15--THRUST REVERSER SEC, 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: Mon, 30 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Navy is soliciting offers for repair and modification services for thrust reverser sections. Thrust reversers are critical components on turbine aircraft engines that redirect engine thrust forward to help decelerate an aircraft after landing. The work involves maintaining, restoring, and potentially upgrading these complex aerostructures.
NAICS 336413 covers "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing," which includes the production, repair, and overhaul of aircraft engine components and aerostructures like thrust reversers. This type of work typically requires specialized technical capabilities in:
- Aerospace sheet metal fabrication and repair
- Composite material repair (many modern thrust reversers use carbon fiber or Kevlar)
- Non-destructive inspection (NDI) methods such as ultrasonic, eddy current, and X-ray testing
- Precision machining and dimensional restoration
- Protective coating application and surface treatment
- Detailed documentation and traceability per military aviation standards
Thrust reverser maintenance demands adherence to strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and military technical specifications, given the safety-critical nature of these components. Contractors generally need experience with military aviation supply chains and familiarity with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) quality requirements.
No set-aside program applies to this solicitation, meaning it is a full and open competition. All responsible sources may submit offers without small-business preference restrictions.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0038325QT569 |
| NAICS | 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice — see the solicitation |
Who can bid
Any responsible business—large or small—that meets the solicitation's technical and qualification requirements may bid. Because this is a full and open procurement, small businesses compete on equal footing with larger aerospace contractors.
Potential bidders should realistically assess whether they possess:
- Active fabrication and repair capabilities for turbine engine aerostructures
- Appropriate special process certifications (NADCAP accreditation is commonly required for aerospace work)
- Current Cage Code and registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
- Experience demonstrating successful past performance on similar military or commercial aerospace repair contracts
See the solicitation for specific experience requirements, facility certifications, and any mandatory source inspection obligations.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the technical scope precisely. Thrust reverser repair contracts specify exact part numbers, technical order references, and condition standards. Request clarification through SAM.gov if the repair versus replacement boundaries are unclear.
Demonstrate relevant past performance. NAVSUP WSS evaluates demonstrated capability on similar military engine component repairs. Prepare narrative descriptions and past performance questionnaires from comparable contracts, emphasizing on-time delivery and quality metrics.
Address supply chain and lead time risks. Repair programs often require replacement of life-limited or obsolete subcomponents. Identify your sourcing strategy for proprietary parts and explain how you manage turnaround time uncertainty.
Price strategically for repair work. Unlike fixed-price manufacturing, repair contracts carry variability in material scope. Determine whether the solicitation uses firm fixed price, fixed price with economic price adjustment, or another mechanism. Structure your proposal to capture reasonable cost recovery for unforeseen damage discovered during teardown.
Confirm special testing and inspection requirements. Thrust reversers undergo pressure testing, functional cycling, and dimensional verification. Verify your facility's capacity or subcontracting plan for any required testing NAVSUP WSS mandates.
Submit through the designated electronic portal. Most NAVSUP WSS solicitations use the Navy's Electronic Business (Navy EB) system or SAM.gov; see the solicitation for exact submission protocols.
Next steps
Access the complete solicitation N0038325QT569 on SAM.gov. Review all attachments, including the statement of work, applicable drawings, and FAR/DFARS provisions. Note the firm response deadline of November 30, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET—late submissions are typically non-negotiable. Plan to submit early to resolve any technical difficulties with the submission system.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →