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SEAL RING,NUCLEAR C

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS MECHANICSBURG.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT MECH · Response deadline: Mon, 23 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Department of the Navy is soliciting bids for a seal ring component used in nuclear applications. The specific item is classified as "SEAL RING, NUCLEAR C" under federal supply classification code 4470, which covers miscellaneous fabricated nonmetallic material products commonly used in naval and marine engineering contexts.

Seal rings in nuclear applications serve critical functions in maintaining pressure boundaries, preventing fluid leakage, and ensuring system integrity in naval nuclear propulsion systems. These components must meet stringent material, dimensional, and performance specifications given their role in safety-critical systems. The nuclear designation indicates this item falls under the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, which maintains exacting quality and certification requirements for all components.

Suppliers in this space typically work with specialized alloys, polymers, or composite materials engineered for radiation resistance, thermal cycling, and extended service life in reactor or primary coolant environments.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is unrestricted—no set-aside program applies, meaning businesses of any size may compete. However, given the nuclear application, prospective bidders should anticipate substantial qualification requirements.

To bid realistically, you likely need:

• Active SAM.gov registration with current representations and certifications
• Existing or obtainable Department of Defense supplier status, particularly experience with NAVSUP WSS
• Nuclear quality program credentials: Potential requirements include NQA-1 (Nuclear Quality Assurance) compliance, AS9100 or equivalent quality systems, and Navy-specific source approval for nuclear components
• Material traceability and documentation capabilities for specialty alloys or certified materials
• Facility security clearances if the specification involves classified technical data

Small businesses without prior nuclear component experience face significant barriers to entry. Teaming with an established nuclear supplier or pursuing subcontractor relationships may offer pathways into this market segment.

How to put together a competitive bid

For nuclear seal ring solicitations, focus on demonstrating proven performance rather than price competition alone.

Technical proposal priorities:

• Emphasize identical or similar item production history for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program customers
• Document your quality assurance program detail, including inspection methods, non-destructive testing capabilities, and statistical process controls
• Provide material certification and traceability protocols meeting military nuclear standards
• Include past performance references from NAVSEA, NNSA, or commercial nuclear utilities as applicable

Pricing considerations:

• Nuclear components typically involve low-volume, high-complexity production; ensure your cost model accounts for extensive documentation, inspection, and potential first-article testing
• Factor in long-term material procurement for certified specialty grades with limited qualified sources

Compliance checklist:

• Verify your SAM.gov registration expires after the award period
• Confirm any required Navy Manufacturer's Identification (CAGE-related) codes are current
• Review DFARS 252.204-7008 and 7009 for counterfeit electronic part avoidance if applicable to your supply chain

Next steps

1. Retrieve the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number N0010427QBB01—nuclear component solicitations contain extensive specification documents (likely including Navy drawings, material specifications, and quality clauses) not reflected in metadata
2. Confirm deadline and submission method: Responses due November 23, 2026, at 4:30 PM EDT; verify whether electronic submission through NAVSUP's procurement system or SAM.gov is required
3. Request any clarifications early given the 32-day response window; nuclear specifications often require amendment comprehension time
4. Assess source qualification status: Contact NAVSUP WSS Mechanicsburg if you lack existing approval for this item class— pre-award surveys may extend timelines

Note: The absence of place-of-performance data in this notice suggests the solicitation will specify delivery requirements; review for FOB terms and approved destination facilities.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →