Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is announcing a research opportunity titled the Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator, aimed at developing ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicles for extended ocean missions. Interested parties are encouraged to attend Industry Days from June 30 to July 1, 2025, in Arlington, VA, where ONR will provide essential information regarding proposal submissions. Participants should register by June 18, 2025, with prior security clearance required for classified sessions. Proposals will go through a multi-phase evaluation, starting with the submission of white papers by July 25, 2025, to assess technological advancements relevant to the Navy. Those with promising concepts may be invited to present their ideas on August 29, 2025. Full proposals are due by October 31, 2025, with an expected award date of February 20, 2026. ONR is particularly focusing on rapidly designing and prototyping the OEX vehicle, seeking innovations in undersea technology. The document also outlines the necessary steps for participants, including submission formats, deadlines, and requirements for both small and large businesses interested in subcontracting opportunities. The ONR's initiative reflects a strategic effort to enhance naval capabilities through advanced underwater technologies.

The document is a Q&A related to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) event under the RFP N0001425SBC04. It addresses key clarifications regarding participation and logistical aspects of the event, specifically for industry day activities. The document confirms that unclassified email addresses cannot be used in SIPR fields, and registration is allowed without a SIPR account. It outlines that two full days of materials will be covered and reiterates that both days will run until close of business. Classified information will be disseminated via various secure methods. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) can participate in teaming arrangements with eligible principal offerors, despite being ineligible for direct awards. A reference to Amendment 001 is made for the event agenda. The overall purpose is to ensure prospective participants have the necessary information to engage effectively with the ONR's procurement process while adhering to security protocols. This document embodies communication essential for transparency and detailed guidance within the framework of government RFPs.

The Ocean Explorer (OEX) program by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks to develop an all-electric, ultra-large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) capable of extended autonomous missions without the need for refueling. The program focuses on enhancing reliability, endurance, and communication while addressing technology challenges, particularly in autonomy and fault tolerance. Key program objectives include demonstrating a robust vehicle design and supporting infrastructure while ensuring that project demands do not disrupt the Navy’s existing submarine construction schedules. The development process involves creating both a Production Vehicle, aimed at feasibility, and a Prototype Vehicle for testing key performance features. Various documentation, including Top Level Requirements and Detailed Performance Goals, will assist proposers in their design efforts. Regular meetings and reviews will facilitate collaborative progress tracking and risk mitigation throughout the program lifecycle. In addition, essential government-provided information will guide design teams regarding battery systems and propulsor assembly, vital components for the effective operation of the OEX vehicle. This initiative reflects the Navy's commitment to advancing underwater vehicle technology and maintaining operational capabilities in increasingly complex environments.

The document outlines the Office of Naval Research's Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Ocean Explorer (OEX) program, focusing on developing an all-electric Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV). The main goal is to create a reliable, autonomous UUV capable of long-duration missions without refueling. Key challenges include system reliability, maintaining two-way communications, achieving low hydrodynamic drag, and enhancing autonomy through advanced software solutions. The program encompasses the design, development, and testing of a Prototype Vehicle alongside a Production Vehicle, ensuring no additional stress on existing Navy submarine schedules. Essential documents include performance goals, mission requirements, and infrastructure support plans, all aimed at validating the OEX concept efficiently. Regular collaborative meetings, including monthly updates, quarterly reviews, and technical assessments, will facilitate communication with the Government, allowing risk management and design maturation through established review processes. Government support includes providing key components like battery systems and design frameworks essential for achieving performance metrics while promoting safe and effective integration of various technologies. Overall, the OEX initiative demonstrates a commitment to advanced undersea capabilities for naval operations.

This memorandum from Stephen C. Schreppler, Program Officer for the Ocean Explorer (OEX) at the Office of Naval Research (ONR), provides guidance for companies seeking government-furnished information (GFI) to prepare proposals for the OEX Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator BAA. It outlines the steps required for contractors to submit a formal letterhead request, including specific information needed for security verification. Upon approval, the ONR will provide a DD 254, a serialized classified CD-ROM, and a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) CD-ROM, containing essential GFI. The memorandum emphasizes security requirements, detailing constraints on disseminating GFI, proposal classification levels, and the return process for GFI after proposal preparation. This document aims to facilitate compliance with Department of Defense guidelines, ensuring secure and qualified submissions in a classified environment, critical for contractors involved in advanced underwater vehicle development.

The Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) issued Amendment 001 for Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) N0001425SBC04, focusing on the Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator. The amendment introduces changes such as limiting registration to three individuals per organization for Industry Days and updating specific agenda items. The OEX initiative seeks innovative proposals for an autonomous undersea vehicle capable of large-scale ocean missions and advanced operational capabilities. Key events include Industry Days scheduled for June 30 and July 1, 2025, aimed at providing insights for proposal submissions. White paper submissions are encouraged by July 25, 2025, with evaluations expected by August 8, 2025. Selected proposals may lead to full proposals due by October 31, 2025, with funding decisions anticipated by November 21, 2025. On-field collaboration opportunities are highlighted for small businesses seeking to partner with larger entities. The announcement emphasizes the importance of early engagement and compliance with registration and security procedures for those interested in submitting proposals or attending Industry Days. The overall goal is to enhance capabilities in uncrewed undersea vessel technology through collaboration with industry partners.

This document, an attachment to a government Request for Proposal (RFP), outlines the detailed proposal information required from offerors for a federal contract. The proposal package, limited to 50 pages plus graphics, must separate classified elements into a separate appendix. Key sections include a Technical Proposal, which requires a comprehensive management plan detailing system development processes, teaming arrangements, and approaches to cost, schedule, and risk management. Offerors must identify and address technical challenges related to the OEX project, specifically concerning reliability, external communications, endurance, and robust autonomy. An Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) is required, detailing tasks, inter-relationships, and time sequencing, with a desired overall duration of one year for Phase I. The IMS must be unclassified, free of proprietary information, and correlate with the Cost and Statement of Work (SOW) volume structure. Deliverable descriptions for Phase 1A and 1B are also mandated, including content, standards, and format. The Project Team and Experience section requires details on proposed teammates, key personnel qualifications, relevant past program experience, and resumes (limited to two pages each). Additionally, a clear Statement of Work (SOW) is required, defining technical tasks, durations, dependencies, and completion criteria, utilizing a common work breakdown structure. Finally, the document addresses Government Data Rights, anticipating Unlimited or Government Purpose Rights for delivered data, with Limited Rights potentially applying to battery packs and control systems.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has issued Amendment 003 to BAA Call N0001425SBC04, focusing on the Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator. The amendment primarily updates submission dates for proposals. ONR seeks innovative rapid design, build, and testing of an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle (OEX) capable of extended ocean missions with a large modular payload. The program involves a "Preliminary Design" phase (Phase 1A) and a "Detailed Design" option (Phase 1B). White papers are strongly encouraged by September 25, 2025, to assess technological value. Full proposals, for which up to two contracts totaling $30M are anticipated, are due by December 1, 2025. The project aims to advance uncrewed undersea vessel technology significantly. Small businesses are encouraged to explore subcontracting opportunities. Key contact information for technical and business inquiries is provided.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is seeking proposals for the Ocean Explorer (OEX) program, an initiative focused on developing an all-electric, ultra-large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) capable of extended autonomous missions without underway refueling. The program prioritizes reliability, endurance, communications, and autonomous operation, leveraging advances in battery technology. Key challenges include maintaining reliable two-way communication while submerged, achieving extreme hydrodynamic efficiency for extended missions, and developing robust, fault-tolerant autonomy software. The project involves designing, building, and testing a large-scale prototype vehicle and a separate payload module. Proposers must submit designs for both a “Production Vehicle” and a “Prototype Vehicle,” along with infrastructure support plans. The Navy will provide Government Furnished Information (GFI) regarding preferred battery solutions, propulsor designs, and objective payload details. The program emphasizes a rigorous systems engineering process with formal reviews to track design maturation, manage risks, and ensure the vehicle meets performance goals.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) issued a memorandum detailing the process for potential performers to receive Government Furnished Information (GFI) for the Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator program. To obtain GFI, contractors must submit a formal letterhead request by August 1st, providing specific company and security officer details for DD Form 254 Blocks 6 and 8. Upon verification, ONR will send the DD Form 254 and two serialized CD-ROMs containing classified and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to the contractor's classified mailing address. Performers must adhere to the security guidance in DD Form 254 Block 13 for preparing white papers and proposals, and return the GFI media upon completion. Proposals can be submitted at classified or CUI levels, following the instructions on the ONR OEX BAA call website.

Amendment 004 to BAA Call N0001425SBC04, "Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator," updates submission dates and details a research opportunity from the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The program seeks proposals for the rapid design, build, and testing of an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle (OEX) capable of extended ocean missions with a large modular payload. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit white papers, which will be evaluated for technical innovation and naval relevance. Classified information is involved, requiring appropriate security clearances for access. Selected offerors will be invited to submit full proposals, with up to two contracts anticipated for a total of $30 million. Key dates include a white paper submission deadline of October 24, 2025, and an estimated award date of April 1, 2026. The amendment also provides guidance for small business subcontracting interests and points of contact for questions.

This government BAA Call N0001425SBC04 outlines the development of the Ocean Explorer (OEX), an all-electric, ultra-large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) for extended autonomous missions without refueling. Key objectives include enhancing reliability, endurance through low hydrodynamic drag, advanced communication capabilities to minimize surface operations, and robust fault-tolerant autonomy software. The program focuses on designing, building, and testing a large-scale prototype vehicle and a separate payload module. The project emphasizes a streamlined timeline for prototype fabrication and delivery, requiring proposers to submit detailed plans and schedules. The government provides significant support, including preferred battery, propulsor design, and objective payload information, facilitating technical exchange and integration. Deliverables span preliminary and detailed design phases, including technical data packages, cost estimates, safety plans, and regular progress reports, ensuring rigorous systems engineering and risk management throughout the project.

Amendment 001 to BAA Call N0001425SBC04, titled "Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator," updates the original announcement with several key changes. Due to venue capacity, Industry Day registration is now limited to three individuals per organization. The document provides a revised topic description, an updated Industry Day schedule including a tentative agenda and REAL ID requirements, and new attachments with additional information and Q&A. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks innovative designs for an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of extended missions with a large modular payload. The process involves white paper submissions, followed by full proposals for a "Preliminary Design" phase with a "Detailed Design" option. Industry Days, held on June 30 – July 1, 2025, are highly encouraged for potential offerors, with strict security and identification protocols. White papers are due by July 25, 2025, with full proposals by October 31, 2025. ONR anticipates awarding up to two contracts totaling $30M, with an estimated award date of February 20, 2026. Small businesses are encouraged to explore subcontracting opportunities.

This government file addresses questions and comments regarding an RFP, focusing on clarifications for proposal submission and project execution. Key points include a 50-page limit for the technical proposal and Statement of Work (SOW) combined, excluding full-page graphics. For Phase 1B, offerors should provide their best cost estimate for a cost-reimbursement contract. Phase 1A (preliminary design) is expected to last 12 months, with the overall Phase 1 (1A and 1B combined) aligning with the BAA's 1-3 year performance period. The government expects design divergence between prototype and production vehicles and will provide critical subsystem details and performance models for battery packs at the time of award. There is no preferred autonomy framework, but a well-documented open architecture is desired, with autonomy expected to reach TRL 3 or 4 by the end of Phase 1B. External communications will have specified performance, space, and weight requirements. The government will facilitate close interaction for resolving propulsor integration conflicts and provide guidance on alternative payload concepts for modularity.

Amendment 006 to BAA Call N0001425SBC04, issued by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), focuses on the Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator. The amendment updates proposal information and provides answers to questions. ONR seeks proposals for the rapid design, build, and testing of OEX, an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle for extended ocean missions with a large modular payload. The program involves a preliminary design phase (Phase 1A) and a detailed design option (Phase 1B), aiming to advance uncrewed undersea vehicle technology and manufacturing. White papers are strongly encouraged, with full proposals due by January 30, 2026. ONR anticipates awarding up to two contracts totaling $30M, with funding decisions by February 27, 2026, and awards by May 29, 2026. Small businesses are encouraged to express subcontracting interest.

This document outlines detailed proposal requirements for a government RFP, focusing on a technical proposal, statement of work (SOW), and data rights. The technical proposal requires a comprehensive management plan, including system development processes, teaming arrangements, lessons learned, and an overview of organizational responsibilities. It also mandates identifying technical challenges related to OEX design and fabrication, an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) detailing tasks, inter-relationships, and time sequencing, and complete descriptions of all deliverables. Additionally, offerors must provide details on their project team, including proposed teammates, their competencies, key personnel experience, and resumes. The SOW requires a clear definition of technical tasks/subtasks, durations, dependencies, and a common work breakdown structure (WBS) that correlates with the IMS and cost proposal. Finally, the document specifies government data rights, anticipating Unlimited or Government Purpose Rights for most delivered data, with limited rights for battery-related data.

Amendment 005 to BAA Call N0001425SBC04, titled "Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator," seeks proposals for the rapid design, build, and testing of an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of extended ocean-scale missions with a large modular payload. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is looking for innovations in both vehicle technology and rapid prototyping. The program will proceed in phases, starting with a Preliminary Design phase (Phase 1A) and a Detailed Design option (Phase 1B). White papers are strongly encouraged, with a submission deadline for classified GFI requests by August 1, 2025. Full proposals are due by January 30, 2026, with an estimated award date of May 29, 2026. ONR anticipates issuing up to two contracts, totaling $30M. Small businesses are encouraged to subcontract, and contact information is provided for technical and business inquiries.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has issued a special program announcement for the Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator under BAA Call N0001425SBC04. This initiative seeks proposals for the rapid design, construction, and testing of an ultra-large autonomous underwater vehicle capable of extended missions with a modular payload. Interested parties are encouraged to submit white papers outlining their technological innovations that align with the ONR's objectives. While white papers are not mandatory, they facilitate government evaluation and feedback regarding the potential value of the proposed technologies. Proposals will follow a phased approach, starting with a Preliminary Design that demonstrates technical feasibility, followed by a Detailed Design option. Key submission dates include white papers due by August 15, 2025, with notifications of selection for full proposals by September 15, 2025. The proposal submission deadline is October 31, 2025, with a total funding expectation of $30 million for contracts anticipated by February 2026. Additionally, non-small businesses must include a subcontracting plan, detailing potential collaborations with small businesses. This program represents a commitment by the Navy to advance UUV technology and address critical operational needs effectively.