Navy SBIR DON27BZ01-NV002: Fire Resistant Joiner Bulkhead

Quick Answer

DON27BZ01-NV002 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a more fire-resistant joiner bulkhead that improves compartment-level fire containment on ships without adding significant weight, width, or installation cost. Phase I is up to $315,000 including the option, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

The bulkhead must meet AN-30 class shock and fire performance per MIL-STD-3020 and pass Navy Fire, Smoke, and Toxicity testing per MIL-STD-1623.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DON27BZ01-NV002
• Title: Fire Resistant Joiner Bulkhead
• Component: Department of the Navy
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $315,000
• Period of performance: 6 month base plus 6 month option
• Technical volume limit: 10 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Advanced Materials; Sustainment and Logistics
• Keywords: fire safety, intumescent coatings, bio-composites, bulkhead fire containment, fire protection, high-performance fibers
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Navy Is Looking For

Recent and historical ship fires (the topic cites USS Oscar Austin, USS Conyngham, USS Stark, and the cruise ship Star Princess) spread through joiner bulkheads. Better panels would let damage control teams contain fires before they threaten the ship and crew.

Constraints matter as much as performance: no significant weight increase given how many panels a ship carries, little added width in tight destroyer spaces, and no expensive edge treatments since panels are often cut to fit at the shipyard.

The Navy points to intumescent coatings, nanomaterial-enhanced thermal coatings, and high-performance fibers, and is also open to bio-composites and bio-polymers with lower toxicity.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops a concept, shows it can meet the requirements, and establishes feasibility of the material or system through small-scale testing. The Option, if exercised, covers initial design specifications for a Phase II prototype.

Phase II delivers a prototype bulkhead for evaluation, demonstrates performance over the required parameters, completes an extended land-based evaluation, and prepares a manufacturing and development plan with connection detail drawings.

Phase III supports Navy transition with installation and maintenance manuals. Commercial markets include shipping, construction, aerospace, and automotive.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I Base: up to $200,000 over 6 months.
• Phase I Option: up to $115,000 over 6 months, so the Phase I total is up to $315,000. Base and Option costs must be separated in Volume 3.
• Phase II: up to $2,000,000 including all options and TABA, with structure provided to Phase I awardees.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 10 pages, 10-point minimum font, and the Option tasks must be inside the 10 pages.
• TABA: up to $6,500 for Phase I, in addition to the Phase I amount. Cost sharing is not accepted on Navy Phase I proposals.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the work in both the Phase I Base and the Option. The Navy does not accept deviations from this rule for Phase I.
• Firms more than 50 percent owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms are eligible to propose to Navy topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Fire-resistant materials, coatings, and composite panel manufacturers are the right audience. Firms that already test to marine or aerospace fire, smoke, and toxicity standards will have the easiest feasibility story.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navy SBIR topic DON27BZ01-NV002?

DON27BZ01-NV002 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a fire-resistant joiner bulkhead that improves compartment-level fire containment while meeting Navy limits on weight, fit, cost, and fire, smoke, and toxicity.

How much funding is available?

Phase I has a Base of up to $200,000 over 6 months and an Option of up to $115,000 over 6 months, for up to $315,000 total. Phase II can be up to $2,000,000 including options and TABA.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Navy Phase I technical volumes are limited to 10 pages, with a 10-point minimum font, and the Phase I Option tasks must fit inside those 10 pages.

What standards must the bulkhead meet?

It must meet or exceed AN-30 class shock and fire certification per MIL-STD-3020 and pass Navy Fire, Smoke, Toxicity testing per MIL-STD-1623.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A.