SOLE SOURCE PAINT TRAINING
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.NSWC CRANE · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) is seeking a contractor to provide paint training services. NSWC Crane is a Department of the Navy research and development facility located in southwestern Indiana that supports military operations across multiple warfare domains, including surface, air, and electronic systems.
Paint training typically covers surface preparation, coating application techniques, quality control testing, and safety protocols relevant to military equipment and infrastructure. Government paint training contracts often address specialized requirements such as corrosion prevention, chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC), or application standards governed by military specifications. Given NSWC Crane's role in sustaining naval weapons and electronic systems, this training likely supports maintenance and repair operations for military assets.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, NSWC Crane |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0016427Q0007 |
| NAICS | 332812 – Metal Coating, Engraving (except Jewelry and Silverware), and Allied Services to Manufacturers |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | November 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Crane, IN |
Who can bid
This procurement is not set aside for any small business program, meaning all responsible offerors—large businesses, small businesses, and entities of any size—may submit offers. The NAICS 332812 has a small business size standard of 500 employees. Even though the solicitation is unrestricted, small businesses meeting this size standard remain eligible to compete.
Bidders should have demonstrated capability in industrial coating training or related technical instruction. Given the sole source nature indicated in the title, the government may have already identified a specific contractor it intends to award to; however, interested parties should still review the full solicitation to confirm whether the government is accepting alternative sources or has published a justification and approval for other than full and open competition.
How to put together a competitive bid
For unrestricted training service contracts, focus on these elements:
Technical approach: Detail your curriculum structure, instructor qualifications, and hands-on training methodology. NSWC Crane likely requires instructors with relevant military or industrial certifications—see the solicitation for specific credential requirements.
Past performance: Highlight similar training delivered to DoD or industrial coating programs. Include contactable references and metrics such as student pass rates or post-training operational improvements.
Pricing: Develop a clear cost structure showing per-student rates, material costs, travel expenses to Crane, Indiana, and any recurring versus one-time charges. Unrestricted competitions often come down to price when technical approaches are deemed acceptable.
Facility and equipment: Describe your training space capabilities or mobile training lab options, especially if on-site delivery at Crane is required.
Compliance: Address any specific safety, security clearance, or environmental handling requirements that military paint training entails.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0016427Q0007. Note the response deadline of November 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET—late submissions will not be considered. Pay close attention to whether the solicitation contains a justification for sole source award or invites other responsible sources to submit capability statements.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →