NAVAIR NAWCAD signal test equipment buys: brand-name FSW analyzer RFQ + bandpass filter repair intent

Executive takeaway

If you sell RF test equipment, the near-term winnable action here is the brand-name RFQ for a Rohde & Schwarz FSW Signal Analyzer under FAR Part 12/13 as a firm-fixed-price buy—award goes to the lowest aggregate, brand-name quote, and the solicitation emphasizes that the offeror must be an authorized distributor/reseller. In parallel, NAWCAD also posted an intent to sole source for bandpass filter repair; unless you have a compelling path to displace the intended source, treat that one primarily as market intel.

What the buyer is trying to do

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is executing two related acquisition actions tied to RF/signal test capability and sustainment:

• Acquire a brand-new Rohde & Schwarz FSW Signal Analyzer using a brand-name procurement on a firm-fixed-price basis, evaluated on price (lowest aggregate) and the information provided in the quote.
• Repair a bandpass filter under an intent to sole source action (details to be verified in the notice/attachments, as the description snippet is not available).

What work is implied (bullets)

• Source and deliver a Rohde & Schwarz FSW Signal Analyzer as a brand-new item (no used/refurb noted as acceptable).
• Comply with brand-name terms and submit a quote that matches the RFQ requirements (including any attachments referenced as “See Attached RFQ”).
• Provide standard commercial-buy information requested in the instructions (FOB, shipping, identifiers, delivery estimate, etc.).
• Complete required representations/certifications, including the referenced certification in Section K (52.209-11) and any other RFQ-required clauses (verify in attachments).
• For the filter repair intent to sole source: assess whether you can legitimately provide the repair and submit any response needed by the posted deadline (verify required format in the notice/attachments, since the snippet is not available).

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

Who should bid

• Authorized distributors/resellers of Rohde & Schwarz products who can document authorization (the notice states: MUST BE AN AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR/RESELLER).
• Firms comfortable with firm-fixed-price, lowest-price competitive dynamics and fast-turn quote preparation.
• Vendors that can quote all items or none (explicitly required in the RFQ snippet).
• Companies already registered in SAM (required to be considered for award).

Who should pass

• Resellers who cannot prove authorized status for Rohde & Schwarz.
• Firms that cannot meet the requirement for brand-new equipment.
• Teams that can only bid partial line items (the instruction is “quote all items or none”).
• Anyone who cannot meet the submission timing (RFQ indicates a noon EST due time on Feb 5, 2026) or cannot submit in the required manner (verify in attachments).

Response package checklist (bullets; if unknown say “verify in attachments”)

• Brand-name quote for Rohde & Schwarz FSW Signal Analyzer (only brand-name quotes will be considered).
• Confirm items are brand new.
• Price as a firm-fixed-price offer; include total cost and ensure your initial offer is your best.
• FOB term.
• Shipping cost.
• Tax ID.
• Dun & Bradstreet number.
• CAGE code.
• Small business status (Yes/No).
• GSA contract number (if applicable).
• Estimated delivery date.
• Pricelist copy (if available).
• Completed Section K certification referenced in the notice (52.209-11) and any other required reps/certs (verify in attachments).
• Proof of authorized distributor/reseller status (include documentation).
• Submission instructions (email routing, required addressees, file formats) — verify in attachments.

Pricing & strategy notes (how to research pricing; do not invent pricing numbers)

• Anchor your pricing to authorized-channel costs: since the buyer requires an authorized distributor/reseller, validate your current distributor pricing and lead times directly through the authorized supply chain.
• Confirm the exact configuration in the attached RFQ before finalizing price. For brand-name test equipment, configuration differences (options, calibration, accessories) can swing pricing; do not assume a base model without verifying line items.
• Structure a clean “lowest aggregate” quote: the evaluation is lowest aggregate firm-fixed-price brand-name quote, so avoid ambiguity—separate equipment price, shipping, and any required elements exactly as requested.
• Delivery date is part of the requested data: even if not a stated evaluation factor in the snippet, an unrealistic delivery estimate can create performance risk. Quote what you can actually deliver through authorized distribution.
• Use your last paid invoices / OEM or authorized pricelists to justify discounts internally; if you can include a pricelist copy, do so (the RFQ asks for it if available).

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Pair an authorized R&S reseller with a small business partner to handle administrative throughput and compliance, while the authorized party provides proof of authorization and the equipment.
• If shipping/handling is complex, consider teaming with a logistics provider to tighten delivery execution and reduce freight risk (keep the quote simple and compliant with the RFQ’s requested shipping cost line item).
• For the bandpass filter repair intent to sole source, consider a repair specialist teaming arrangement only if the notice/attachments indicate an opening for alternate sources (verify in attachments).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Authorization requirement: failure to prove you are an authorized distributor/reseller is likely disqualifying for the FSW RFQ.
• “Quote all items or none”: missing any required line item could render the quote nonresponsive—confirm the full BOM in the attached RFQ.
• Timing: the RFQ states responses are due by 12 PM EST Feb 5, 2026; late submissions are a common avoidable loss.
• Certifications: the notice explicitly calls out the Section K certification (52.209-11). An omitted or incomplete cert package can sink an otherwise competitive quote.
• Sole-source intent (bandpass filter repair): without the details in the snippet, assume the agency has a preferred path; any challenge requires strong technical and documentation footing (verify in attachments and the full notice).
• Tax-exempt transaction: the RFQ notes U.S. Government tax exempt; ensure your quote reflects that treatment appropriately.

Related opportunities

• Rohde & Schwarz FSW Signal Analyzer
• NAWCAD WOLF - Intent to Sole Source for Bandpass Filter Repair
• Award Notice to Fed Crew for the Purchase of Signal Hound Spectrum Analyzers

How to act on this

1. Open and review the RFQ attachments to confirm exact part/configuration and any submission formatting requirements.
2. Confirm authorized reseller status documentation is current and ready to include.
3. Build a compliant, all-items quote with FOB, shipping, delivery estimate, and the required identifiers.
4. Complete Section K certification (52.209-11) and any other required reps/certs (verify in attachments), then submit before the stated deadline.

If you want a fast, compliance-first review of your quote package (or a go/no-go recommendation based on the attachments), contact Federal Bid Partners LLC to support your response strategy and submission readiness.