CONE,INLET,AIRCRAFT
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 Navy is soliciting bids for a cone, inlet, aircraft—a component used in aircraft engine intake systems. These inlets manage airflow into jet engines, serving functions like compression, steadying air delivery, and protecting engine faces from debris or aerodynamic disruption. Typical applications include military aircraft where precise airflow engineering affects performance, fuel efficiency, and engine life.
Work under NAICS 336412 falls within the Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing industry. This classification covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing aircraft engines and engine parts, auxiliary power units, and components such as inlets, compressors, and exhaust systems.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0038327QSA34 |
| NAICS | 336412 — Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | December 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside restriction. Any responsible business—large or small—that can meet the technical, quality, and delivery requirements may bid. This includes:
- Small manufacturers in aircraft/aerospace components, even though no small-business preference applies
- Large defense contractors with existing aerospace supply chains
- Specialty machine shops capable of producing tight-tolerance engine inlet components to military specifications
Bidders will likely need experience with defense procurement regulations, quality systems (AS9100 or equivalent), and familiarity with Naval Aviation supply chain requirements. Past performance on similar aerospace components may be evaluated.
How to put together a competitive bid
Focus on technical exactness. Aircraft inlet cones operate in extreme thermal and pressure environments; dimensional precision, material traceability, and non-destructive testing are critical. See the solicitation for exact specifications (material alloy, coating requirements, geometric tolerances, and testing protocols).
Demonstrate manufacturing capability. NAVSUP WSS typically requires evidence of production capacity, in-process inspection capabilities, and approved suppliers for special processes (heat treating, welding, etc.). Document your shop's equipment, relevant certifications, and workforce qualifications.
Address logistics and lead times. NAVSUP Philadelphia manages wholesale material support for Navy and Marine Corps aviation. Understand whether this is a single delivery, multi-year requirement, or involves inventory stocking arrangements. See the solicitation for quantity and delivery schedule details.
Price strategically for open competition. Without a set-aside, you'll compete against established aerospace suppliers. Build your cost basis on actual manufacturing hours, material costs with volatility buffers, and overhead—but avoid "buying in" unsustainably. Research historical pricing for similar NSN items if available.
Complete SAM registration and representations. Ensure your SAM.gov entity registration is active, and submit all required representations and certifications accurately.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0038327QSA34—this notice contains only metadata; all technical specifications, quantities, inspection requirements, and clauses are in the complete document.
Note the deadline: Responses are due December 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Allow buffer time for system submission issues.
Contact the contracting officer listed in the full solicitation with any clarification questions; responses to inquiries may be posted as amendments.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →