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16--HEAT EXCHANGER,AIR

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS PHILADELPHIA.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Fri, 04 Dec 2026

What the government is buying

The Department of the Navy, through NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Philadelphia, is soliciting bids for a heat exchanger, air (Federal Supply Classification 1660). This is a component procurement for military aircraft or weapon systems support. Heat exchangers in this classification are typically used in aircraft environmental control systems, cooling systems, or avionics thermal management—equipment critical to maintaining operational readiness of Navy aviation assets.

This is a direct parts procurement rather than a service contract. The work falls under NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), meaning the contractor will either manufacture or supply an air heat exchanger meeting military specifications.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside specified. Any responsible bidder—large or small business—may submit an offer provided they meet the technical qualifications.

Small businesses in aircraft parts manufacturing should be aware that without a set-aside, they will compete directly against larger defense contractors. However, if your firm manufactures or can source FSC 1660 heat exchangers meeting military specifications, you may still have competitive advantages through specialized capability, past performance, or cost efficiency.

For firms considering subcontracting arrangements: largePrime-small business teaming may be viable here given the unrestricted nature, though see the solicitation for any specific subcontracting limitations or goals.

How to put together a competitive bid

Verify technical requirements early. Heat exchangers under FSC 1660 must meet precise military specifications for pressure, temperature, flow rates, and materials. Obtain the full technical data package from the solicitation—drawings, performance specs, and qualification requirements. If you're not the original manufacturer, confirm you can access technical data or qualify as an alternate source.

Assess source certification. NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia typically requires Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) approval or qualification for aviation-critical parts. Determine whether the specific part number requires existing qualification or allows first article testing for new entrants.

Review contract terms carefully. Weapon systems support contracts often include unique provisions: Certificate of Conformance requirements, traceability documentation, military packaging standards (MIL-STD-2073), and priority ratings under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System. Pricing must account for these compliance costs.

Evaluate delivery and logistics. NAVSUP WSS operates integrated supply chains supporting global Navy operations. Confirm your production capacity and lead times align with required delivery schedules; performance bonds or liquidated damages may apply for late delivery.

Prepare complete documentation. Unrestricted solicitations draw competitive fields. Ensure your proposal addresses all evaluation factors—typically price, technical compliance, delivery schedule, and past performance. Any deficiencies in responsiveness typically result in elimination.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0038326QBA87. The complete technical specifications, quantity, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria are available only in the full solicitation package.

Note the deadline: All proposals must be received by December 4, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Allow adequate time for proposal preparation and any required registration or qualification updates in SAM.gov or the DLA's procurement systems.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →