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SOLICITATION-U.S. Army United States Military Academy (USMA), Cadet Issued Breast and Waist Plates

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.MISSION INSTALLATION CONTRACTING COMMAND.FDO EUSTIS.W6QM MICC-WEST POINT · Response deadline: Wed, 18 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Army United States Military Academy (USMA) is soliciting bids for Cadet Issued Breast and Waist Plates. These are uniform components associated with USMA's distinctive cadet dress uniforms, which have ceremonial and historical significance at West Point. NAICS code 332313 classifies this as plate work and fabricated structural metal manufacturing, consistent with ornamental or ceremonial metal plates rather than ballistic armor. The procurement falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) code 8465 for individual equipment. See the solicitation on SAM.gov for exact specifications, quantities, materials, and performance requirements.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses under the Small Business Administration's size standards. For NAICS 332313, the applicable size standard is typically 500 employees; confirm your eligibility in SAM.gov before bidding. You must be registered in SAM.gov with active status, have the correct NAICS code in your profile, and be designated "small" for this NAICS.

Given the specialized nature—breast and waist plates for USMA cadet uniforms—prior experience with ornamental metalwork, uniform insignia, military accoutrements, or precision metal fabrication strengthens eligibility. See the solicitation for any specific technical qualifications, past performance requirements, or approved manufacturer lists.

How to put together a competitive bid

Focus bids on these elements typical for precision metal plate manufacturing and small-business set-aside competitions:

• Technical compliance: Document your capability to meet material specifications (likely brass, nickel-silver, or specified alloys), dimensional tolerances, and finishing requirements (polishing, plating, antiquing). Include photos or samples of comparable ornamental plate work if permitted.
• Quality assurance: Describe your inspection processes, especially for cosmetic standards critical to ceremonial uniforms. Mention any ISO 9001 certification or Mil-Spec experience if applicable.
• Past performance: Highlight contracts for military uniform components, academic institutional regalia, police/fire dress accessories, or similar precision metalwork. Obtain CPARS records or customer references.
• Small-business narrative: Emphasize your small-business status, any SBA certifications (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB), and subcontracting plans if required—though total set-asides typically limit subcontracting percentages.
• Pricing strategy: Analyze material cost volatility for copper, nickel, or silver-based alloys. Consider Jones Act or domestic sourcing requirements under the Berry Amendment for military textiles and metals; see the solicitation for applicability. Factor in delivery to West Point, NY.
• Delivery schedule: Propose realistic production timelines for potential batch orders with seasonal demands (graduation, parade seasons).

Next steps

• Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number W911SD-27-Q-A009 to obtain specifications, quantity, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria.
• Confirm your SAM registration is active and includes NAICS 332313 with small-business designation.
• Note the deadline: Submit your bid by November 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET—late submissions are inadmissible.
• Contact the contracting officer listed in SAM.gov with any questions; allow adequate time for clarification requests before the deadline.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →