must meet detailed specifications for various calibers, including "GO" (minimum) and "NO-GO" (maximum) dimensions.
- Materials & Heat Treatment: Shoulder-breeching gauges require SAE-AISI 8620 Steel or equivalent, heat-treated to Rockwell C 60-64. Belt-breeching gauges require SAE-AISI 4140 Steel or equivalent, heat-treated to Rockwell C 60-64.
- Tolerances & Finish: Specific geometric tolerances (e.g., perpendicularity within 0.0002" TIR) and surface finish requirements (e.g., 16 microinches Ra for bearing surfaces) are mandated.
- Labeling: Each gauge must be permanently labeled with "SAAMI MINIMUM (GO)" or "NATO MINIMUM (GO)", "SAAMI MAXIMUM (NO-GO)" or "NATO MAXIMUM (NO-GO)", nominal headspace dimension, caliber, and manufacturer's identification.
- Certification: Third-party certification/calibration is required for critical dimensions, including a detailed report.
- Documentation: Vendors must provide CAD drawings for each gauge, detailing critical dimensions, tolerances, material, heat treatment, surface finish, and revision level.
- Packaging: Individual packaging in a labeled, durable storage container is required.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
- Duration: Structured into five potential contract years.
- Value: Minimum quantity of 1, with a maximum contract value of $2,000,000.00.
- Set-Aside: 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- PSC: 1005 - Guns, Through 30 Mm.
- NAICS: 332994 - Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing.
Submission & Evaluation
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on a Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach.
- Factors: Technical Approach (demonstrating capability via product literature/capabilities document and a GO/NO GO matrix) and Past Performance (evaluated via Supplier Performance Risk System - SPRS).
- Required Submission Documents: Signed SF 1449, all pricing on CLINs, product literature/capabilities document, completed Technical Evaluation Matrix, proof of small business status, and a current SAM.gov account.
- Monitoring: Vendors must monitor SAM.gov for any further amendments.
Important Dates & Contacts
- Proposal Due Date: June 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.
- Primary Contact: Alicia Dobbyn (alicia.a.dobbyn.civ@us.navy.mil)
- Secondary Contact: Andrew Ficklin (andrew.b.ficklin.civ@us.navy.mil)
- SAM Registration: Required; information available at SAM.gov or 1-866-606-8220.