**SOLE SOURCE RFP to Bird-Johnson Propeller Company** Navy Propulsor and Propellers
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.NSWC PHILADELPHIA DIV · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCCD) intends to acquire propulsor and propeller systems through a sole-source contract with Bird-Johnson Propeller Company. This procurement falls under the Navy's shipbuilding and maritime systems portfolio, specifically involving the design, manufacture, or refurbishment of marine propulsion components.
NAICS code 333618 covers "Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing," a classification that includes marine propellers and related propulsion machinery. Given the specialized nature of Navy propulsor systems—the complex assemblies that convert engine power to thrust while often incorporating advanced hydrodynamic or acoustic signature reduction features—this work requires substantial engineering expertise and marine domain knowledge. Propulsors for naval applications typically involve stringent performance, durability, and noise-reduction specifications compared to commercial marine equipment.
This is a sole-source solicitation, meaning the government has determined that Bird-Johnson Propeller Company is the only responsible source capable of fulfilling the requirement under existing circumstances. This determination usually stems from unique technical capabilities, prior investment in specialized designs, intellectual property control, or the prohibitive costs and schedule impacts of recompetition.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCCD) |
| Notice type | Sole Source Solicitation (RFP) |
| Solicitation number | N6449826R0547 |
| NAICS | 333618 (Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing) |
| Set-aside | None |
| Response deadline | November 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice metadata |
Who can bid
Because this is a sole-source solicitation, competitive bidding is not open to the general public or other vendors. The RFP is directed exclusively to Bird-Johnson Propeller Company. The government is required to publish this notice to satisfy transparency requirements under federal acquisition regulations, but the opportunity to perform this work is restricted to the named contractor.
For other small businesses in the marine propulsion sector, this notice serves as market intelligence rather than an actionable bidding opportunity. Companies with relevant capabilities in propulsor design, advanced propeller manufacturing, or related Navy maritime technologies should monitor SAM.gov for future competitive requirements in this technical area, particularly around periodic maintenance, system upgrades, or new ship programs where incumbent restrictions may not apply.
How to put together a competitive bid
While this specific opportunity is not open to competition, small businesses interested in analogous future work should consider these preparation strategies:
Technical capabilities development. Navy propulsor systems demand expertise in computational fluid dynamics, cavitation modeling, materials science for corrosion-resistant alloys, and acoustic signature management. Invest in these specialized engineering competencies and document past performance through Navy or commercial maritime contracts.
Teaming relationships. Consider partnerships with firms holding established Navy propulsion system relationships. Bird-Johnson, for example, represents a long-standing supplier in this niche—understanding their technical approach and identifying complementary capabilities your firm could offer positions you for subcontracting or future competitive alternatives.
Intellectual property strategy. Sole-source determinations frequently hinge on government-controlled technical data packages controlled by the incumbent. Develop proprietary designs or processes that could differentiate your firm when competition opens.
Facility and security posture. Navy propulsion work often requires specific industrial capabilities and security clearances. Maintain or pursue these credentials to ensure readiness.
Next steps
Bird-Johnson Propeller Company should retrieve the full solicitation package from SAM.gov using solicitation number N6449826R0547 and prepare its response by the November 2, 2026 deadline.
All other interested parties should review the SAM.gov notice for any stated protest procedures regarding the sole-source determination, or set up automated searches for competitive follow-on requirements or related opportunities in NAICS 333618 with NSWCCD or broader NAVSEA organizations. see the solicitation for complete requirements, deliverables, and evaluation criteria.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →