Intent to Sole Source - PH Tools, LLC - Special Notice/Pre-Solicitation
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 Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) intends to award a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract on a sole-source basis to PH TOOLS, LLC for specialized micro-drilling services on c-canopy seal weld test props. These props are critical for the certification of nuclear non-destructive test inspectors. While NNSY intends to sole-source, responsible sources believing they can fulfill the requirements may submit capability statements by June 13, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will perform micro-drilling services on five Government-furnished blank c-canopy seal weld test props. This involves:
- Manufacturing test-prop c-canopies in accordance with NSTR-99 Qualification Examination Requirements for Nondestructive Test Personnel.
- Micro-drilling holes into each test prop at specific locations and sizes (1/64 inch or 1/32 inch diameter, with precise depths) as shown on NNSY-provided drawings.
- Creating an AutoCAD or similar answer key and a blank answer key corresponding to the individual test props. The work will be performed at the contractor's facilities, with completed props shipped to NNSY in Portsmouth, VA.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price (FFP)
- Intended Awardee: PH TOOLS, LLC (CAGE Code: 0NA33)
- NAICS: 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing)
- PSC: J998 (Non Nuclear Ship Repair (East))
- Estimated PoP: Start June 30, 2026, End December 31, 2026 (approx. 4-6 weeks after award).
- Required Delivery: By June/July 2026 to prevent lapse of inspector certifications.
- Contract Award: Expected June 2026.
- Published: May 29, 2026
Sole Source Justification & Opportunity for Others
NNSY intends to sole-source this requirement to PH Tool, LLC under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and FAR 6.302-1, citing PH Tool's unique capability to produce repeatable defects in the nuclear c-canopy welded joint design per NSTR-99. This is the only known company with this proven capability. Failure to receive these props by June/July 2026 will delay inspector re-certifications and nuclear inspections. However, in accordance with FAR 5.101(c)(4)(vi), all responsible sources may submit a quotation, bid, or proposal. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based on responses is solely at their discretion.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit capability statements via EMAIL ONLY to Contract Specialist Audrey Franklin (audrey.m.franklin2.civ@us.navy.mil) by June 13, 2026, at 12:00 AM EDT. Statements should be no more than five 8.5 x 11 inch pages (12 pt font, 1.5 spaced, bullet format) and must include:
- Company Name, CAGE code, Address, Business Size.
- Points-of-Contact (name, phone, fax, email).
- Documentation of ability to micro-drill Government-furnished c-canopy seal weld test props per NSTR-99, including specific hole sizes/depths.
- Documentation of lead times and ability to deliver by June 30, 2026.