How to bid on CH-53 depot modifications for the Department of the Navy

What the Navy is seeking

The Department of the Navy, through NAVAIR’s PMA-261 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office, is seeking businesses capable of modifying CH-53E/K helicopters, producing and delivering retrofit A-Kits, and providing maintenance and supply support. Work includes aircraft inspection, disassembly, modification, assembly, post-inspection, operational checks when required, and documentation under applicable technical directives.

The primary modification locations are MCAS Miramar and MCAS New River, with occasional work at government-owned locations overseas. This is a sources-sought notice for market research, not a request for proposals or a contract offer. The anticipated requirement covers FY27 through FY32.

Deadline and what it means

Capability statements are due November 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Submit by that time as directed in the notice.

The Navy is using responses to identify capable sources before deciding on an acquisition method and potentially issuing a later request for proposals. A response is not an offer, and the notice does not promise a contract award.

Who this opportunity suits

This notice suits firms with experience and facilities for depot-level rotary-wing aircraft modifications, aircraft maintenance, retrofit kit production, and related supply support. Businesses of all sizes may respond, but each must identify its business size.

The applicable NAICS code is 336411, with a small-business size standard of 1,500 employees; the PSC is K015. Respondents must be able to establish aircraft modification capability and support aircraft induction within 30 days after contract award.

How to access the notice

Click “View original source” above to open the opportunity on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

A free account may be needed to view documents, though some opportunities can be viewed without one. The notice asks interested businesses to submit a capability statement to the contracting office; follow the submission directions in the original notice.

Prepare a focused capability statement

Keep the package to no more than 10 single-spaced pages, using at least 12-point font. Include the requested company and contact details, business size, employee count, five-year annual revenue history, office locations, UEI number, and current small- or large-business status.

Use relevant work from the last five years to show experience with rotary-wing depot modifications and maintenance under the cited procedures. The notice also asks about concurrent work on C/MH-53E aircraft or similar airframes, production and engineering capabilities, and the ability to meet the 30-day induction timeline. Give concrete examples and identify contract numbers and government points of contact where requested.

Explain any external dependencies or government-furnished equipment needed to meet the timeline. Check that examples support the full range of work described, including aircraft modifications, A-Kit production, and maintenance support.