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12--PERISCOPE,TUBE,OUT

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS MECHANICSBURG.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT MECH · Response deadline: Thu, 05 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Navy is soliciting bids for a periscope tube, outer—a component used in submarine systems. Periscope tubes are critical optical-mechanical assemblies that allow submerged submarines to visually observe surface and aerial activity. The "outer tube" typically refers to the external housing or structural casing that protects the internal optical prism and lens train while withstanding deep-sea pressure and corrosive saltwater environments. This type of procurement falls under the Navy's ongoing maintenance and modernization of its submarine fleet, which relies on periscopes for navigation, surveillance, and tactical awareness when operating at depth.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no set-aside program, meaning any qualified business—small or large—may submit a bid. The NAICS code 333310 covers "Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing," which includes optical instrument and lens manufacturing. Eligible bidders should have capabilities in one or more of: precision metal fabrication, optical-mechanical assembly, pressure vessel manufacturing, or defense subcontracting experience with Navy maritime systems.

Small businesses are not excluded, but they will compete directly against larger defense contractors. If you are a small business, your competitive advantages typically include agility, specialized niche expertise, and potential past performance on similar submarine components. Ensure your business is registered in SAM.gov and that your NAICS 333310 is active in your profile.

How to put together a competitive bid

For submarine periscope components, the government evaluates bids heavily on technical compliance and quality assurance rather than price alone.

Technical specifications: Obtain the complete solicitation from SAM.gov to identify exact material requirements, dimensional tolerances, pressure ratings, and corrosion resistance standards. Periscope outer tubes commonly require specialized stainless steel or titanium alloys with specific hull-compatibility certifications.

Quality systems: Be prepared to demonstrate AS9100 or ISO 9001 certification, plus any Navy-specific quality requirements such as MIL-STD-2035 or NAVSEA technical specifications. First article inspection and testing protocols are common for this equipment class.

Security clearance: Evaluate whether the full solicitation requires facility security clearance or personnel clearances. Submarine components often involve controlled technical data.

Past performance: Document comparable manufacturing experience, especially for undersea pressure-bearing structures or prior Navy/DOD contracts. If you lack direct periscope experience, highlight analogous precision fabrication work.

Subcontracting strategy: Small businesses without complete in-house capability should identify teaming partners early. The compressed timeline between posting (October 16) and deadline (November 5) leaves minimal room for relationship-building.

Pricing: Develop cost realism for specialized material procurement, precision machining, non-destructive testing, and extended lead times common in defense optics manufacturing.

Next steps

1. Download the full solicitation immediately from SAM.gov using solicitation number N0010426RFG66. The posted notice contains minimal detail; all requirements, deliverables, and clauses reside in the complete solicitation documents.

2. Verify your SAM.gov registration is active and includes NAICS 333310.

3. Note the firm deadline: November 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time—late submissions will not be considered.

4. Assess feasibility quickly given the approximately three-week response window; engage technical and legal review teams promptly if proceeding.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →