S. E Shires French Horns

The Department of the Navy Naval Supply Systems Command seeks four S.E. Shires Q20 F/Bb Double French Horns (Yellow Brass, Detachable Bell, Lacquered Finish) for U.S. Fleet Bands, with quotations due September 1 at 11:00 AM Eastern. This is a single-source procurement under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i); however, other responsible sources may submit documentation of their ability to meet requirements for consideration.

Place of performance is Millington, Tennessee. The instruments must feature yellow brass bodies with Geyer-style wraps, clear lacquered finish, 12mm bore size, medium throat yellow brass bells with detachable screw-bell configuration, proprietary S.E. Shires high-tolerance mechanical rotary valves, and one lever-type water key on the leadpipe, accompanied by a professional mouthpiece and custom-fit protective flight case. Delivery is required by September 30, 2026. The NAICS code is 339992 (Musical Instrument Manufacturing); the PSC is 7710 (Musical Instruments).

The Navy's justification establishes sole source based on unique structural integrity from specialized hand-joined, heavy-duty solder-jointed leadpipe-to-bell construction; proprietary rotary valves engineered for precise mechanical action in austere deployable environments; specific acoustic projection requirements achieved through the Geyer-style wrap and medium-throat configuration; compatibility with existing Fleet Band standardized mechanical and ergonomic specifications; and direct replacement of obsolete legacy instruments. Prior technical market research and hands-on testing by expert military musicians confirmed the S.E. Shires Q20 as the only model meeting acoustic performance and rugged mechanical requirements for forward-deployed operations.

All quoters must be registered in SAM. Estimated award date is September 17, 2026. The contracting officer is Joseph DeLibero (joseph.d.delibero.civ@us.navy.mil, 771-229-2843).