SPHERE
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Navy, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Mechanicsburg (NAVSUP WSS-MECH), has issued a Solicitation for the manufacture and design of "THE SPHERE", specifically Part Number D6045 (Alternate Part No: IB-100B), from ZIRCAR CERAMICS, INC. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due by June 4, 2026.
Scope of Work
This solicitation requires the manufacture and design of "THE SPHERE" to meet specified requirements, including design, material, and dimensions in accordance with ZIRCAR CERAMICS, INC. (1YZ75), Part Number D6045 / IB-100B. Key requirements include the exclusion of mercury and packaging in 50 LB BAG units (UM=BG=50 LB BAG). The part number/catalog number cited is fully descriptive, and no additional technical drawings are provided.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Solicitation
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside
- Product Service Code: 5640 (Wallboard, Building Paper, And Thermal Insulation Materials)
- Proposal Due: June 4, 2026, 8:30 PM Z
- Published: May 14, 2026, 7:55 AM Z
- Pricing Validity: Quotations are valid for 60 days after the closing date.
Requirements & Technical Details
The contractor must adhere to specific manufacturing requirements, including the exclusion of mercury and compliance with NAVSUP WSS-MECH Code N94 additional technical documentation, which outlines the order of precedence for document conflict resolution. Quality assurance requires the contractor to maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government. Packaging must comply with MIL-PRF-23199 and MIL-DTL-24466 for cleanliness controls, with MIL-STD 2073 packaging also applicable. Fire retardant packaging is no longer required.
Evaluation
Evaluation will follow criteria for Commercial Products and Commercial Services.
Additional Notes
Requests for Nuclear Reactor Publications must be directed to the Contracting Officer at NAVSUP WSS-MECH, Code N943, with specific procedures for "OFFICIAL USE ONLY" and "NOFORN" documents. Commercial specifications and standards are not available from government sources. All documents and drawings provided by the U.S. Navy include a "Distribution Statement" defining usage limits.