PACKING NUT
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS MECHANICSBURG.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT MECH · Response deadline: Mon, 16 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Department of the Navy, through NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Mechanicsburg, is soliciting bids for packing nuts—a type of hardware used in piping and valve systems to create a compressible seal. Packing nuts are common in marine and industrial applications, particularly aboard naval vessels and in shore facilities where they help maintain watertight or pressure-tight integrity in valves, pumps, and actuators. This falls under FSC 4730, which covers pipe fittings and valves.
This is a straightforward supply procurement: the government seeks a vendor to provide a manufactured metal product to military specifications. The work does not appear to involve installation, engineering, or services beyond manufacturing and delivery.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Mechanicsburg (Dept. of the Navy) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N00104-27-Q-BB21 |
| NAICS | 332919 — Other Metal Valve and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 16, 2026, 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This solicitation is full and open with no small-business set-aside. Any responsible manufacturer or supplier capable of producing packing nuts to military requirements may bid, including:
- Large manufacturers of valve and pipe fittings
- Small businesses with relevant manufacturing capabilities
- Nontraditional contractors with approved subcontracting arrangements
Given the NAICS code 332919, bidders should have experience in metal valve or pipe fitting production, particularly threaded or machined components. Prior defense or maritime supply experience is advantageous but not necessarily required if you can meet the technical and quality requirements.
How to put together a competitive bid
For a manufactured hardware item with full and open competition, focus on these elements:
Technical compliance above all. Naval packing nuts typically must meet specific military or federal specifications (such as MIL-SPEC standards) for material, threading, dimensions, and corrosion resistance. Obtain the exact specification from the solicitation and verify your production capability before bidding.
Quality systems matter. NAVSUP WSS generally requires suppliers to maintain quality assurance programs traceable to ISO standards or equivalent. Be prepared to document your inspection processes, material certifications, and lot traceability.
Compete on total evaluated price. With no set-aside, you may face large established defense contractors. Scrutinize your material costs, machine setup, and shipping to geographies common for NAVSUP deliveries (often East Coast or overseas military destinations). Consider whether economies of scale from other production runs can support aggressive pricing.
Past performance and delivery reliability. NAVSUP tracks contractor delivery performance rigorously. If you have prior Navy or DLA contracts, highlight your record. New entrants should emphasize production capacity and any commercial experience with similar demanding customers.
Shipping and packaging requirements. Defense logistics often have specific marking, packaging, and documentation rules (military standard or commercial equivalent). See the solicitation for exact requirements.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N00104-27-Q-BB21 to obtain specifications, quantities, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria.
- Note the deadline: proposals are due November 16, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time—plan for system submission time and any required SAM.gov registration updates.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →