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Brand Name ASHCROFT PRESSURE GAGE, ASHCROFT MODEL 1279 QA Sheet Updated 10/7/2026

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA SHIPYARD.PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD GF · Response deadline: Wed, 07 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard intends to purchase a brand-name pressure gauge manufactured by Ashcroft. The specific item is the Ashcroft Model 1279, a pressure measurement instrument used in industrial and marine applications. Pressure gauges in this class are used to monitor and display fluid or gas pressure in piping systems, machinery, and process equipment—critical components for shipyard operations that maintain and repair naval vessels.

The requirement specifies a QA Sheet (Quality Assurance Sheet), indicating the government requires documented verification of the gauge's calibration accuracy, material certifications, or conformance to technical specifications. This is typical for instrumentation procured for military use, where precise measurement reliability affects safety and operational readiness.

Because this is a brand-name justification procurement, the government has determined that only the Ashcroft Model 1279—or its substantial equivalent, if any competition is permitted—meets its requirements. See the solicitation for the specific technical characteristics, quantity, and any approved alternate brands.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved for small business concerns under NAICS 334513. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this code, which is typically 1,000 employees for manufacturing NAICS codes, though you should verify the current standard at SBA.gov. You must also be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active status, and your NAICS 334513 must appear in your SAM profile.

If you do not manufacture Ashcroft gauges directly, you may still qualify as a distributor or dealer authorized to supply the brand-name product. The solicitation will indicate whether the government will accept quotes from authorized resellers or requires direct manufacturer certification. See the solicitation for any mandatory sources of supply or dealer authorization requirements.

How to put together a competitive bid

For brand-name instrument procurements at Navy shipyards, competitive bids typically succeed through these steps:

Verify product exactness. Confirm your proposed Ashcroft Model 1279 matches all part numbers, ranges, dial sizes, connection types, and material specifications in the solicitation. Pressure gauges have numerous configurations; a mismatch in pressure range, wetted material, or accuracy grade can disqualify your quote.

Prepare quality documentation. Assemble the required QA Sheet with calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards, material test reports for wetted parts (often 316 stainless steel or Monel for marine environments), and any shipyard-specific quality clauses.

Price strategically. Brand-name solicitations often attract multiple authorized distributors. Research your competitive position on price, freight to Kittery, Maine, and delivery timeline. The government typically evaluates on lowest price technically acceptable for such buys.

Confirm small business representation. Ensure your SAM profile, representations, and any applicable socioeconomic certifications (WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB if applicable) are current, as these may affect evaluation despite the total small business set-aside.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation documents on SAM.gov using solicitation number N3904027Q0117 immediately. The deadline of October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET is the same date the QA Sheet was updated, suggesting limited turnaround time. Verify whether this is a one-time buy or part of a recurring shipyard requirement, and confirm exact quantity and delivery expectations in the full text before preparing your quote.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →