RFI - Commercial Solutions Opening: Tactical Oceanography Supporting Full-Spectrum Undersea Warfare
ID: N66604-26-9-XXXXType: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE NAVYNUWC DIV NEWPORTNEWPORT, RI, 02841-1703, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC33)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/97e695d25330453e99368a31b82f3d18/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), is seeking proposals for the Tactical Oceanography Supporting Full-Spectrum Undersea Warfare initiative, aimed at enhancing military capabilities through innovative prototyping efforts. This opportunity invites both traditional and nontraditional defense contractors to develop new environmental sensors and information systems that improve operator situational awareness and performance of existing undersea warfare systems. The anticipated funding for prototype projects may reach up to $20 million, with a competitive solicitation process expected to begin in mid-February 2026, and proposals due by February 6, 2026. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Julianna Ricci at julianna.b.ricci.civ@us.navy.mil or call 401-832-5617 for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Julianna Ricci
    (401) 832-5617
    julianna.b.ricci.civ@us.navy.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Base Agreement_RFI DRAFT.pdf
    This draft Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Agreement outlines the terms between the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) and a selected company for Tactical Oceanography (TAC-O) prototyping efforts. The agreement, authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, details the scope, security, payment, and intellectual property rights. Key provisions include compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) for classified and controlled unclassified information, the ability for the Government to incrementally fund projects, and specific procedures for invoicing through the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) system. The agreement also addresses data and patent rights, defining categories for government and company-funded data, and outlines dispute resolution and confidentiality protocols. This OTA functions as a flexible acquisition instrument, not subject to typical FAR regulations, aiming to enhance military mission effectiveness.
    Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)_RFI DRAFT.pdf
    The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) is seeking proposals for commercial technologies and data analysis to enhance undersea warfare capabilities through a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under Other Transaction Agreements (OTA). This competitive solicitation, N66604-26-9-XXXX, aims to award prototype projects up to $20,000,000. NUWC requires expertise in oceanography, acoustics, USW system simulation, and prototype development to improve existing systems and inform next-generation submarines. Solution Briefs, not exceeding five pages, will be evaluated on technical merit, feasibility, past performance, data rights impact, and facilities. Successful prototype projects may lead to follow-on production contracts without further competition. Submissions are due via email to julianna.b.ricci.civ@us.navy.mil.
    Statement of Work_DRAFT for RFI_CUI version.pdf
    The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) is seeking contractor support for its Tactical Oceanography (TAC-O) prototyping efforts, focusing on enhancing Undersea Warfare (USW) capabilities. The goal is to exploit the ocean environment to improve the performance of USW systems, including unmanned systems, weapons, and sonar. The contractor will provide scientific and engineering expertise in areas such as oceanography, ocean acoustics, systems analysis, and information systems design. Key tasks involve developing prototype concepts for USW systems, creating operator interfaces, conducting human factors engineering analysis, and performing modeling and simulation to evaluate new capabilities. Deliverables include prototype algorithms, feasibility studies, ruggedized oceanographic sensors, and analysis reports. The work involves Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and will be performed at various government and contractor facilities. The project is funded by various Navy sponsors and requires adherence to numerous military standards and security protocols, including those for cybersecurity and OPSEC.
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