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Vertical Launching System (VLS) Deck and Hatch Assembly

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.COMMANDING OFFICER · Response deadline: Tue, 27 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Warfare Center is soliciting bids for manufacturing work on Vertical Launching System (VLS) Deck and Hatch Assembly components. VLS is a weapons system used on U.S. Navy surface ships to launch missiles from below-deck magazines. The deck and hatch assemblies are critical structural elements that provide armored access points and interface surfaces for the missile canisters, requiring precision fabrication to meet exacting naval specifications.

This procurement falls under NAICS 332999—"All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing"—a broad category covering custom metal fabrication not classified elsewhere. The work typically involves cutting, forming, welding, machining, and finishing metal components to customer specifications, often with strict quality and certification requirements for military applications.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is open competition with no set-aside program specified, meaning businesses of any size may bid, including large manufacturers. However, small businesses registered under NAICS 332999 with relevant fabrication capabilities should assess whether they can meet the technical and capacity requirements for naval defense work.

To be competitive, bidders typically need:

• Active SAM.gov registration with current Representations and Certifications
• Appropriate NAVSEA or Department of Defense fabrication approvals (see the solicitation for specific quality certifications required)
• Experience with military specifications (MIL-STD, MIL-SPEC) for welding, materials traceability, and non-destructive testing
• Capacity to work with naval-grade alloys and meet tight dimensional tolerances

Small businesses without prior defense work should carefully evaluate whether they can obtain necessary certifications within the response timeframe or partner as subcontractors.

How to put together a competitive bid

For VLS-assembly fabrication work, successful bids typically emphasize:

Technical compliance over price alone. Navy evaluators prioritize proven ability to meet MIL-SPEC welding procedures, material certifications, and dimensional requirements. Document your quality management system—ISO 9001 or AS9100 certifications strengthen proposals for this work type.

Supply chain and lead-time realism. Naval components often require specialty alloys with long procurement lead times. Provide detailed manufacturing schedules showing understanding of material acquisition, in-process inspection points, and final acceptance testing.

Past performance documentation. Include relevant shipboard or defense fabrication experience, even if not VLS-specific. Commercial marine, pressure vessel, or other critical-structural work demonstrates transferable capability.

Subcontracting strategy. Small businesses lacking full vertical capability should identify approved specialty subcontractors for processes like NDT testing, heat treating, or precision machining—disclosing these relationships transparently per solicitation instructions.

Note: The absence of a specified place of performance suggests either government-furnished facility work or buyer-determined delivery; see the solicitation for whether this requires contractor facility certification or on-site production.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number N6339426R4002 to review detailed specifications, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria.

2. Verify your SAM registration status and update any expired representations—bids from unregistered entities are non-responsive.

3. Note the firm deadline: October 26, 2026, 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Allow buffer time for technical difficulties; DoD systems do not accommodate late submissions.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →