This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on January 21, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Sole Source to Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company to Acquire 35 EA. Ejector Release Mechanisms-- See All Attachments.
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The Department of Defense’s Naval Surface Warfare Center, located in Panama City Beach, Florida, is issuing a sole source procurement to Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company for 35 units of the MK68 Ejector Release Mechanisms (ERM), specifically the E4000-3361-1-PBOF ERM Linear Actuator with part number N83361-1. This equipment is a critical component of the Multi Mission Buoy (MMB) and is necessary for its Anchor Separation Mechanism. The contract has been designated as sole source because Ensign-Bickford is the original equipment manufacturer and sole developer of these actuators, possessing unique technical knowledge and proprietary design rights, which the government does not own or have access to. Alternative suppliers or substitute products have been deemed unsuitable due to extensive prior testing failures and would lead to significant program delays, increased costs, and engineering risks. The acquisition under solicitation number N61331-26-Q-JC08 will follow a combined contract type and is not set aside for any small business categories. The requirement’s justification highlights that competition is unlikely to yield cost savings or efficiencies, making a sole source award to Ensign-Bickford the most advantageous and practical approach for the government. The contract documents include standard federal supply clauses and provisions covering delivery, contract terms, certifications, and compliance per FAR and DFARS regulations. The proposal submission deadline is January 27, 2026, with points of contact provided for primary and secondary communication, ensuring thorough administrative oversight and coordination throughout the procurement process.
General Info
Contract Value
$698,302Place of Performance
Panama City Beach, FL, 32407, USASet-Aside
Award Issued Date
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
Sole Source to Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company to Acquire 35 EA. of Ejector Release Mechanisms for the Multi Mission Buoy (MMB).
MK68 EJECTOR RELEASE MECHANISMS
- E4000-3361-1-PBOF ERM Linear Actuator, Part Number N83361-1
- Quantity: 35 EACH
The NSWC PCD has a requirement to acquire MK68 Ejector Release Mechanisms for the Multi Mission Buoy (MMB). This purchase is not suitable for full and open competition for the following reasons.
a) Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD) is the sole developer and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) this item. As such they are the only source with sufficient knowledge of the linear actuator design and functionality to supply the component.
b) After extensive testing in other relevant undersea weapon systems, non-successful testing of other actuator systems, and trade studies conducted by the development team, these actuators were designed into the MMB’s Anchor Separation Mechanism which created the system design. Replacing the actuators with another product or manufacturer will not only duplicate the effort and delay the delivery of the MMB due to required system redesign, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and extensive testing, resulting in significant schedule delay and increase requirements of funding. The replacement will introduce undefined interface risks.
c) The Government did not purchase or acquire the rights in data and design or a technical data package (TDP) for these items because they are commercial items developed to support the aerospace and defense industry at large.
EBAD is the only source capable of meeting the requirement. As such, the Government does not expect significant savings through competition, and it is more advantageous for the Government to award on a sole source basis to EBAD.
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