How to bid on Turret FLIR Unit Repair/Modification for the DEPT of Defense

What the Navy is buying

The Department of Defense, specifically the Navy, is looking for vendors to repair or modify 40 turret FLIR units. These units are identified by National Stock Number (NSN) 1680-01-671-5197. This is a Request for Information (RFI), which means the agency is gathering information from potential vendors.

The units are considered flight-critical, and delivery will be Free On Board (FOB) origin. This opportunity is for businesses that can handle specialized repair and modification of sensitive defense equipment.

Key dates and deadlines

This RFI was published on August 27, 2026. The deadline for responses is October 13, 2026, at 12:00 AM ET. It is important to submit all required information before this deadline for your response to be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is best suited for firms with existing Government source approval for this specific flight-critical item. The agency has stated that only previously approved sources were solicited initially.

New sources can respond but must submit detailed source approval information with their proposal. The agency notes that approval for new sources may not be completed in time for an award, so this is a significant factor for unapproved vendors to consider. This falls under the equipment category, specifically for repair and modification services.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

If you are not an approved source, you must submit specific information detailed in one of the NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) Source Approval Information Brochures with your proposal. If your source approval request is already being evaluated, include a copy of the cover letter that forwarded your request. Offers that do not provide all required data will not be considered.

Tips for a competitive response

Given the requirement for Government source approval, if you are a new source, focus on providing a comprehensive and meticulously organized source approval package. Clearly demonstrate your unique design capability, engineering skills, and manufacturing or repair knowledge relevant to the NSN 1680-01-671-5197 turret FLIR unit.

Ensure all technical data and documentation required by the NAVSUP WSS Source Approval Information Brochures are included. Highlight any experience you have with similar flight-critical items or with the specific item itself. Even though this is an RFI, a thorough response can position your firm for future opportunities, especially if source approval is a lengthy process.