Federal Contract Alert: 16--TANK ASSY,AIRCRAFT,, IN REPAIR/MODIFICATION OF — DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS PH

Navy Aircraft Tank Assembly Repair and Modification Contract

NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia is seeking qualified contractors to perform repair and modification work on aircraft fuel tank assemblies. This is a direct procurement—no set-aside status—which means you're bidding against established players, likely including whoever currently holds the work. The NAICS code 336413 (Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) signals this is manufacturing-adjacent repair work, not simple maintenance. Deadline is September 16, 2026, at 2 PM Eastern.

Who Can Actually Bid

There's no small business set-aside here. That immediately changes the math. You need to ask yourself: do you have the manufacturing capability, quality systems, and Navy relationships to compete head-to-head with incumbents who already know the work? If your shop does aircraft component repair or overhaul, you qualify under NAICS 336413. If you're a job shop doing general welding or fabrication, this is probably not winnable unless you're partnering with someone who already does similar Navy work.

What the Contract Actually Covers

Tank assemblies in repair and modification means fuel cell rework, pressure testing, seal replacement, structural inspection, and NDT (non-destructive testing). The Navy doesn't describe scope in the notice—you'll see the real statement of work once you download the full solicitation on SAM. That's where you find out whether it's routine overhaul or reverse-engineering obsolete components. Check the contract history tab if available; if this was recompeted recently or is a long-standing effort, you can often find prior contract vehicles or incumbents through SAM archives.

Timeline and What You Need Before You Bid

You have until mid-September 2026. That's enough time if you already have the basics, but not enough time to build Navy-grade quality systems from scratch. Before submitting, confirm you have: current ISO 9001 or AS9100 certification (non-negotiable for aircraft work), NADCAP certifications for any specialized processes (welding, NDT, heat treat), and a documented quality management system the Navy can audit. If you don't have these, the RFP evaluation criteria will downgrade you immediately.

CMMC & DFARS Compliance Checklist

Aircraft component work touching Navy systems typically requires CMMC Level 1 at minimum—sometimes Level 2 if you'll handle controlled unclassified information (CUI) about fuel system design or performance data. Check the solicitation for clause 252.204-7012 (Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cybersecurity Incident Reporting) and 252.204-7019 (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Procedures). If either clause is included, you must have:

• CMMC Level 1 certification before contract award (Basic cyber hygiene: passwords, multi-factor authentication, encryption)
• A SPRS (Security Performance Risk Score) assessment completed through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency portal—your score must be acceptable to the Navy (typically under 150)
• Documented incident response and data handling procedures for any design or test data you receive
• A Facility Security Officer (FSO) cleared and registered if you'll access classified information

For a shop doing aircraft repair, CMMC Level 1 is the practical floor. If the Navy includes clause 252.204-7020 (Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services with Kaspersky Lab), you need confirmation that your supply chain avoids Russian software and network tools. Most aircraft shops meet this by default, but flag it in your compliance narrative.

Before You Commit to Bidding

Verify the incumbent contractor's name and contract end date through SAM. If the incumbent is a large OEM or established defense contractor, this is likely a renewal with minimal churn. Your bid wins only if you undercut price significantly while matching or exceeding quality—rarely worth the effort. If the work is transitioning between contractors or the incumbent isn't renewing, you have a real shot.

Three Actionable Steps

1. Request and Review the Full Statement of Work Immediately

The SAM notice tells you almost nothing. Download the complete solicitation, SOW, and any prior performance reports. Identify whether the Navy expects you to manufacture replacement tanks or only refurbish existing units. This determines your capital investment and labor model entirely.

2. Confirm Your Quality and Certification Status

Call your AS9100 auditor or quality manager today. Make sure your certifications are current and your processes cover the specific repair techniques the SOW requires. If you need NADCAP accreditation for welding, welding inspection, or NDT, apply now—the timeline is tight.

3. Build Your Compliance Story Early

Complete your CMMC Level 1 assessment and SPRS evaluation before the RFP closes. Don't let compliance become a last-minute surprise. Navy contracting officers will reject proposals that claim compliance without evidence.

Stay ahead of opportunities like this. Sign up for GovEdge Weekly to get curated DoD and federal contracts delivered to your inbox every week, with real analysis on winnability and what actually matters for your shop.