Open federal opportunities

USNS CODY (T-EPF 14) - Eye Wash Stations

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.MSC.MSC HQS.MSCHQ NORFOLK · Response deadline: Thu, 05 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is seeking supplies for eye wash stations aboard the USNS CODY (T-EPF 14), a Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel. Eye wash stations are safety-critical equipment used for immediate flushing of contaminants from the eyes in industrial, maritime, and maintenance environments. At sea, these stations must meet stringent maritime safety standards due to corrosive salt air, vessel motion, and limited access to emergency medical facilities.

This procurement falls under NAICS code 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing), which covers manufacturers and distributors of medical supplies including emergency eyewash and safety equipment. Given the naval vessel context, the eye wash stations likely need to comply with maritime safety regulations and potentially military specifications for durability and performance in shipboard conditions.

Key facts

Who can bid

This procurement is open to all responsible sources—no small business set-aside applies. Large businesses, small businesses, and nontraditional defense contractors may all compete. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and should verify their NAICS 339113 size standard eligibility for other opportunities, though it does not restrict bidding here.

Prospective bidders should have capability to supply eye wash stations meeting shipboard requirements. Experience with military or maritime contracts is advantageous but not necessarily required. See the solicitation for any specific qualifications, past performance references, or product certifications demanded.

How to put together a competitive bid

Without a set-aside, price and technical compliance become primary differentiators. Focus on these elements:

• Product specification alignment: Confirm your eye wash stations match any military or maritime standards referenced in the solicitation (such as ANSI Z358.1 for emergency eyewash, plus shipboard mounting and corrosion-resistance requirements). See the solicitation for exact specifications.

• Delivery and logistics: MSC Headquarters Norfolk likely handles procurement for Atlantic-based vessels. Clarify whether delivery is to Norfolk, the vessel itself, or another location. Factor in lead times for certified maritime-grade equipment.

• Pricing strategy: With full and open competition, evaluate whether you can compete on price against larger suppliers, or differentiate on technical merit, faster delivery, or superior warranty terms.

• Past performance: If you have relevant experience supplying safety equipment to federal agencies, maritime operators, or industrial facilities, highlight this in your proposal.

• Regulatory compliance: Verify your product meets any Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements, Buy American Act provisions, or trade agreement act restrictions that may apply.

Next steps

Download and review the full solicitation N3220527Q7011 at SAM.gov immediately. The solicitation contains critical details including exact technical specifications, delivery requirements, evaluation criteria, and required certifications that are not available in the synopsis metadata.

Note the firm response deadline: November 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Allow adequate time for SAM.gov registration updates, proposal preparation, and submission system processing. If questions arise, use the contact information in the solicitation to reach MSC Headquarters Norfolk contracting staff before submitting your bid.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →