U.S. Navy NSWC Crane - MOBILITY PROTOTYPING

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

This is a U.S. Navy NSWC Crane multi-award IDIQ contract (Mobility MAC Follow-On, N0016426RMP01) to develop and test vehicle mobility prototypes across four technical areas (powertrain, chassis, testing, and integration).

You are not bidding on a single project—you are competing to get on-contract, after which you can compete for individual funded delivery orders.

Deadline: 11 May 2026, 02:00 PM local time

This is a high-value, long-term vehicle prototyping contract with access to DoD customers including USSOCOM and multiple services. If you are a mobility, automotive, or defense engineering company, this is a strategic contract vehicle to secure.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding is not guaranteed upfront beyond a minimum. Instead, funding is awarded through delivery orders after contract award.

• Minimum guarantee: $1,000

• Maximum per order: $25,000,000

• Contract structure: Multi-Award IDIQ (you compete for task orders after award)

The total contract ceiling and number of awards are not specified in the provided sections.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is used to design, prototype, fabricate, and test mobility systems and components for military vehicles.

Four Technology Areas:

1. Powertrain Performance Prototyping

   • Engines, transmissions, hybrid systems, power generation, fuel economy improvements

2. Advanced Chassis, Body, and Mobility Handling

   • Suspension, steering, survivability, payload, vehicle structure

3. Mobility Testing Services

   • Full vehicle/system testing, durability, environmental, and performance validation

4. General Prototype Fabrication and Integration

   • Building and integrating physical prototypes from designs

Work may include:

• Engineering design, CAD/CAE, and simulations

• Prototype fabrication and integration

• Testing and evaluation (including armor and environmental testing)

• Technical data packages and reports

• Transition to Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes—this is a strategic contract vehicle, not just a grant.

• Access to recurring delivery orders over a 5-year contract period

• Ability to work with:

  • USSOCOM

  • U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps

  • Combatant Commands (CENTCOM, PACOM, etc.)

• Opportunity to:

  • Transition prototypes into production (LRIP)

  • Influence future mobility platforms

• Rolling admissions may allow additional contractors to be added later (limited to small businesses)

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Solicitation issued: 19 Mar 2026

• Application deadline: 11 May 2026, 02:00 PM local time

After award:

• You must compete for delivery orders (DOs)

• Each DO will include:

  • Statement of Objectives (SOO)

  • Technical requirements, schedule, and funding

• Funding is received only when you win individual DO competitions

Specific award timing and first funding timeline are not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• U.S. Navy – Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane

• Supporting broader Department of Defense mobility and vehicle modernization efforts

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation refers to “interested vendors” that can demonstrate capability in one or more Technology Areas.

You must:

• Propose capabilities in one or more Technology Areas

• Provide historical documentation and current capabilities

• Be able to perform engineering, prototyping, testing, and integration work

Additional eligibility constraints:

• Must comply with ITAR and export control restrictions

• Work must remain under U.S. control (no foreign involvement without approval)

Small business set-asides may apply at the delivery order level, but overall eligibility categories are not fully specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Winners will be companies that demonstrate:

• Strong technical capability in at least one Technology Area

• Proven experience in:

  • Mobility systems engineering

  • Automotive or defense prototyping

  • Testing and validation

• Ability to:

  • Deliver end-to-end prototype development

  • Transition designs toward production

At the delivery order level, proposals are evaluated on:

• Technical approach (most important)

• Schedule

• Past performance

• Price (least important unless proposals are similar)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes—this is a highly regulated DoD contract.

Key restrictions include:

• ITAR / export control compliance required

• No foreign nationals, facilities, or suppliers without approval

• Government retains data rights for developed work

• Strict:

  • Quality standards (ISO/ANSI requirements)

  • Testing standards (MIL-STD, SAE, etc.)

• Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) rules may limit future work

• Security and handling requirements for sensitive data and equipment

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Based on requirements, expect significant effort to:

• Document past performance and capabilities by Technology Area

• Prepare a technical proposal demonstrating engineering depth

• Align with DoD standards and compliance requirements

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you by:

• Positioning your company for multi-award IDIQ selection

• Structuring your proposal to align with:

  • Technology Area requirements

  • DoD evaluation criteria

• Developing:

  • Technical narratives

  • Past performance framing

  • Compliance and risk positioning

• Preparing you for delivery order competitions post-award

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($9,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.