CYLINDER,COMPRESSED
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS MECHANICSBURG.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT MECH · Response deadline: Fri, 20 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapons Systems Support activity in Mechanicsburg is soliciting bids for cylinders for compressed gases, a standard piece of industrial equipment used throughout military operations. These cylinders—classified under federal supply class 8120—are the pressure vessels that store and transport compressed gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and various industrial or medical gas mixtures. The Defense Department uses these across shipboard systems, aviation support, maintenance facilities, and medical operations.
NAICS code 332420 identifies this as "Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Manufacturing," covering the production of welded, heavy-gauge metal containers designed to hold contents under pressure. This type of manufacturing involves specialized welding, hydrostatic testing, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) pressure vessel standards. Given NAVSUP's role as the Navy's primary logistics support organization, these cylinders likely support fleet readiness and weapons system sustainment worldwide.
No set-aside program applies to this solicitation; it is open competition with no restrictions to small business categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, or women-owned small businesses.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0010426QFF50 |
| NAICS | 332420 (Metal Tank Manufacturing) |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 20, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | see the solicitation |
Who can bid
Any responsible offeror—small or large business—may submit a bid. Because this is full and open competition with no set-aside, the field includes:
- Small manufacturers registered in SAM.gov with NAICS 332420
- Large defense contractors with existing NAVSUP relationships
- Resellers or distributors who can source compliant cylinders from approved manufacturers
Critical prerequisites include:
- Active SAM.gov registration (mandatory for all federal awards)
- Ability to meet DFARS and NAVSUP-specific contractual requirements
- ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality certifications typically expected for pressure vessel work
- Compliance with DOT 3AA, DOT 3AL, or applicable ASME Section VIII certification for compressed gas cylinders
Small businesses should note that without a set-aside, past performance and price competitiveness become decisive factors. Teaming with a larger manufacturer or pursuing a subcontractor role may be viable entry strategies.
How to put together a competitive bid
For heavy-gauge metal tank manufacturing, focus your proposal on these elements:
Technical compliance: Document your welding procedures, non-destructive testing capabilities, and hydrostatic test facilities. NAVSUP will require detailed specifications on material grades, wall thickness, valve configurations, and thread standards—see the solicitation for exact requirements.
Quality assurance: Emphasize your ASME "U" stamp certification, DOT special permits, and any Navy-approved source qualifications. Include your quality control plan for lot traceability and destructive testing sampling.
Pricing strategy: In full and open competition, price often dominates. Analyze your raw material exposure to aluminum and alloy steel markets. Consider economies of scale and whether your production schedule accommodates potential multi-year or option-period structures.
Past performance: Cite comparable contracts with DLA, other military services, or commercial gas suppliers. NAVSUP values demonstrated on-time delivery of certified products with minimal rejection rates.
Logistics capability: Given NAVSUP's worldwide distribution network, describe your packaging, preservation, and shipping procedures for hazardous materials ( cylinders are regulated for transport).
Next steps
- Download the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number N0010426QFF50
- Review all attachments for precise cylinder specifications, inspection requirements, and data deliverables
- Register or verify your SAM.gov status—processing can take several weeks
- Submit your response before 4:30 PM Eastern on November 20, 2026
See the solicitation for complete requirements, terms, and evaluation criteria.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →