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USNS HENRY J. KAISER Main Engine Jacket Water Cooler Gasket Sets

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.MSC.MSC HQS.MSCHQ NORFOLK · Response deadline: Tue, 03 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is soliciting offers for Main Engine Jacket Water Cooler Gasket Sets for the USNS Henry J. Kaiser, a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler operated by MSC. These gasket sets are used to maintain the ship's propulsion system—specifically, the gaskets that seal the jacket water coolers associated with the main engine. Jacket water coolers are heat exchangers that remove heat from the engine's cooling water, and their gaskets require periodic replacement as part of vessel maintenance and overhaul.

NAICS code 339991 (Gasket, Packing, and Sealing Device Manufacturing) covers the manufacturing of gaskets and similar sealing products, which aligns with this requirement for marine engine components.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open with no small business set-aside, meaning any responsible offeror—large or small—can submit a bid. However, small businesses in NAICS 339991 remain eligible to compete.

To bid, your firm must typically demonstrate:

• Capability to manufacture or supply gasket sets meeting military/maritime specifications
• Experience with or ability to produce products for marine propulsion applications
• Appropriate quality assurance processes (likely including traceability and material certifications for naval use)
• Financial responsibility and adequate capacity to perform

If you are a small business, note that this contract will count toward your total sales but offers no preferential evaluation. Consider whether you can meet the technical requirements and pricing pressure from larger competitors.

How to put together a competitive bid

Technical compliance is critical for marine gasket applications. Focus on these elements:

• Material specifications: Gaskets for jacket water coolers must withstand seawater corrosion, thermal cycling, and pressure. Obtain the exact material, dimensional, and performance requirements from the solicitation—possibly including MIL-SPEC references or manufacturer drawings.
• Compatibility verification: Confirm your gasket sets fit the specific cooler model installed on USNS Henry J. Kaiser. The solicitation may reference original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part numbers or naval drawings.
• Traceability and documentation: Navy shipboard components typically require material certifications, test reports, and lot traceability. Prepare your quality system to support this.
• Delivery schedule: Ship maintenance operates on tight windows. Propose realistic delivery that aligns with the ship's overhaul schedule—late delivery may incur significant costs.
• Pricing strategy: With full and open competition, price will likely dominate the evaluation. Analyze your material costs, tooling, and minimum order quantities carefully. Consider whether economies of scale from the gasket set configuration affect your unit pricing.
• Past performance: If you have supplied similar gaskets to MSC, the Navy, or commercial maritime operators, highlight this.

Next steps

Download and review the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N3220527Q7021. The posted document will contain the complete specifications, packaging requirements, delivery schedule, and evaluation criteria needed to prepare your offer. Pay close attention to any drawings, technical data packages, or approved manufacturer lists referenced in the solicitation.

Note the deadline: Offers are due November 3, 2026, by 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Allow adequate time for SAM.gov registration, technical review, and any required certifications or representations.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →