Breechblock Forging (Rough Machined), per drawing number 12591138, Rev B, for 105mm M20
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.ACC-CTRS.ACC-DTA.W6QK ACC WVA · Response deadline: Wed, 04 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Army is soliciting bids for manufacturing work on a critical artillery component. Specifically, the government seeks a contractor to produce breechblock forgings (rough machined) for 105mm M20 weapon systems, manufactured to drawing number 12591138, Revision B.
A breechblock is the heavy, movable steel component that seals the rear of a gun barrel during firing and allows loading and unloading of ammunition. For 105mm artillery systems—the standard NATO light field gun caliber—the breechblock must withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, requiring specialized forging and machining capabilities. The "rough machined" specification indicates the contractor will produce forgings to near-final dimensions, leaving finish machining and fitting for later production stages.
This type of defense manufacturing falls under NAICS 332111 (Iron and Steel Forging), which covers custom forged metal products made from purchased iron and steel. Forging operations for military applications typically require specific certifications, material traceability, and adherence to military standards for metallurgical properties and dimensional tolerances.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command (ACC-WVA, Watervliet Arsenal) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | W911PT27QA009 |
| NAICS | 332111 — Iron and Steel Forging |
| Set-aside | None (Full and Open Competition) |
| Response deadline | November 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Watervliet, New York |
Who can bid
This solicitation has no set-aside designation, meaning it is open to all responsible bidders regardless of business size or socioeconomic status. Both large and small businesses may compete.
To bid effectively, offerors should realistically assess whether they possess:
- Forging capabilities: Access to forging equipment (hammer, press, or ring rolling) capable of handling the specified steel alloys and component geometry for artillery breechblocks
- Rough machining capacity: CNC machining centers with sufficient rigidity and precision for large, hard steel forgings
- Defense manufacturing experience: Familiarity with military specifications, first article inspection requirements, and government quality systems
- Material sourcing: Ability to procure certified steel meeting military ballistic and metallurgical standards
Small businesses with forging expertise should not self-exclude, but should recognize that this work typically demands significant capital investment and established defense supply chain relationships.
How to put together a competitive bid
Given the specialized nature of this requirement, bidders should focus on several practical areas:
Technical compliance: Obtain and thoroughly review drawing number 12591138 Rev B to understand exact forging geometry, material specifications, and machining allowances. The solicitation will specify whether the government provides the forging dies or requires contractor-developed tooling.
Pricing strategy: Forging costs depend heavily on material utilization, die life, and heat treatment cycles. Request any available government-furnished information about estimated quantities or delivery schedules—see the solicitation for specifics, as the metadata does not indicate contract duration or volume.
Quality system: Watervliet Arsenal requirements typically demand AS9100 or ISO 9001 certification plus compliance with specific military standards (MIL-STD-961, MIL-STD-45662, or successor standards). Verify current certification status.
Past performance: Document relevant experience with artillery components, large steel forgings, or Army manufacturing contracts. Similar work on M119, M777, or legacy 105mm systems strengthens proposals.
Solicitation provisions: Review all special contract requirements, inspection clauses, and any packaging/shipping specifications unique to Watervliet Arsenal delivery.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number W91PT27QA009 to obtain complete technical specifications, pricing instructions, and evaluation criteria
- Note the deadline: All proposals must be submitted by November 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time—no extensions should be assumed
- Request clarifications early if drawing interpretation or requirement details are unclear; allow adequate time for response before proposal preparation
- Register in SAM.gov if not already active, ensuring compliance with federal contracting requirements including representations and certifications
View the official notice on SAM.gov →