STEEL FOR WATERVLIET ARSENAL
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.ACC-CTRS.ACC-DTA.W6QK ACC WVA · Response deadline: Fri, 16 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Army Contracting Command is soliciting offers for steel on behalf of the Watervliet Arsenal in Watervliet, New York. The Watervliet Arsenal is the Army's primary manufacturing facility for large-caliber weapons systems and artillery, which requires significant quantities of specialized steel for production and maintenance operations.
Under NAICS code 332111 (Iron and Steel Mills), this procurement falls within the primary metals manufacturing sector. The 332111 classification covers establishments engaged in making iron and steel, including converting pig iron into steel, making steel, and manufacturing hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel products. For defense applications, this typically means alloy and specialty steels meeting military specifications for strength, durability, and performance under extreme conditions.
The classification code 9510 (Bars and Rods, Metal) suggests the procurement likely involves bar stock, rod, or similar mill product forms—common feedstock for arsenal machining and fabrication processes.
See the solicitation for exact quantities, specifications, delivery schedules, and any testing or certification requirements.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command (ACC-WVA) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | W911PT27QA0004 |
| NAICS | 332111 — Iron and Steel Mills |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | October 16, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Watervliet, NY |
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved for small business concerns under a total small business set-aside. To qualify, your business must:
- Be certified as small under NAICS 332111 size standards (1,000 employees for this code)
- Meet any applicable SAM.gov active registration and representation requirements
- Comply with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) provisions typical for steel procurements, including Buy American Act restrictions and any specialty metal clauses
Steel mills, mini-mills, and steel distributors serving the defense industrial base should evaluate whether they can meet delivery requirements to Watervliet, New York. Companies with experience supplying DFARS-compliant specialty metals or holding relevant industry certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100, or Nadcap for materials testing) may have competitive advantages.
Joint ventures and teaming arrangements are permissible under small business set-asides if structured to comply with SBA affiliation rules. Mentor-protégé arrangements may also be relevant for firms new to defense contracting.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the steel specifications. Arsenal production demands steels meeting precise metallurgical standards. Review the solicitation for referenced military specifications (MIL-SPEC), ASTM standards, or AMS specifications controlling chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat treatment requirements.
Price strategically. Steel commodities experience significant price volatility. Evaluate whether the solicitation allows economic price adjustment clauses, or whether you must lock in pricing through delivery. Freight costs to Watervliet, New York should be calculated precisely.
Address specialty metal requirements. DFARS 252.225-7008 and related clauses restrict the use of certain foreign specialty metals in defense applications. Document your supply chain's domestic sourcing or qualify any exceptions with required certifications.
Demonstrate production capacity. The arsenal operates on mission-critical schedules. Your proposal should clearly state mill capacity, current backlog, and ability to meet any surge or just-in-time delivery requirements. Include quality control procedures and past performance references from comparable defense or heavy industrial customers.
Submit complete representations. Ensure SAM.gov registration is active through the award period. Verify small business size representation accuracy and complete any required subcontracting plans.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number W911PT27QA0004
Note the deadline: October 16, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time—late submissions are inadmissible
Download all documents including specifications, clauses, and any amendments to evaluate technical requirements and pricing structure
Register in SAM.gov if not currently active, and verify your small business size status for NAICS 332111
See the solicitation for complete terms, conditions, and evaluation criteria.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →