STEM,FLUID VALVE
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, specifically NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Mech, is soliciting proposals for a STEM, FLUID VALVE for a crucial shipboard system. This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The required material is classified as "SPECIAL EMPHASIS material (Level I, Scope of Certification, or Quality Assured)," necessitating stringent quality control, testing, and traceability. Proposals are due by March 24, 2026.
Scope of Work
This solicitation is for the procurement of a stem for a 3-inch ball valve, manufactured in accordance with Newport News drawing 255587, item 7, with specific modifications. The material required is QQ-N-286, form 2, annealed and age hardened, with weld repair explicitly prohibited. Given its application in a critical shipboard system, the material must meet "SPECIAL EMPHASIS" standards to prevent catastrophic failure, personnel injury, or loss of the vessel.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Solicitation (bilateral award requiring contractor acceptance)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Product Service Code: 4820 (Valves, Nonpowered)
- Response Due: March 24, 2026, 8:30 PM EST
- Published: February 18, 2026
Key Requirements & Quality Assurance
Bidders must demonstrate a robust quality system compliant with ISO 9001, ISO 10012, ANSI-Z540.3, and ISO-17025, or MIL-I-45208 with MIL-STD-45662. Key requirements include:
- Material Specifications: Quantitative chemical and mechanical analysis for the stem, with certifications for annealing, age hardening, and ultrasonic inspection on starting material (for items 4 inches or greater).
- Specialized Testing: Slow Strain Rate Tensile Tests for QQ-N-286 must be conducted by one of the specifically listed approved laboratories (e.g., Huntington Alloys, Metallurgical Consultants Inc., Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, Teledyne Allvac, Westmoreland Mechanical Testing and Research Inc., Mannesmann Rohrenwerke, ThyssenKrupp VDM USA, Inc.).
- Traceability: Strict traceability from raw material to final certification, including unique marking (MIL-STD-792) and control procedures to prevent commingling.
- Certification: Comprehensive Certificates of Compliance for Special Emphasis Material, including specific data points and positive, unqualified statements. Electronic signatures are acceptable if controlled and unique to the signer.
- Configuration Control: Contractors must maintain equipment baseline configuration and submit Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) for Class I or II changes. Waivers/Deviations require Contracting Officer approval.
- Government Furnished Material (GFM/GFE): Specific control procedures are required for GFM/GFE.
- Mercury Free: Hardware and supplies must be free of intentionally added mercury.
- Packaging: Must adhere to MIL-STD 2073.
Submission & Inspection
Certification data must be submitted to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for review and acceptance prior to each shipment via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF). WAWF entries must specify "Ship to" N50286, "Inspect by" N39040, and "Accept by" N39040, with email notification to PORT_PTNH_WAWF_NOTIFICATION@NAVY.MIL. No material is to be shipped before acceptance. Government Quality Assurance (DCMA QAR) at the source is required, and contractors must notify the QAR upon order receipt.