Mandrels for the Watervliet Arsenal
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.ACC-CTRS.ACC-DTA.W6QK ACC WVA · Response deadline: Tue, 03 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Army is soliciting bids for mandrels through Watervliet Arsenal in New York. Mandrels are precision tools used in manufacturing processes—typically to shape, form, or support workpieces during machining, metalworking, or artillery component production. At Watervliet Arsenal, the country's oldest continuously active arsenal, this type of tooling supports cannon and gun tube manufacturing as well as other heavy metal fabrication work.
See the solicitation for specific technical requirements, quantities, delivery schedules, and exact specifications for these mandrels.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Army, Army Materiel Command, Watervliet Arsenal (ACC WVA) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | W911PT26QA139 |
| NAICS | 333515 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set-Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | November 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Watervliet, New York |
Who can bid
This opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses under SBA size standards. Your firm must qualify as small under NAICS 333515 (Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing), which carries a size standard that typically refers to the SBA's table of small business size standards for manufacturing. Verify your current size status in SAM.gov before bidding.
Eligible bidders should have:
- Active SAM registration (with not-to-expire status through award period)
- Appropriate NAICS codes in your SAM profile
- If applicable, relevant manufacturing or tooling experience
No specific certifications beyond small business status are indicated in the metadata, though see the solicitation for any additional requirements such as cybersecurity, quality systems, or trade-security controls.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the tooling requirement: Mandrels for arsenal use typically demand tight tolerances and may require specialty alloys or heat treatment. If you have experience with defense or heavy-industry tooling, emphasize comparable past performance. Review any military specifications (MIL-SPEC) or commercial item descriptions referenced.
Demonstrate manufacturing capability: For NAICS 333515 work, the government evaluates technical capability, quality control, and capacity to meet delivery. Prepare documentation of your equipment (CNC grinding, heat treatment, precision finishing), inspection methods, and relevant ISO or AS9100 certifications if applicable.
Price strategically: Army tooling contracts often weigh price heavily, but unbalanced pricing or failure to account for material cost escalation risks rejection. Request any government-furnished equipment or technical data packages referenced in the full solicitation.
Address supply chain and delivery: Watervliet Arsenal operates on production schedules tied to military readiness. Map your raw material lead times, in-house processing, and shipping to the required delivery dates. New York-based or regional suppliers may have logistical advantages.
Past performance: If you lack direct arsenal experience, cite comparable work for defense primes, aerospace, or heavy equipment manufacturers. Include contactable references and objective quality metrics (defect rates, on-time delivery percentages).
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number W911PT26QA139. Review all attachments, specifications, and amend/supplement notices for complete requirements.
Confirm your SAM registration is current and reflects eligible small business status.
Note the deadline: Responses are due November 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions are inadmissible. Submit through the method prescribed in the solicitation—typically SAM.gov or Army's designated procurement portal.
Monitor for amendments until deadline; post-award debriefing procedures are available if not selected.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →