Federal Contract Alert: UNION ASSEMBLY — DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT.NAVSUP WSS MECHANICSBURG.NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SU

UNION ASSEMBLY Contract Opportunity with Naval Supply Systems Command

The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support division in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is soliciting contractors for union assembly work. This is a significant opportunity for manufacturing and assembly contractors to support critical Navy operations and weapons systems maintenance.

What Is This Opportunity?

NAVSUP WSS Mechanicsburg manages procurement and supply chain support for Navy weapons systems across multiple platforms. The "Union Assembly" contract involves fabrication, assembly, and integration work on components or subassemblies that support Navy operational readiness. While the full statement of work is available through SAM.gov, contractors should expect requirements around precision assembly, quality control, testing protocols, and compliance with military specifications (MIL-SPEC) and standards.

This is a direct government contracting opportunity—not a subcontracting call—which means you can bid directly to the Navy for award consideration.

Eligibility: NAICS Code and Set-Aside Status

This opportunity is classified under NAICS code 336612 (Aircraft, Aerospace, and Naval Ship Electronics Manufacturing). There is no set-aside restriction, meaning small businesses, large businesses, minority-owned enterprises, and other eligible entities may compete on equal footing.

However, small businesses should note that unrestricted competitions often attract large prime contractors with established Navy relationships. Consider whether you can bid as a prime contractor or whether partnering as a subcontractor to an incumbent or larger prime may be more realistic.

Key Deadline and Timeline

The solicitation closes on August 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. The opportunity was posted on July 17, 2026, giving contractors approximately one month to prepare proposals, conduct compliance reviews, and submit responses. Mark this deadline on your calendar immediately and begin document collection and capability assessments now.

How to Respond: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Download and Review the Full Solicitation

Visit the SAM.gov contract opportunity page and download all attachments, including the statement of work, specifications, and contract clauses.

Step 2: Conduct Competitive Intelligence

Research prior awards to NAVSUP Mechanicsburg using GovWin IQ or Bloomberg Government. Identify who currently holds similar contracts, their win rates, and pricing strategies. Check USAspending.gov for historical contract values.

Step 3: Verify Compliance Requirements

Review the DFARS clauses embedded in the solicitation. Confirm your SPRS self-assessment score and CMMC certification status (detailed below).

Step 4: Prepare Your Proposal

Address technical capability, past performance with Navy contracts, quality assurance procedures, supply chain resilience, and pricing. Emphasize union labor compliance if the contract title indicates union work requirements.

Step 5: Submit via SAM.gov

Register in SAM.gov and submit your bid before the deadline. Ensure all required certifications and representations are current.

CMMC & DFARS Compliance Checklist

CMMC Level Requirement

Manufacturing contracts involving weapons systems support typically require CMMC Level 2 certification. Verify the specific requirement in Section M (Evaluation Criteria) and Section H (Special Contract Requirements) of the solicitation. If your facility handles controlled technical data or controlled unclassified information (CUI), Level 2 is mandatory.

Critical DFARS Clauses to Review

252.204-7012 (Safeguarding Covered Defense Information): Confirms you must protect unclassified technical data and implement cyber security controls consistent with NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC requirements.

252.204-7019 (Critical Security Parameters): Requires disclosure of critical security parameters in hardware or software. Confirm whether your assembly work involves such parameters.

252.204-7020 (Contractor Personnel Security): May require background checks, drug testing, or facility access credentials for your workforce.

SPRS Self-Assessment Score

Your Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score will be evaluated. Ensure your SAM.gov profile reflects accurate past performance, quality ratings, and on-time delivery metrics. A low SPRS score can disqualify your bid even if your technical proposal is strong.

What Small Contractors Must Have in Place

• Active CMMC Level 2 certification (or pathway to certification before contract award)
• Written Information Security Program (WISP) aligned with NIST SP 800-171
• Documented cyber incident response procedures
• Facilities clearance (or ability to obtain one)
• Employee security training records
• Proof of past performance with DoD or Navy contracts

3 Actionable Tips for Success

Tip 1: Start Your CMMC Audit Now

If you lack Level 2 certification, engage a C3PAO (Certified CMMC Professional Assessor Organization) immediately. Obtaining certification requires 2–4 months of implementation and assessment. Bidding without certification signals risk to the Navy.

Tip 2: Leverage Past Performance References

Contact previous Navy customers and request written past performance statements emphasizing on-time delivery, quality, and compliance. This is often the deciding factor in manufacturing contracts.

Tip 3: Clarify Union Labor Requirements

If the contract requires union labor, verify your facility's union status or willingness to hire union workers. Federal prevailing wage rules may apply. Contact NAVSUP directly via the SAM.gov Q&A portal if the solicitation is ambiguous.

Next Steps

Register your company in SAM.gov today, download the full solicitation, and schedule an internal compliance review. Subscribe to GovEdge Weekly for curated Navy and DoD manufacturing opportunities delivered to your inbox every week. Consistent visibility into emerging opportunities gives small contractors a competitive edge in planning and resource allocation.