15--PROBE,REFUELING,AIR, IN REPAIR/MODIFICATION OF
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS PHILADELPHIA.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Wed, 21 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of the Navy, through NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia, is soliciting for repair and modification services for an airborne refueling probe. The item is classified under Federal Supply Classification 1560, which covers aircraft components and accessories. Specifically, the requirement involves a "PROBE, REFUELING, AIR" — a critical flight component used on military aircraft to receive fuel mid-flight from tanker aircraft.
Air-to-air refueling probes are precision-engineered components subject to extreme operational stresses, including aerodynamic forces, fuel exposure, and repeated extension/retraction cycles. Repair and modification work on these items typically involves specialized aerospace processes: non-destructive testing, precision machining, corrosion treatment, seal replacement, and potential engineering changes to extend service life or improve reliability. See the solicitation for the specific repair scope, technical requirements, and any associated data deliverables.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Philadelphia |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0038326QLA40 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted competition) |
| Response deadline | October 21, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This solicitation is unrestricted — any qualified business, regardless of size or socioeconomic status, may submit a bid. The work falls under NAICS code 336413: Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. Firms in this industry typically produce or repair aircraft components, flight hardware, and aerospace structural items.
To compete, your firm must demonstrate capabilities in aerospace repair, including likely requirements for:
- Quality systems: AS9100 certification or equivalent quality management for aerospace is typically expected for military aircraft component work
- Specialized processes: NADCAP accreditation for applicable processes (non-destructive testing, welding, heat treating, etc.)
- Government contracting experience: Past performance on similar defense aviation repair contracts, particularly with Navy or Air Force programs
- Security clearance: Facility clearance and personnel clearances may be required depending on technical data classification; see the solicitation
- Production capabilities: Equipment and skilled labor for precision aerospace repair work
Small businesses are eligible to compete but will face full and open competition without set-aside protection.
How to put together a competitive bid
For unrestricted aerospace component repair solicitations, focus on these elements:
Technical approach: Detail your specific experience with refueling system components or similar critical flight hardware. Describe your repair processes, testing protocols, and how you ensure airworthiness compliance. Include relevant NADCAP and AS9100 certifications with expiration dates.
Past performance: Provide at least two recent contracts of comparable dollar value and technical complexity. Emphasize ON-time delivery rates, quality metrics (scrap/rework rates), and customer satisfaction scores from Navy or other DoD aviation customers.
Pricing strategy: Analyze your actual costs carefully — unrestricted competitions often draw experienced large defense contractors. Consider whether teaming with a larger prime or submitting as a subcontractor might improve competitiveness if direct bidding seems unrealistic.
Proposed schedule: Demonstrate capacity to meet required delivery timelines without disrupting existing commitments. Turnaround time is often critical for operational readiness items.
Risk mitigation: Address supply chain continuity, especially for specialized materials or OEM data access that may constrain repair options.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number N0038326QLA40. The posted date shows October 21, 2026 — the same day as the response deadline, so time is critically limited.
Verify deadline requirements: The response deadline is October 21, 2026 at 4:30 PM EDT. Confirm whether this allows sufficient time for proposal preparation and submission system processing.
Download all attachments including specifications, statement of work, packaging requirements, and any data item descriptions.
Assess facility and personnel readiness against stated requirements before committing proposal resources.
Contact the contracting officer promptly with any questions; given the tight timeline, prioritize clarification requests that materially affect bid/no-bid decisions.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →