Navy SBIR DON27BZ01-NV003: Improved Cargo Door Actuator

Quick Answer

DON27BZ01-NV003 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an improved, corrosion-resistant actuator for the roughly 2,500 pound cargo doors on DDG 51 destroyers. Phase I is up to $315,000 including the option, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Saltwater spray routinely corrodes current actuators to failure, forcing crews to hand-carry cargo in port. The new design should be close to a form and fit replacement and must never allow a sudden door closure.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DON27BZ01-NV003
• Title: Improved Cargo Door Actuator
• 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: nanocoatings, saltwater corrosion, corrosion resistant materials, actuator, reliability and maintainability
• 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

The Navy needs an actuator that withstands saltwater, marine fuel, and chemicals; is as close as possible to a form and fit replacement; is cost effective on a life-cycle basis; holds heavy doors open for long periods without failure; and is easy for sailors to repair or replace.

The Navy notes that corrosion-resistant steels and Inconel alloys exist but are often cost-prohibitive or unproven for Navy use, and nanomaterials can improve corrosion resistance but may lack needed mechanical properties. Design improvements are also welcome.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops a concept and demonstrates feasibility against corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, form, fit, function, maintainability, and life-cycle cost through small-scale test, modeling, or simulation. The Option covers initial prototype design specifications.

Phase II delivers a prototype actuator, demonstrates performance, completes an extended maritime environment test, and prepares a manufacturing and development plan.

Phase III supports fleet transition with installation, maintenance, and operations manuals. Commercial markets include shipping, offshore extraction, and industrial processes.

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?

Actuator, hydraulic, and motion control manufacturers with marine products, and corrosion engineering or coatings companies willing to team with one, are the strongest fits.

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-NV003?

DON27BZ01-NV003 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an improved, corrosion-resistant cargo door actuator for DDG 51 class destroyers.

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 are the key design constraints?

Corrosion resistance to saltwater, fuel, and chemicals; near form and fit replacement; life-cycle cost effectiveness; the strength to hold roughly 2,500 pound doors open for long periods with no sudden closure; and easy maintenance.

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.