How to bid on F414 Nozzle Test and Evaluation for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense needs a contractor to perform testing and evaluation on an F414 Inlet Nozzle Bellmouth Assembly. This work includes inspecting the lamination coating, determining the cause of any failure, and providing an estimate for repair costs. The contractor will also need to provide a findings report and arrange for return shipping of the unit to Solomons, Maryland.

This is a 100% small business set-aside, meaning only qualified small businesses can submit proposals. The work will be performed at the contractor's own facility.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on August 07, 2026. All responses, including your capability statement, must be received by August 20, 2026, at 12:00 AM ET. Submissions received after this date and time will not be considered by the agency.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses with expertise in equipment testing, evaluation, and repair, particularly for aviation components. Firms that can inspect coatings, perform failure analysis, and estimate repair costs for specialized parts like the F414 nozzle assembly are well-suited. The award will go to the lowest-priced technically acceptable offeror, so competitive pricing is key.

How to respond

To respond, you must submit a capability statement via email. This statement should be no more than two 8.5 x 11-inch pages, use a font no smaller than 12 point, and be 1.5 spaced. It needs to clearly demonstrate your ability to perform the required test, evaluation, and potential repairs on the F414 nozzle assembly.

Your email submission must include your Company Name, Company Address, Company CAGE Code, Company Business Size, and a Point of Contact (POC) with their name, phone number, and email address. Send your capability statement package to [email protected]. You can also send any questions to this same email address.

Tips for a competitive response

Since this is a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) award, your capability statement must clearly pass the technical evaluation. Focus on demonstrating your firm's specific experience and ability to meet or exceed the manufacturer's specifications for F414 nozzle assembly testing and repair. Provide concrete examples or descriptions of relevant past work.

After demonstrating technical acceptability, the lowest total evaluated price will win. Ensure your pricing for both the test and evaluation, and the return shipping, is as competitive as possible. Double-check all required contact and business information in your submission to avoid any administrative delays.