Bid guide
How to bid on the Family of Hand Held Signals for the DEPT of Defense
What the Army is buying
The Department of Defense, specifically the Army Contracting Command - Rock Island, is seeking proposals for the Family of Hand Held Signals. This includes six types of ground illumination signals: M125A1, M158, and M159 Star Clusters (green, red, and white), and M126A1, M127A1, and M195 Star Parachutes (red, white, and green).
This is a five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. It will be a fixed-price contract with economic price adjustments and range pricing. This opportunity is set aside entirely for certified Women-Owned Small Businesses.
Key dates and deadlines
The Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on July 31, 2026. All proposals must be submitted by September 08, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your proposal on time, as late submissions may be rejected.
Any amendments to the solicitation will be issued electronically. Interested parties should regularly check the SAM.gov website for updates, as the government will not maintain a bidder's mailing list. Failure to account for amendments could render your proposal non-responsive.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for certified Women-Owned Small Businesses. The applicable NAICS code is 325998. Firms with experience in manufacturing or supplying security-related items, particularly illumination signals or similar pyrotechnic devices, would be well-suited.
Vendors must also be registered with the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office to access the restricted technical data package (TDP).
How to respond
The solicitation, W519TC-23-R-0080, will be issued electronically on SAM.gov. Hard copies will not be provided. You can access the solicitation by going to the SAM.gov website.
To view the technical data package (TDP), you must be registered with the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office. The TDP will only be available after the solicitation is formally issued on SAM.gov, and you will need valid contractor credentials to access it. Questions should be directed in writing to Mr. Benjamin Riessen at the Army Contracting Command - Rock Island, or via email to [email protected].
Tips for a competitive response
Given this is a 100% Women-Owned Small Business set-aside, ensure your certification is current and clearly demonstrated in your proposal. Highlight any past performance with similar Department of Defense contracts or experience with manufacturing items requiring strict technical specifications.
Carefully review the technical data package once you gain access. Pay close attention to all specifications for the six types of signals to ensure your proposal fully meets the Army's requirements. Since this is a fixed-price IDIQ with economic price adjustments and range pricing, clearly outline your pricing structure and how it aligns with these terms. A well-structured and compliant proposal, addressing all aspects of the RFP, will be key.
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 BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of Defense; the original posting controls.