How to bid on Guide Launcher Rails for the Department of Defense

What the Department of Defense is buying

The Department of Defense is seeking 80 guide launcher rails, specifically NSN 1440-017021074, part number 497HN0112-3. This will be a firm fixed-price contract. The delivery requirement is 214 days after the order is placed. This is a total small business set-aside opportunity.

Key dates and deadlines

This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on August 7, 2026. The deadline for this RFI is August 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. The actual Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected to be issued on or about August 24, 2026, with a closing date on or about September 24, 2025. Pay close attention to these dates as they may indicate a future procurement.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses, as it is a total small business set-aside. Firms that can supply security-related components, particularly guide launcher rails, and are experienced with government quality requirements such as Government First Article Test and Government Production Lot Test, are well-suited. Export control and critical safety item procedures apply.

How to access and respond

To view the original source of this opportunity, you will need to click the designated link. If the first click takes you to a homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required.

Offers must come from businesses registered in SAM. If your offer exceeds $10,000,000, certified cost and pricing data will be required. Alternate offerors must submit a Source Approval Request (SAR) package along with a completed copy of the solicitation.

Tips for a competitive response

Ensure your SAM registration is active and up-to-date, as it is mandatory for award. For this type of procurement, where specific part numbers and critical safety items are involved, demonstrate your capability to meet all technical specifications and quality assurance requirements, including Government First Article Test and Government Production Lot Test.

If you are an alternate offeror, prepare your Source Approval Request (SAR) package thoroughly. While evaluation of SARs may not always be possible for the current procurement, an approved SAR can position you for future opportunities. Pay close attention to the delivery requirement of 214 days ARO and confirm your ability to meet this timeline.