NIIN:LLW2AA020/P/N:279A146-1/NOM:ESM REC PROCESSOR
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS PHILADELPHIA.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Thu, 22 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Navy is soliciting bids for an ESM REC Processor—electronic support measures recording equipment used in military aircraft or naval systems. NSN data identifies this as part number 279A146-1, NIIN LLW2AA020. ESM processors are central to signals intelligence missions: they intercept, record, and analyze electromagnetic emissions from enemy radar and communications systems to build threat libraries and support tactical decision-making.
Given the NAICS code and part numbering, this is likely a replacement unit for legacy platforms, possibly the E-2 Hawkeye, P-3 Orion successor systems, or another maritime patrol/ISR aircraft where Northrop Grumman (legacy Grumman) equipment is prevalent. The "REC Processor" function specifically handles the recording and playback of intercepted signals for post-mission analysis and training.
The solicitation does not indicate a small-business set-aside, meaning this procurement is open to all qualified offerors regardless of business size.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy (NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0038327QF192 |
| NAICS | 336413 — Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | October 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT |
| Place of performance | Owego, NY |
Who can bid
Any business—small or large—that meets the Navy's qualification requirements may bid. Under NAICS 336413, the Small Business Administration's size standard typically uses employee-based thresholds; see the solicitation for the specific standard applicable to this contract.
Potential bidders should expect to demonstrate:
- Technical manufacturing capability for military avionics or RF/signal processing equipment
- Quality systems certified to AS9100 or MIL-STD requirements typical for defense aerospace suppliers
- Past performance delivering similar ESM, ECM, or ISR subsystem components to DoD or prime contractors
- Security clearance eligibility if the processor interfaces with classified signal parameters (see the solicitation for classification level)
The "No Set aside used" designation means full and open competition. Small businesses will compete directly with major defense contractors that have historically supplied this equipment family.
How to put together a competitive bid
For avionics replacement parts with established NSNs, pricing and delivery typically dominate source selection:
Technical response: See the solicitation for exact specifications, but ESM processors generally require form-fit-function equivalence to the original design. Propose identical or approved alternate components with full technical data packages. If offering a re-designed unit, prepare to substantiate backward compatibility and interface compliance with the host aircraft's ESM suite.
Pricing intelligence: Research prior contract awards for this NSN through USAspending.gov or FPDS to benchmark competitive ranges. sole-source or limited-competition history may indicate this item has few qualified sources, creating opportunity if you have the technical capability.
Supply chain verification: Confirm availability of obsolete components or plan for DMSMS (diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages) mitigation. The processor's age may require strategic sourcing of legacy semiconductors or FPGA equivalents.
Delivery schedule: Propose realistic lead times that account for long-lead RF components, environmental testing (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461), and potential JITC interoperability certification.
Place of performance implications: Owego, NY has significant defense electronics manufacturing presence. If your facility is remote, factor shipping inspection and potential government source inspection at destination into your plan.
Next steps
- Access the full solicitation N0038327QF192 on SAM.gov immediately—only two days remain until the October 22, 2026 deadline.
- Download all attachments including specifications, drawings, and provision/clause requirements.
- Submit questions through SAM.gov before any stated Q&A deadline; with this short fuse, same-day clarification may be necessary.
- Confirm your SAM registration is active and your entity's NAICS 336413 is properly listed.
- Submit your offer electronically through SAM.gov by 2:00 PM EDT on October 22, 2026—late submissions are inadmissible in federal procurement.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →