Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz (U.S. Navy photo by Samuel Osborn)
Come see the U.S. Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in New York City in the before its Dismantling which is scheduled to happen the year 2027. It will be in the International Naval Review (INR) 250 in for celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Honoring 250 Years of Navy and Marine Corps history.
The USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the lead ship of the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers was first deployed on July 7, 1976
Events Happening in the New York Harbor July 3-8, 2026
For details see https://www.navy.mil/Navy-250/Events/INR-2026/
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
cFolders access disappeared, What’s TDMT and how can I get access?
Anytime someone makes a change to a Government website there are sure to be issues, well, this week is no different.
If you sell to the Defense Department, use DIBBS or SAM to look for open government solicitations you’ve probably lived through many website disasters. Looking for Government solicitations on the DLA Internet Bid Board System or DIBBS was challenging this week as there were several days of NO POSTED solicitations. This just happen to coincide with the rollout of the New Drawing Access System on June 22, 2026.
If you are a regular DIBBS user who needs access to DoD drawings you might rely on the link in the thousands of PDF solicitations posted every day that says “WHEN TECHNICAL DATA IS PROVIDED IT MUST BE OBTAINED” AT: https://pcf1x.bsm.dla.mi…
Well, that link goes to the now retired cFolders Tech Data access portal, showing the following message shown below.
If you’ve ever called this help desk, well probably not the best way to handle this issue, especially when there is a direct path to the answer. Who had the great idea to put up a splash page to a general help line instead of fixing the issue like to change the text in the PDFs or possibly redirect the URL – Maybe AI created their website.
The current way to access DoD Technical Data and Drawings from the DIBBS website is to click on the link Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT) https://tdmt.dla.m… Shown below
Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT) Drawings Site
HOWEVER, if you don’t have a login already then what? This webpage shows no other links, How do you get a login? Government – Maybe show a link “Don’t Have an Account Click here.” Probably another AI generated web page.
So How do I get access to DoD Drawings?
There is a solution, 1st you need to create an AMPS account. Once the account is set up you will have the ability to set up your TDMT account. Make sure when registering in AMPS the email address you use is the same for your DIBBS account and your AMPS account.
Account Management and Provisioning System (AMPS) is the Defense Logistics Agency’s management system that sets up your access to DoDs computers to provide the resources you need such as drawings. If you are a DLA Vendor you only need a basic AMPS account which in turn will provide a TDMT Vendor Role to get Drawings.
Once set up in AMPS you should be able to log into TDMT to get Drawings at https://tdmt.dla.mil/ this will provide access to procurement technical data relating to DIBBS RFPs, and RFQs.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
NAVAIR Testing a Mantis SHH in the Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron
The Department of Defense (DoD) has a few open solicitations relating to Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) items. The RFPs, RFI, and Solicitations showing this week are out of various Department of the Navy and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) offices.
Specific offices that were found buying parts for Navy Ships:
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst
Naval Supply (NAVSUP) Systems Command, Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville
Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC)
DLA Troop Support Construction and Equipment Division
New Aircraft tugs Wanted
RFI: NAVAIR NAWC is interested in information potentially leading to the replacement of the A/S32A-47, Shipboard Helicopter Handler Extra Low Profile (SHH-ELP) and the Multi-Aircraft Nose/Tail Integrated System (MANTIS). This GSE is basically a battery powered remote control Aircraft Tug that grips the front wheel of the aircraft be able to move the aircraft around the deck. These specific Aircraft Tugs are used on the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) to move Helicopters. Aviation Ground Support Equipment (GSE) such as this is typically called either Aircraft Handlers or Aircraft Tugs. They are currently used on the Littoral Combat Ships to move the MH-60R Sikorsky SEAHAWK helicopters and MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter between the flight deck and the hangar bay. Curtiss-Wright INDAL Technologies division has manufactured this type of item
Other RFPs – Items used Littoral Combat Ship:
Main Propulsion Diesel Engine (MPDE) Hour Maintenance Kits
Flight Deck Nets
Pressure Tank
Power Operated Winch Drums
Specific Littoral Combat Ships mentioned were the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and USS Oakland (LCS 24).
A simple keyword search in BidLink such as “LCS” or use the Federal Supply Class (FSC) 1730 for Ground Support Equipment bids or FSC 2815 for Diesel Engines and Components bids or if you like NAICS codes use 333618 to show Engine Part results.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
Alaska Army National Guard in a UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter
Recently the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA (ALT)) reorganized procurement processes by consolidating Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and transitioned to a new system where Capability is front and center.
In this new system Capability Program Executives (CPEs) operate under Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs). This restructuring replaces current Program Executive Offices (PEOs) with a structure that aligns programs under broader capability portfolios ensuring resources, priorities and outcomes are better synchronized across the Army’s modernization efforts. The reorganization puts increased focus on capabilities rather than on individual programs. Portfolio Acquisition Executives will own a comprehensive “Capability Area” aligned to the emerging Army Warfighting Concept.
There are six (6) Portfolio Acquisition Executive organizations:
PAE Agile Sustainment and Ammo
PAE Command and Control and Counter Command and Control
PAE Fires
PAE Layered Protection and CBRND
PAE Maneuver Air
PAE Maneuver Ground
All Portfolio Acquisition Executives report to both ASA(ALT) & T2COM
PAE Acquisition professionals will play a direct role in shaping outcomes, rather than navigating layers of approvals. This means clearer responsibilities, quicker coordination and a culture that prioritizes getting needed capabilities into Soldiers’ hands without being slowed by unnecessary procedural steps.
PAE Maneuver Air consolidated both PEO Aviation and Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) into one group. This reorganization helps to streamline processes and consolidate oversight under this newly created portfolio.
The PAE Maneuver Air team manages both CPE Aviation and CPE Special Programs Air
Capability Program Executive (CPE) for Aviation is Rodney Davis. The mission of this office is to design, develop, deliver, and support advanced aviation capabilities for our warfighters and allies.
There are eight (8) CPE Aviation Project Offices:
Apache Helicopters
Cargo Helicopters
Utility Helicopters
Aviation Mission Systems & Architecture
Aviation Turbine Engines
Fixed Wing
Future Long Range Assault Aircraft
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
The Sikorsky Black Hawk Helicopter managed through its Utility Helicopters Project Office (UHPO) formally under PEO Aviation is now PAE Maneuver Air. The Army has plans to keep the UH-60M Helicopter in service well beyond 2050.
Sustainment of the BlackHawk Helicopter:
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is the leading procurement arm of ALL Armed Services posting 1000’s of solicitations every day. If you are seeking solicitations such as UH-60 Helicopter spare parts, this is the place to find these government opportunities.
Specifically the DLA Aviation Huntsville, Depot Level Repairable (DLR) Procurement Operations office buys these types of items. This office is located at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville Alabama. Regarding Helicopters, DLA Aviation’s forward presence teams are also found at Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) in Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama.
AMCOM is the Army’s lead organization for aviation sustainment maintenance, providing support for all aviation platforms. PAE Maneuver Air is in partnership with AMCOM.
In addition to the Army the Sikorsky BlackHawk helicopter is also used by multiple agencies such as the Customs and Border Protection and Army National Guard.
DoD 101 – Department of Defense (DoD) Acronyms
As there are 1000’s of Acronyms used within the DoD this section defines a few Acronyms used within this article.
Program Executive Officer (PEO)
Definition: A military or civilian official assigned program responsibilities for Acquisition Category (ACAT) I and sensitive classified programs, or for any other program determined by the Component Acquisition Executive (CAE) to require dedicated executive management.
Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs)
A team of subject matter experts with authority to direct program outcomes, move money, and quickly adjust system features to deliver on time and under budget.
Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) – T2COM redefines how the Army generates, develops, and designs its forces to ensure readiness at the speed of relevance, enabling the integration and synchronization of force generation, force development and force design to transform how the Army brings together technology and doctrine at speed.
Assistant Secretary of Army, Acquisition Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)) – Acquisition and materiel development The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) is basically the top of the Organizational Chart as it relates to the reporting the Army Commands (ACOM): U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) and U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) report direct to (ASA(ALT))
Capability Program Executives (CPEs) are part of a restructured approach within the U.S. Army aimed at enhancing the acquisition and delivery of military capabilities, focusing on a capability-centric model rather than a program-centric one.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
This is a question we’ve heard 1000’s of times in our 20 years in business. Companies interested in selling their products learn about NSNs and how DoD buys millions of them in classes they take. With this new knowledge the question we hear most often is “How do I get a National Stock Number assigned to my products” so that the Military would buy them.
So how do you do this?
Get the Military to buy your product a few times – Create a need.
Assigning the NSN comes after the need, DoD does not randomly assign NSNs. In order for DoD to assign an NSN a requirement for that item needs to exist. Requirements come from the customer/end user Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard etc.
The NSN is an item relating to a product which is purchased on a regular basis. An NSN can relate to a system/end item like an aircraft or a simple item such as a black waterproof plastic, NSN 6760-01-491-2816. Request for NSN generation can also come from NATO countries or Contractors who manage Weapon Systems.
How do I find needs for my products?
Search for Open Solicitations – See who’s buying similar items.
One simple way is to start monitoring open solicitations on a regular basis for similar items, search by commodity class otherwise known as Federal Supply Class (FSC) that relates to your product. Your results will show you who currently is buying these items. This is your chance to submit what is called an “Alternate offer” in response to a specific solicitation.
When a solicitation is open, this is the time when the government buyers are listening, potentially looking for new manufacturers of items they need. A government solicitation open for bid will have a statement such as “Offerers supplying other than exact Product(s) must submit TDP for Evaluation”. This is “your time” to provide the buyer specifications of your product to evaluate. Your product could be accepted as an alternate product, and possibly the reviewer (item manager) assigns a new NSN to your item to reflect the differences.
The item managers research FLIS data to see if a National Stock Number already exists. If a determination is made that the item does not have a NSN one will be assigned. If one does exist then the NSN-MCRD (Master Cross Reference Database) or Part Number Cross Reference may be appended to include your company and unique part number.
Who Assigns the NSN?
The DLA Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS) is the division is who manages all NSNs. NSN part data is updated on a regular basis.
Looking at the past can lead you to a successful future. If your goal or reason for trying to get an NSN assigned to your product is to sell it, you should spend time researching competitors, What are they selling, Who are they selling it to?
This kind of research can be done by CAGE codes, Contract numbers and Part numbers. It can return results such as Who’s buying the item, How many are they buying, and How much are they spending. If you’re thinking I can use NAICS codes, Think again as they relate to specific industries and not things. Part Numbers, CAGE codes and Contract numbers will return more accurate results.
The BidLink Research Tool has been providing quick and easy access to DoD Contract, Solicitation, Sales and NSN- Part information for over 20 years.
A NAICS code, North American Industry Classification System is a code which classifies a business establishment by type of industry. NAICS codes are 6-digit codes, some are ambiguous e.g. 334419 – Defined as “Other Electronic Component Manufacturing”. NAICS codes represent industry classifications, NOT product classifications.
The Department of Defense and SAM registration CAGE codes require choosing these codes which associates your company with the types of industries your company represents. DOD solicitations will list a NAICS code representing the item procured. The problem is when used in solicitations some codes are incorrectly chosen or don’t represent all items being procured, especially when one solicitation lists several items.
When using NAICS codes to search for government solicitations your results may be poor due to the fact that NAICS codes represents an industry and not products. A more accurate way to search for products listed in DOD solicitations would be to use Product Codes otherwise known as Federal Supply Class codes FSC’s, these codes represent the Product Category of the item being procured and are the first four digits of the NSN.
Here is a perfect example of a DOD Solicitation that listed a NAICS code which did not relate to a majority of the items being procured. SPE7MX-21-R-0120 lists NAICS 334419 Other Electronic Component Manufacturing and this solicitation lists a variety of products, 16 in total with a potential contract value of over 2 Million Dollars.
Here a just a few of the items listed in the above solicitation along with their associated FSCs which relate to the product category of the item.:
Hose Assembly – FSC 4720
Tube Nipple – FSC 4730
Linear Microcircuit – FSC 5962
Optical Prism – FSC 6650
Fuel Tank Parts Kit – FSC 2910
If your company was searching for government bids relating to any of the above items, your “Bid Search” probably would have not contained the NAICS code 334419 and you would have missed this one. However if you searched for bids using FSC’s you would have a much better chance and more accurate bid results.
BidLink Software Systems is an industry leader in DOD Bid Search and Procurement Research tools.
GSA posted a Solicitation which could result in a long term 5 Year BPA contract for Adhesive Bandages. This Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) opportunity is for NSN 6510-01-464-0369 under an Open Market- BPA (OM-BPA).
Open market items also known as incidental items, non-contract items, non-Schedule items are items not on GSA Schedule contracts.
The company currently selling this NSN has been the sole source for many years. The NSN details can be found by putting in Search for Anything.
This Contract Opportunity, Solicitation number 47QSWA-21-Q-0022-OM-BPA closes on May 5, 2021 and can be found by searching bids.
To learn more about this item, log into BidLink and put 6510-01-464-0369 into the “Search for Anything” box.
USS Arleigh Burke Guided Missile Destroyer DDG-51 (photo: Kevin West)
Naval Sea Systems Command awarded $76,187,806 to Timken Gears and Services for MRG Shipsets.
Today under a previous Navy contract N00024-16-C-4202, NAVSEA exercised an option for Main Reduction Gear (MGR) Shipsets for the Arleigh Burke-Class Guided-Missile Destroyers (DDG-51). This base Government contract was initially awarded on February 12th 2016.
Solicitation N00024-15-R-4202 from NAVSEA Contracts Division SEA 02 resulted in this award. It was originally posted on December 23, 2014, with NAVSEA receiving only two responses.
NAVSEA’s SEA 02 contracting offices award close to $24 billion in contracts annually for ships, submarines, repair and major weapon systems.
BidLink is a leader providing Business Intelligence Data, Detailed Government Contracting and Defense Department Contracts and Procurement for over 20 years.
Today New York Governor Andrew Cuomo hosted a conference call with Governors from six North Eastern States to discuss the “Smart Reopening of their States. This new collaborative task force currently includes New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Delaware.
This live conference call was broadcasted Monday afternoon, included comments by each of the Governors, Andrew Cuomo, Phil Murphy, Ned Lamont, Tom Wolf, Gina Raimondo and John Carney. This new group plans on working together, reviewing Government data to help come up with the best decisions on how to reopen their states.
One of the questions Governor Cuomo fielded after the conference related to Government Contracts and FEMA – the purchasing of Ventilators and PPE.
Over the past few months we’ve had many clients come to us (BidLink) looking to find Government solicitations relating to Personal Protective Equipment or PPE. The Federal Government and Department of Defense (DOD) buy these items all the time. Currently one Government solicitation posted by FEMA (a division of Homeland Security) includes a full list of PPE items including items such as Tyvek suits, Face shields and N-95 Respirators.
This Government solicitation was posted under Product Service Code: 6515 – Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies and under NAICS Code: 423450 – Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers. The solicitation number is 70FA2020R00000011
This is only one of the 1000’s of DOD and Federal Government Solicitations posted every day. Many Successful Government contractors rely on 3rd party tools that help consolidate and refine solicitation results, in addition provide data such as part number, NSN and procurement history data.
The more solicitations and data (by volume) you can review each day the better your chances will be in winning more DOD contracts.
Over the past 20 years BidLink has provided a user friendly tool used by Government Contractors. Our tool provides quick and refined solicitation results. Our wealth of Business Intelligence Tools includes data relating to Defense Department Contracts and Procurement information. Sign up for a free trial now at BidLink.net
Raytheon Mobile Surveillance – Air Traffic Control Radar System – Deployable Radar Approach Control (D-RAPCON)
The Merger between Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation UTC Merger was completed today. Raytheon Technologies Headquartered in Waltham, Mass is a large Defense contractor with “a global team of 195,000 employees, including 60,000 engineers and scientists.” according to SEC press release.
Raytheon Company, stock symbol “RTN” and United Technologies stock symbol “UTX” ceased trading on April 2, 2020. United Technologies changed its name to Raytheon Technologies Corporation, stock shares now trade under the ticker symbol “RTX”.
Raytheon Technologies Businesses:
Collins Aerospace Systems
Pratt & Whitney
Raytheon Intelligence & Space
Raytheon Missiles & Defense
If you are looking for detailed information relating to Raytheon Technologies or any other Government contractor selling to DOD using the specific CAGE code(s) relating to the division of interest will return the best results.
Here is one example of the detailed information you can see based on CAGE code data. One of the found CAGE codes for United Technologies Corporation is CAGE 52661. This CAGE is currently listed “Doing Business as” Pratt & Whitney.
After finding the CAGE code of interest we reviewed all the sales relating to this specific CAGE code.
One of the orders we found that Pratt & Whitney received yesterday was for a Liquid Pump Housing NSN 4320-00-356-2578. DLA Land and Maritime ordered a total of 86 units with a unit price of $899.67 each totaling $77,371.62. The associated Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) number is SPE4A1-15-G-0006 and the Solicitation that resulted in this order was SPE7M5-19-T-454P.
Detailed Government Contract Data is easily found when you start with a CAGE code. Sign up Now at www.bidlink.net to see for yourself.
BidLink is a leader providing Business Intelligence Data, Detailed Government Contracting and Defense Department Contracts and Procurement for over 20 years.
