Open federal opportunities

Filter Element, Fluid

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA SHIPYARD.NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD GF · Response deadline: Thu, 05 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

NAVSEA's Norfolk Naval Shipyard is soliciting bids for filter elements for fluid systems used in military applications. This is a supply contract for industrial machinery components that go into naval shipboard or related fluid-handling systems. Filter elements in this classification typically clean hydraulic fluid, fuel, lubrication oil, or coolant streams to protect pumps, valves, and engines from particulate damage. Small businesses in industrial filtration, aerospace components, or maritime supply should evaluate whether their products meet government specifications. See the solicitation for exact technical requirements, testing standards, and qualified product lists.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses under the Small Business Set Aside – Total program. Your business must qualify as small under NAICS 333413 (Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing), which generally means meeting size standards based on average annual receipts or employee counts.

To compete, you must be registered in SAM.gov with active status. Your entity should have experience manufacturing or supplying industrial filtration components, particularly for military or heavy-duty applications where reliability and specification compliance are critical. If you lack direct defense contracting experience, consider partnering as a subcontractor or pursuing a mentored relationship through SBA's All Small Mentor-Protégé Program for future opportunities. First-time NAVSEA contractors should also verify their facility security clearance needs—filter elements for shipboard use may require specific quality certifications.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand the product standards. NAICS 333413 covers air and fluid purification equipment, but defense filter elements often must meet MIL-SPEC standards, ASTM testing protocols, or NAVSEA drawing requirements. Check whether the solicitation references specific military standards and whether your existing product lines qualify or require modification.

Validate supply chain and lead times. NAVSEA shipyard operations depend on predictable component availability. Demonstrate your production capacity, inventory management, and ability to surge if needed. Your proposal should emphasize reliability and on-time delivery track records.

Price strategically. Total small business set-asides can attract strong competition. Research historical prices for similar filter elements through FPDS.gov or USAspending.gov. Factor in Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses, including Buy American Act requirements and flow-down provisions to any subcontractors.

Address logistics for Portsmouth delivery. The place of performance is the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia. Clarify shipping requirements, packaging for naval supply systems, and any dock accessibility or security procedures for deliveries.

Review past performance weighting. If the solicitation requires past performance references, prioritize contracts with defense agencies, maritime operators, or other federal entities where you supplied comparable industrial components under tight specifications.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation N4215827QE003 on SAM.gov immediately. The response deadline is November 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time—a tight six-day window from the October 30, 2026 posting. Download all attachments, confirm technical specifications against your capabilities, and submit your proposal through SAM.gov's electronic system well before the cutoff. Given the compressed timeline, prioritize verifying your SAM registration status and entity validation if you are not already fully active in the system.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →