RETAINING NUT
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS MECHANICSBURG.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT MECH · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of the Navy, specifically NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support in Mechanicsburg, is soliciting offers for retaining nuts. This falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 5310, which covers nuts and washers. Retaining nuts are common hardware components used to secure fasteners, bearings, or other parts in mechanical assemblies—frequently in machinery, engines, or weapon systems where vibration or rotational forces could loosen standard fastening methods.
NAICS code 332722 identifies this as "Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing." This is mature, well-understood industrial hardware produced to military specifications. The buyer, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, manages logistics and supply chain support for Navy and Marine Corps weapon systems, suggesting these retaining nuts likely support sustainment of existing platforms rather than new development.
see the solicitation for exact quantities, part numbers, and technical specifications.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (Mechanicsburg) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0010426QFC68 |
| NAICS | 332722 (Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing) |
| Set-aside | None (no set-aside specified) |
| Response deadline | October 30, 2026, 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice |
Who can bid
This solicitation is unrestricted—no set-aside program is listed, meaning it is open to all responsible sources including large businesses, small businesses, and non-traditional defense contractors. However, small manufacturers registered under NAICS 332722 should verify their size status in SAM.gov; the Small Business Administration size standard for this code is typically 500 employees, though confirmation against current standards is advisable.
Given NAVSUP WSS's role in Defense Logistics Agency-managed supply chains, prospective bidders should hold or be eligible for FAR 52.225-5 Trade Agreements Act compliance and be prepared to meet DFARS specialty metal and domestic preference requirements common to fastener procurements. Active SAM registration is mandatory. Prior experience with military specifications (MIL-SPEC), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses, and quality standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100 would strengthen competitiveness, though the solicitation would state explicit requirements.
How to put together a competitive bid
For hardware manufacturing solicitations at NAVSUP WSS, competitiveness typically hinges on precision, proven compliance, and cost discipline:
Technical conformance: Obtain the full specification package to confirm thread standards, material grade, plating requirements, and any applicable MIL-DTL or MIL-STD references. Deviations usually require advance approval and add evaluation risk.
Quality systems: If the solicitation requires or gives preference to suppliers with AS9100, ISO 9001, or NAVSEA-approved quality programs, prepare documentation. Past NAVSUP WSS performance ratings, if applicable, carry weight.
Supply chain transparency: Map raw material sources, especially for specialty steels or alloys. DFARS 252.225-7008 and 252.225-7009 restrictions on specialty metals source from specified countries are near-certain to apply.
Lot control and traceability: Defense fasteners demand material certification, test reports, and serial/lot traceability. Price warehousing, packaging, and marking to Mil-Std-129 or comparable requirements.
Delivery reliability: NAVSUP WSS evaluates past delivery performance. Propose realistic lead times; late delivery on fastener contracts can trigger severe past-performance marks.
Small business positioning: Even absent a set-aside, small business status may earn evaluation preference or subcontracting targets if the solicitation includes such provisions.
see the solicitation for evaluation criteria and exact contractual terms.
Next steps
- Retrieve the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number N0010426QFC68
- Download all attachments including specifications, drawings, and clauses
- Confirm size standard and small business status at SBA.gov if pursuing small business advantages
- Note the hard deadline: October 30, 2026, 4:30 PM Eastern Time—late submissions are inadmissible
see the solicitation for submission method (likely via email or NAVSUP's electronic portal), required forms, and any pre-submission questions deadline.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →