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31--BEARING,BALL,DUPLEX

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS MECHANICSBURG.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT MECH · Response deadline: Tue, 01 Dec 2026

What the government is buying

The Department of the Navy, through NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support in Mechanicsburg, is soliciting for ball bearings, specifically duplex ball bearings. This falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 3110, which covers bearings, antifriction, unmounted. Duplex ball bearings are precision components typically used in pairs to handle combined radial and axial loads with high rigidity—common in aerospace, marine propulsion, and rotating machinery applications where minimal deflection is critical.

Bearings in this class must meet strict military specifications for material quality, dimensional tolerance, and performance under load. See the solicitation for exact part numbers, quantities, and technical requirements.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no small-business set-aside, meaning any responsible bidder—large or small—may submit an offer. However, the NAICS code 332991 (Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing) carries a 500-employee size standard, so manufacturers at or below this threshold qualify as small for other Navy programs even though this specific opportunity is unrestricted.

To compete, you must:

• Manufacture or have authorized distribution rights for bearings meeting FSC 3110 and any applicable military specifications (likely MIL-PRF or ANSI/ABMA standards)
• Be registered in SAM.gov with active registration through contract performance period
• Hold any required special security agreements if items are subject to export control (ITAR/EAR); bearing contracts frequently involve dual-use or defense-unique technology

How to put together a competitive bid

Technical compliance: NAVSUP WSS procurement emphasizes first-article testing and traceability. Verify whether the solicitation requires:

• Source inspection by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
• Material certifications (steel composition, heat treatment records)
• Lot serialization and country-of-origin documentation

Past performance: NAVSUP WSS Mechanicsburg manages long-term provisioning contracts for weapon systems support. Highlight experience with:

• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) or Navy bearing supply contracts
• ISO/AS9100 quality systems
• Obsolescence management and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources programs

Pricing strategy: Bearing solicitations often evaluate on lowest technically acceptable basis. Review historical pricing for comparable NSNs in DLA's Internet Bid Board System (iRAPT/FPDS). Factor in:

• Raw material volatility (specialty steels, ceramic hybrids)
• Lead times for forgings or custom races if not stocked
• Navy's Quality Assurance Program requirements

Packaging and markings: Defense supply chains require strict MIL-STD-129 and -2073 packaging. Noncompliant shipments risk rejection and payment withholding.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0010426QYA9Y—look for technical drawings, approved sources, inspection requirements, and exact quantities not shown in this metadata
2. Confirm your SAM registration is active and matches your NAICS code 332991
3. Note the deadline: Responses are due December 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time—NAVSUP WSS typically uses ASVAC or Sam.gov for electronic submission; verify method in the solicitation
4. Contact the contracting officer listed in the full notice with questions; do not assume requirements based on similar bearing solicitations

View the official notice on SAM.gov →