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P-8A and E-7A Inlet Cowl Assembly Units

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVAIR.NAVAIR HQS.NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND · Response deadline: Mon, 09 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) plans to acquire Inlet Cowl Assembly Units for the P-8A Poseidon and E-7A Wedgetail aircraft programs. An inlet cowl is the forwardmost aerodynamic structure surrounding a jet engine's air intake, critical for directing airflow into the engine while withstanding extreme thermal, pressure, and structural loads during flight.

The P-8A is a military maritime patrol aircraft based on the Boeing 737-800, used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The E-7A is an airborne early warning and control platform, also derived from the Boeing 737 airframe, featuring a distinctive multi-role electronically scanned array radar mounted on top of the fuselage. Both aircraft share the CFM International CFM56-7B engine family, which uses similar inlet cowl architectures.

This requirement appears to cover replacement or spare assembly units rather than design services, given the specificity of the item description. Inlet cowls for commercial-derivative military aircraft typically include the outer skin, acoustic treatment, anti-ice systems, and structural frames. The work involves production of complex aerostructures with tight tolerances, specialized materials, and established military aviation quality standards.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation uses NAICS 336413: Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. Contractors must meet the size standard for this code, which is typically 1,500 employees; see the solicitation to confirm the applicable size standard. No small business set-aside applies—the procurement is full and open, meaning businesses of any size may compete.

Eligible bidders should have demonstrated capability in:

• Aerostructure manufacturing with complex contoured surfaces and tight tolerances
• Military aviation quality systems (AS9100 certification generally expected)
• NAVAIR or Boeing supply chain experience, particularly on 737-derivative military programs
• Production of engine nacelle components or inlet structures

Given the Chula Vista, California place of performance, bidders should evaluate their ability to perform work in the San Diego area or to establish operations there. Existing suppliers to Spirit AeroSystems (which historically produced 737 nacelles and inlet cowls in Wichita) or to Boeing's supply chain may have relevant transferable expertise.

How to put together a competitive bid

For full-and-open military aircraft parts competitions, successful bids typically emphasize:

Technical approach and past performance: Document experience with identical or similar inlet cowl, nacelle, or S-duct assemblies. Highlight contracts with Boeing Defense, NAVAIR, or other military aviation customers. Include defect rates, on-time delivery metrics, and any sole-source or preferred supplier designations.

Manufacturing readiness: Describe specific equipment for composite or metallic fabrication, CNC machining of large contoured structures, and acoustic liner installation. Address capacity to meet NAVAIR production rates for both P-8A and E-7A programs concurrently.

Quality and certification: Specify current AS9100 and NADCAP accreditation status. Detail experience with Source Inspection by Navy Quality or DCMA oversight, and with first article inspection requirements per MIL-STD-1916 or ANSI/ASQ Z1.4.

Cost realism: Develop realistic labor, material, and overhead rates. Given Boeing 737 heritage components, investigate whether technical data packages or tooling will be government-furnished or contractor-acquired—this significantly affects pricing risk.

Supply chain and logistics: Address long-lead raw materials (titanium, composites, acoustic materials), obsolescence management, and delivery schedules to Chula Vista. Identify any planned subcontracting arrangements and compliance with FAR 52.219-9 small business subcontracting plans.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N00019-27-RFPREQ-APM290-0248. The Combined Synopsis/Solicitation format typically means the notice contains or attaches the complete request for proposals with instructions, evaluation criteria, and technical requirements.

Note the firm response deadline of November 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions are not ordinarily accepted in NAVAIR competitions. Verify whether the solicitation requires proposal submission through the ASVAC system, Navy Electronic Commerce Online (NECO), or another designated portal, as submission mechanics for this notice are not specified in the available metadata.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →