16--FRAME,SEAT,AIRCRAFT, 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: Sat, 28 Nov 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 aircraft seat frames. This falls under aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing, a specialized area of defense logistics.
Aircraft seat frames are critical structural components that must meet strict military aviation standards for safety, durability, and performance under extreme conditions. Repair and modification work in this category typically involves structural assessment, welding or fabrication, corrosion treatment, reupholstery integration, and testing to ensure airworthiness. Given the NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), this work supports military aircraft sustainment rather than new production.
This is a competitive solicitation with no set-aside, meaning businesses of any size can bid, including large contractors. Small businesses interested in this opportunity will compete directly against all other qualified firms.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Philadelphia |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0038326QFB63 |
| NAICS | 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) |
| Set-aside | None |
| Response deadline | November 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
Any qualified business—small or large—may submit a bid on this unrestricted solicitation. To compete effectively, a contractor typically needs:
- FAA repair station certification or equivalent military-approved fabrication/repair capabilities
- Experience with aircraft structural components, preferably military seating systems
- Necessary security clearances or facility clearances if handling technical data or visiting military installations
- Quality systems meeting AS9100 or ISO 9001 standards, often required for aviation work
- Capability to meet military specifications (MIL-SPEC) for materials, processes, and testing
Small businesses without direct seat frame experience may still qualify if they demonstrate transferable expertise in aircraft structural repair and can meet the technical requirements. see the solicitation for specific certification and past performance requirements.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the scope precisely. "Repair/modification" could range from depot-level overhaul to field-level refurbishment. Review the Statement of Work carefully to determine labor categories, material sourcing responsibilities, and whether the government provides technical data or requires reverse engineering.
Price strategically. With no set-aside, expect competition from established defense contractors. Consider whether you can offer cost advantages through lean repair processes, strategic material sourcing, or location benefits. Analyze whether this is a firm fixed-price or cost-type contract—see the solicitation for contract type.
Demonstrate relevant performance. NAVSUP WSS values proven track records in similar Navy or DoD aviation logistics support. Highlight any prior contracts for seat components, ejection systems, or crew restraint equipment. Include detailed case studies with measurable outcomes (turnaround times, quality metrics, cost savings).
Address supply chain and obsolescence. Military seat frames, especially for legacy aircraft, often involve hard-to-source materials or out-of-production subcomponents. Propose solutions for lead time challenges and source approval.
Prepare for inspection and acceptance. Military aviation repair contracts typically involve rigorous first article inspection, in-process surveillance, and serialized traceability documentation. Detail your quality assurance plan explicitly.
Next steps
Download and read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using the number N0038326QFB63. The complete document will contain the detailed Statement of Work, delivery requirements, evaluation criteria, and exact place of performance. Note the firm deadline of 4:30 PM Eastern Time on Friday, November 28, 2026—with no set-aside, competition may be substantial, so allow ample time for proposal preparation and any required SAM.gov system registrations.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →