Bid guide

How to bid on Digital Red Switch System Retrofit for the DEPT of Defense

DEPT of Defense Richardson, TXCloses August 14, 2026

What the Navy is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Navy, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), intends to modify an existing contract with Collins Aerospace. This modification is for retrofitting Government-Furnished Block I Digital Red Switch System (DRSS) production support equipment to a Block II configuration. This work is crucial for the sustainment of E-6B aircraft.

The equipment involved includes various components such as power distribution units, Ethernet switches, processors, cooling fan control units, and other related modules. This effort is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This notice was published on July 30, 2026. If you are a responsible source and wish to submit a response, you must do so within 15 days after this publication date. The deadline for submissions is August 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

Responses received by the deadline will be considered by the agency. However, this is a notice of intent to award on a sole-source basis, not a request for competitive proposals. The government will decide whether to compete this proposed contract based on the responses received.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is primarily for companies with highly specialized services related to the Digital Red Switch System (DRSS) and E-6B aircraft sustainment. The Navy intends to award this modification to Collins Aerospace due to their unique capabilities as the original source.

This is not a small business set-aside. Companies interested in subcontracting opportunities should contact Collins Aerospace directly.

How to respond

To view the original source of this opportunity, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view any associated documents.

Responses must be submitted in writing by email. Send your email to Bezeyem Lemou at [email protected] and Lisa Troccoli at [email protected]. Ensure your response is sent before the August 14, 2026, 5:00 PM ET deadline.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Even though this is a notice of intent for a sole-source award, a well-prepared response can still be considered. Focus on clearly demonstrating your firm's unique capabilities and why your company is a responsible source that could meet the agency's requirements without unacceptable delays.

Ensure your written response is concise, professional, and directly addresses your ability to perform the specified retrofit work. Highlight any relevant experience with similar systems or aircraft sustainment. If you are interested in subcontracting, contact Amber Hanlon at [email protected] directly.

See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond

Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.

View this bid on BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of Defense; the original posting controls.