The 2019 Autumn season for the United States of America and countries in the Northern Hemisphere begins on September 23rd. Simply hearing the phrase “Autumn or Fall Season” immediately brings to mind various ends and beginnings. Here in the Northeast for me it’s Fall Foliage, drinking hot apple cider after picking apples and new beginnings.
The U.S. Federal Government, Department of Defense begins its new fiscal year in Autumn. Starting October 1st and ending September 30th.
On September 12, 2019 the Senate Committee on Appropriations approved its FY2020 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. “The Department of Defense funding bill includes $694.9 billion which is an increase of $20.5 billion above the FY2019 enacted level.”
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Supplies Rigged with a Cargo Sling, Ready for a Low-Velocity Airdrop out of an Aircraft
This government solicitation is for the manufacturing of Aerial deliver cargo slings. This specific sling in this solicitation is equipment used by the Special Forces air operation Seal Team. Aerial deliver cargo slings are used to secure cargo to parachutes for airdrop missions.
A22 Cargo Bag with Green Sling
This solicitation SPE4A7-19-T-592R, a Hubzone Small Business Set-Aside is for NSN 1670-01-008-7755. The official name of this item is Sling, Cargo, Aerial Delivery. This simple item is a great government business opportunity for any small business. This specific solicitation is looking for companies located in a Hubzone areas. This NSN has a complete set of drawings available for any company to review. This Request For Quote is from the contracting office: DLA Aviation – Aviation Supply Chain (ASC) Supplier operations – AE and AF division.
The new manufacturer who wins this government contract is to include their costs to produce a First Article for Government testing and one unit for Production lot testing. Current competition for this item is very low. The estimated total contract award is over $35,000.00
The winning contractor will provide the First Article to the Army – Aerial Delivery Engineering Support Team in Natick Massachusetts.
There are 1000s of government bid opportunities posted every day. The government and DOD are constantly looking for new sources and manufacturers of the millions of products they purchase.
Cargo Slings are one of many items which are fairly simple in nature that DOD buys. For this one if you can buy webbing material and sew it together you could become a new government contractor.
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The AN/TPS-43 air-transportable Radar Set (US Air Force photo)
The Department of Defense is currently seeking suppliers for a waveguide assembly originally used on the AN/TPS-43 Radar, which dates to the early 1960s. Although this request was originally posted last April and subsequently removed, it has been re-opened for quantity 27 waveguide assemblies NSN 5985-00-563-0865.
NSN 5985-00-563-0865 crosses to four approved part numbers from: Cobham, Waveline, Northrop Grumman, and Atlantic Microwave. Of note, the current requirement is a Small Business Set-Aside; which means that three of the four companies listed cannot bid directly as they are registered large businesses. Suppliers and distributors of electronic products and /or microwave components may be interested in taking a look at this solicitation.
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DLA Land and Maritime currently has a need for a pressure switch, NSN 5930-01-285-9932. This pressure switch currently listed under part number 6607P9-42 by Eaton Aerospace. This pressure switch is part of the Recovery assist, secure and traverse (RAST) system, Helicopter Landing System. It is one of 4 pressure switches that system uses. These are expensive switches costing over $1000.00 each. There is currently an open solicitation for 14 of these switches and according to BidLink procurement history DLA Land and Maritime posts solicitations for this NSN a few times per year.
This NSN is a component part of several different Rapid Securing Devices. The major program this part belongs to is the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE). The Helicopter Landing System (HLS) is a sub-program under the category Recovery. The Helicopter Landing System is basically a devise that secures and clamps the helicopter to the flight deck.
BidLink.Net is an online tool for finding government solicitations as well as past government contract data. BidLink has been gathering government contract and solicitation data for the past twenty years.
Chain Saw Clamp and File Guide for Manual Chain Sharpening Tool NSN 5110-01-046-5031
The Department of Defense (DoD) is one of the largest buyers of products in the world. Every day DoD posts thousands of solicitations for products they need. Registered suppliers review these solicitations seeking new business opportunities with the Federal Government. For many companies and organizations, supplying products to DoD is their only, or primary business. DoD buys virtually everything, and from time to time we get calls asking questions like: “Does DoD buy my product?” The answer is almost always, “yes.”
Last week, we were asked, “Does DoD buy manual chainsaw chain sharpeners?” (we’re talking about the type you clamp on to the chainsaw.) As usual, the answer was, “yes.”
The national stock number (NSN, the DoD’s part number) for the chainsaw chain sharpener purchased by DoD is: 5110-01-046-5031. This item is currently made by Granberg International according to BidLink NSN data, DoD buys around 200 of these sharpeners every year.
This NSN is managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and is one of the “Wildland Fire Equipment Products” that DLA offers to their customers. By the way, the corresponding National Fire Equipment System (NFES) number for NSN 5110-01-046-5031 is 0343 or, NFES 0343.
DLA is one of the primary purchasing and contracting branches of DoD. DLA’s “customers” are the service branches, such as the Army, Navy and Air Force, and also other Federal Government agencies. If your company is looking to sell to the Federal Government, the DoD is definitely one of the places you be should looking for new business. Take a look for yourself.
BidLink.net is an online tool for finding government solicitations and government contract data. For over 20 years, Bidlink Software Systems has aggregated Department of Defense solicitation, contracting and technical data and made it easy to access and use in Bidlink.net.
BidLink Software Systems does not itself procure, supply or engage in transactions for materials required by the US Government.
If you found this article interesting, check out these others in our Government Contracting Bootcamp series:
F/A 18F Super Hornet (Photo credit: Thomas Hensely)
It’s not uncommon to see the cost of military spare parts increase when they are sole source or after a company is sold. After reviewing NSN procurement history on a manual check valve used on the F/A-18 we saw significant price increases just after the sale of the original company producing that valve. We have seen this kind of price increase in past research based on company ownership changes, below is one example we found.
The company initially manufacturing and selling this part to the Navy and DLA was GE Aviation / Smiths Aerospace up until the year 2017. GE Aviation sold this division with new company operating (at the same location) under the name Integral Aerospace, LLC. We looked at the procurement history of this NSN 4820-01-559-1959 and at two contracts, one awarded to GE Aviation and the other awarded to Integral Aerospace. Contract SPE4A1-14-G-0009 was awarded to GE Aviation Systems in 2016 showing a delivery order for a quantity of 78 units, the cost was $1,333.00 each. Two years later Integral Aerospace LLC was awarded contract number SPE4A1-18-T-0010 for the same quantity at a price of $3,069.98 each which is more than double the price GE Aviation charged.
GE Aviation Systems
SPE4A1-14-G-0009 – Quantity: 78 – Price: $1,333.00 each (January 2016)
This NSN 4820-01-559-1959 is currently open for bid again; solicitation SPE7MC-19-T-160F and DLA regularly posts requests for this item. DLA Land and Maritime notices in the past specifically stated they were looking for new sources to be qualified to manufacture this item. US valve manufacturers or companies capable of reverse engineering may want to look at this item. This valve is classified under FSC 4820 Valves, Nonpowered; there are no drawings are available. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) currently buys over 80 of these valves per year.
What is it?
This manual “stop-check valve” is assigned NSN 4820-01-559-1959, the current reference part numbers are 1180175-1 and 1200-1. This manual stop-check valve is part of the F/A-18 aircraft fuel tank. Several variants of F/A-18s use this valve including the F/A-18 Hornet and EA-18G Growler.
DLA and its agencies are constantly looking to qualify new manufacturers on parts that have no drawings. Reverse engineering helps both the new manufacturer as well as the US Military. The new manufacturer potentially obtains new business and the Government secures a new source. Some companies’ entire businesses exist on becoming new sources. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers may also end up purchasing products from the new source. There are 1000’s of these kinds of government contracting opportunities you just need to look for them.
One of the best times to inquire and start the process of becoming a new government source is at open solicitation. Take a look for yourself at BidLink.
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The U.S. Defense Department (DoD) buys more than almost anyone else. In this post, we review a current example of DoD procurement for a common item and how to use BidLink.net to find and develop new commercial opportunities for selling to the DoD.
Let’s take a look at a seemingly mundane item like earbuds.
Earlier this week we noticed in BidLlink.net that Defense Logistics Agency Land & Maritime posted a solicitation for “Cushion, Ear” (ie, foam earbuds) under an Indefinite Delivery Purchase Order (IDPO) worth potentially $1.5 million. The four (4) NSNs in the requirement and their Annual Demand Quantity (ADQ) are:
5965-01-504-0073; ADQ 2,630
5965-01-504-1051; ADQ 1,056
5965-01-588-6710; ADQ 390
5965-01-623-2248; ADQ 609
Communication Ear Plugs (CEP) in Ear
A brief description of the earbud tips
Thousands of earbud tips are used by DOD every month. Many are used with headsets and in Communications Earplug (CEP) kits. These Communications Earplug kits adds wired earbuds or, in-ear headphones, to the various helmets used by the military. One helmet in which these earbud headphones and earbud tips are used is the Head Gear Unit 56/P (HGU-56/P), first pictured above. Aviation Life Support Systems (ALSS) and communication radio systems such as the Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) communication system with AN/PRQ-7 radio sets also use these earbud tips. They are also used with the Flight Deck Helmet with Argonaut Headset.
US Manufacturers of memory foam, Viscoelastic Polyurethane or PU Foam manufacturers might be interested in reviewing this RFQ for earbud tips; or in searching BidLink.net for many other RFQs for plastic or rubber items that DoD purchases.
The solicitation number for this government contracting opportunity is SPE7MX19RX048. You can see all the details including NSN past procurement, supplier history, technical descriptions, etc., by searching on the the solicitation number in a free BidLink.net bid search.
Finding government contracting opportunities
DoD posts solicitations under specific Product Categories and Classifications. Using and understanding these categories will greatly improve your success in finding items you can sell to DOD. The above 4 NSNs were listed under the product classification “Headsets, Handsets, Microphones and Speakers,” or Federal Supply Class (FSC) 5965. Finding and understanding which categories to search under is essential, no matter what you sell.
Knowledge about where and how an item is used by DOD as well current manufacturers and suppliers is extremely valuable – it can lead you to other opportunities. Time spent researching NSN data and procurement history helps you refine and create better bid searches. Many of the items DoD purchases on a regular basis have only one manufacturer; but DoD is always looking for new manufacturers and this can be excellent way to develop new business for your company.
When searching for DoD contracting opportunities it is essential that you think like DoD. Search for bids using the official item names and FSCs of the products. In most cases you will never see statements like “US Army seeking companies to supply Foam Parts;” rather, DoD seeks: “NSN 5965-01-504-0073 Cushion, Ear.”
DoD item naming can be cryptic. In the above example the DoD item name is “Cushion, Ear”. Knowing the correct item name(s) used by DoD is essential in finding requirements for just the products that you can supply. One way to do this is to look at your competitors’ past contract awards and review the items they sell or, have sold, to DoD. Or, you can talk to one of our experts who can show you how find DoD requirements that are of interest to you >> support@bidlink.net.
If your company is interested in increasing your sales then selling to the Department of Defense is one customer you should take a serious look at. Sign up for a free trial at BidLink to see what you have been missing, and speak to one of our experts to help you succeed when selling to the DOD.
The Department of the Army (ACC) Warren, Detroit Arsenal has a requirement for a 158 Hydraulic Impact Wrenches with a 200 percent option. The solicitation was Originally posted on October 23, 2018 for a quantity of 70, it was canceled then modified on August 1, 2019 for a quantity of 158. The Request for Proposal requirement will be posted on or around 15 August, 2019.
The NSN requested is 5130-01-471-1328, part number 12390171. The technical data package lists a preferred source of Stanley Black & Decker, stock symbol SWK. The Solicitation number is W56HZV-18-R-0213 and will be solicited as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Put Solicitation number W56HZV-18-R-0213 into BidLink bid search to see the details.
BidLink.Net is an online tool for finding government solicitations as well as past government contract data. BidLink has been gathering government contract and solicitation data for the past twenty years.
Tools from an M1A1 Abrams tank (Photo credit: Paul S. Martinez)
The Department of Defense (DOD) recently posted a solicitation to purchase 1,758 Electrical Impact Wrenches. This Electrical Impact Wrench NSN 5130-01-363-0964 is the type you plug in to an electrical outlet. Currently this item is only produced by one company (its sole source) and the Defense Logistics Agency is inviting other U.S. Tool manufacturers to potentially become new suppliers of this item.
Companies interested in becoming a manufacturer of NSN 5130-01-363-0964 needs to submit a Source Approval Request (SAR) package for possible future procurements. This Electrical Impact Wrench is used to service the Assault Breacher Vehicle and Abrams M-1 Tank. A few government contracts for this impact wrench have already been awarded in 2019; one contract was for an order of 600 units totaling over 1 Million dollars alone.
This current pre-solicitation for 1,758 Electrical Impact Wrenches NSN 5130-01-363-0964 when issued as an RFP could potentially total over 3 Million dollars at current prices. US Manufacturers of Hand held power tools, electric drills or any companies interested in expanding their line of power tools might want to look at this one. Set up a free trial at BidLink.net, put NSN 5130-01-363-0964 in bid search to see details on this solicitation as well as past contract awards for this NSN and any others.
BidLink.Net is an online tool for finding government solicitations as well as past government contract data. BidLink has been gathering government contract and solicitation data for the past twenty years.
Ordnance handling equipment cradle and platform (Photo credit: R. Nial Bradshaw)
The Department of Defense, and its entire fleet of aircraft, use all kinds of Ground Support Equipment (GSE). Today, we’ve decided to look at a few currently open government solicitations for GSE; items that DOD has drawings for, but perhaps haven’t been noticed by other than their current manufacturers. We quickly found four items within the Ordnance Handling Equipment (OHE) sub-category of GSE. All these items are relatively simple mechanical assemblies; things small machine shops or fabricators could manufacture. (In an article posted yesterday we discussed types of Ground Support Equipment used by the Department of Defense.)
Open Government Solicitations for Ordnance Handling Equipment
The first item we found was a Brake Cam, a replacement spare part used with the MHU-191 Munitions Handling Unit. This specific part NSN 1740-01-151-0775 has been purchased for many years. Drawings are available.
The second item we found by the same manufacturer was a Weapon Cradle Adapter Retractor Assembly, NSN 1740-01-140-7583. Drawings are available.
The third item we found, NSN 2540-01-155-3653, is a Motor Vehicle Towbar used with the MHU-185/M Munitions Trailer supporting the the F/A-18. Drawings are available.
The fourth one is NSN 1450-00-089-4366, Small Track, which is part of the Sidewinder Missile Cradle MHU/61-E. Drawings are available.
All of the above NSNs currently have open government solicitations as of the writing of this article. These four are a small sampling of the kinds of items purchased by the Department of Defense within the GSE / OHE sub-category. We’ve listed them to give you a sense of the numerous government contracting opportunities available in BidLink.net. Set up a free trial at BidLink today to see these and many more contracting opportunities.
BidLink.net keeps you informed of US Government (USG) and Department of Defense (DoD) requirements for products and services that you may be able to supply. For more than twenty years, BidLink has collected and cross-referenced federal government solicitation, contracting and technical data across numerous departments and agencies, making the information available to users in Bidlink.net. BidLink Software Systems does not itself procure, supply or engage in transactions for materials required by the US Government.
