CONNECTOR,PENETRATI
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS MECHANICSBURG.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT MECH · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Navy is soliciting bids for connectors, penetration—electrical components that pass signals or power through barriers such as hulls, bulkheads, or pressure walls while maintaining environmental integrity. These are standard parts in shipboard and submarine applications where maintaining watertight or airtight integrity is critical.
Items under Federal Supply Classification 5935 (electrical connectors) typically include threaded, flanged, or quick-disconnect connectors designed for harsh marine environments. Penetration connectors specifically allow cabling to pass through a physical boundary without compromising the barrier's protective properties. See the solicitation for exact specifications, quantities, and required configurations.
NAICS 335931 covers "Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing," which includes electrical connectors, receptacles, and similar apparatus. This is a manufacturing-oriented code, indicating the government expects offerors to produce or supply these components rather than simply broker them.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (Mechanicsburg) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0010426QFC04 |
| NAICS | 335931 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 6, 2025 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—may submit an offer, provided they can meet any applicable technical, quality, and delivery requirements.
Small-business competition will likely be stiff given the specialized nature of marine electrical components. Manufacturers with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality certifications, prior military connector experience, and Mil-Spec familiarity (such as MIL-DTL-5015, MIL-DTL-38999, or equivalent penetration connector standards) will have significant advantages.
If you are a small manufacturer of electrical connectors or a distributor with established supply chains for marine-grade penetration connectors, evaluate whether you can meet any .source inspection, first article testing, or Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) qualification requirements that may apply. See the solicitation for mandatory qualification clauses.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the technical requirements thoroughly. Penetration connectors for Navy use must satisfy exacting dimensional, material, and performance standards. Request any referenced military specifications and confirm your product—or your supplier's product—matches precisely. Even minor deviations can render a bid non-compliant.
Emphasize quality systems. NAVSUP WSS typically prioritizes suppliers with demonstrated quality management. Highlight your certifications, inspection capabilities, and traceability systems. If you lack direct military sales history, partner with an experienced subcontractor or present comparable commercial marine/aerospace experience.
Analyze delivery and packaging requirements. Defense supply chains have strict MIL-STD-129 marking and MIL-STD-2073 packaging standards. Calculate realistic lead times for materials like corrosion-resistant alloys or specialized seals; optimistic delivery promises that result in late delivery can trigger default.
Price strategically. In full and open competition, large manufacturers may have economies of scale. Small businesses should evaluate whether their niche capabilities, flexibility, or customer service justify a premium—or if they can compete on lean operations. Consider cost-volume analysis if the solicitation allows alternates or economic order quantities.
Verify your SAM registration and certifications. Ensure your SAM.gov profile is active, your NAICS 335931 is listed, and any claimed small-business or socioeconomic status is current.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number N0010426QFC04. Review all attachments, specifications, and clauses—mandatory requirements are often buried in Section C (Description/Specifications) and Section L (Instructions).
- Note the deadline: Responses are due November 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. SAM.gov timestamps are enforceable; late submissions are inadmissible.
- Submit questions early if any requirement is unclear; the solicitation will specify the point of contact and any Q&A cut-off date before the deadline.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →