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Update to Response Date for N0042127R3007 (Solicitation # N0042126R3007)

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVAIR.NAVAIR NAWC AD.NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIR DIV · Response deadline: Fri, 13 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) intends to award a contract for engineering services under NAICS code 541330 (engineering services). This type of work typically involves providing technical expertise in disciplines such as aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering to support naval aviation programs. NAWCAD is the Navy's principal research, development, test, and evaluation center for aircraft and aircraft systems, so contractors can expect requirements tied to aircraft platform development, modernization, sustainment, or related technologies. Specific deliverables and technical scope—see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside, meaning businesses of any size may submit proposals. Both large and small businesses—including those with 541330 as a primary or secondary NAICS—are eligible. Small businesses should weigh whether they can compete directly against larger firms on technical merit, past performance, and price. If not positioned to prime, small businesses should consider whether subcontracting opportunities exist, though teaming arrangements would need to be developed independently. The engineering services classification (541330) generally requires demonstrated technical qualifications, relevant past performance with comparable Department of Defense or aviation programs, and appropriate professional credentials for proposed personnel.

How to put together a competitive bid

For full-and-open engineering services solicitations at NAWCAD, focus on these elements:

• Technical approach: Detail methodologies, quality assurance processes, and risk mitigation specific to naval aviation engineering challenges. Reference relevant NAWCAD, NAVAIR, or DoD program experience.
• Personnel qualifications: Highlight degreed engineers with active security clearances (likely required), Professional Engineer (PE) licenses where applicable, and direct experience with military specifications and standards.
• Past performance: Prioritize contracts of similar scope, complexity, and dollar value. Include Navy or Marine Corps aviation customers as references whenever possible.
• Cost realism: Develop fully burdened labor rates with transparent cost buildup; be prepared to demonstrate competitiveness against likely large-business competitors.
• Compliance: Follow exact formatting and submission instructions, including any Navy-specific clauses like DFARS provisions and cybersecurity requirements (NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC, if applicable).

Because no set-aside applies, small businesses must differentiate on specialized expertise, agility, or incumbent knowledge rather than program preference.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number N0042127R3007 — this notice confirms an update to the response date and references prior solicitation N0042126R3007.
2. Confirm deadline: Responses are due November 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time; verify whether this is receipt or postmark deadline in the solicitation.
3. Determine place of performance and any travel requirements by reviewing the full documents.
4. Assess eligibility and competitive position immediately; proposal development for DoD engineering services typically requires substantial lead time.

Note: This notice updates the response date for a previously issued solicitation. Review all amendments and the original solicitation package together to ensure complete understanding of requirements.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →