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.

AFRL: “Networking the Fight” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002

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

Executive Summary:

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking innovative technologies that improve secure information sharing across multiple security domains and networks at the tactical edge through the “Networking the Fight” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002. The goal is to enable mission-critical data to move across air, space, and ground networks while maintaining security across “red-black” boundaries.

This program supports the future Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) vision by developing software-defined networking capabilities that enable resilient, dynamic information transport in contested environments.

Companies will submit a 3–5 page white paper first, and only those invited by the government will be asked to submit a full proposal.

White papers will continue to be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on 14 FEB 2029.

How much funding would I receive?

Total anticipated funding across the program is approximately $70M.

Individual awards:

• Typically $1M to $24M

• Period of performance normally up to 36 months

Estimated program funding by fiscal year:

• FY26: $24M

• FY27: $17M

The government reserves the right to award zero, one, or multiple awards, depending on funding availability and proposal quality.

For the initial technical areas, AFRL anticipates:

• 3 awards for Technical Area 1

• 3 awards for Technical Area 2

• 1 award for Technical Area 3

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research, development, integration, testing, and evaluation of technologies that improve information sharing across security domains and heterogeneous networks at the tactical edge.

The BAA focuses on three technical areas:

Technical Area 1 — Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker

Develop a discoverable and reconfigurable broker service that enables data exchange across multiple security domains using certified cross-domain solutions.

Technical Area 2 — Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking

Develop networking capabilities that enable resilient routing and prioritization of encrypted data across dynamic networks.

Technical Area 3 — Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A)

Develop a non-proprietary modeling and simulation testbed to evaluate technologies from Technical Areas 1 and 2.

The program will advance technologies through a phased development approach to reach TRL 5 and TRL 6 demonstrations.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Possible benefits include:

• Opportunity to transition prototype projects to follow-on production contracts or transactions if prototypes are successfully completed.

• Potential awards in several forms depending on the proposed work, including:

  • FAR-based procurement contracts

  • Grants or cooperative agreements

  • Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 U.S.C. 4021 and 4022

• Opportunity to collaborate with AFRL and other performers through shared testbed environments.

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

This BAA operates as a two-step process:

Step 1 — Submit a White Paper

• White papers will continue to be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on 14 FEB 2029.

Step 2 — Submit a Full Proposal (Invitation Only)

Evaluation timeline:

• Offerors will receive white paper evaluation results within 45 days of submission.

Program duration:

• Phase 0: 9 months

• Phase 1: 12 months

• Phase 2: 15 months

• Total potential period of performance: 36 months

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Department of the Air Force, specifically:

• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

• Information Directorate

• Rome Research Site (Rome, New York)

The program supports AFRL’s mission to develop advanced warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyber operations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is open to all qualified offerors that meet the requirements of the BAA.

Potential applicants may include:

• Small businesses

• Large businesses

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

However, the BAA includes several participation restrictions:

• The program is closed to foreign participation, including foreign ownership and foreign nationals, unless specific exceptions apply.

• Contractors requiring access to AFRL facilities or government IT networks must be U.S. citizens, unless a waiver is granted.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated based on four equally weighted criteria:

• Scientific and technical merit of the proposed solution

• Relevant experience related to Air Force mission needs

• Openness, maturity, and assurance of the solution, including use of existing standards and capabilities

• Reasonableness and realism of proposed costs

Solutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to secure cross-domain data movement and resilient networking in contested environments are likely to align well with the program’s objectives.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Several important restrictions apply:

Foreign participation

• The BAA is closed to foreign participation, with limited exceptions for fundamental research or approved mitigation structures.

Security requirements

• Personnel may require SECRET or TOP SECRET clearances depending on the work performed.

Compliance requirements

• Applicants must disclose current and pending research support for key personnel.

• Proposals will undergo a security risk review to assess potential foreign influence risks.

Registration requirements

• Offerors must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) before receiving an award.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The initial submission requirement is a 3–5 page white paper, which is designed to minimize preparation effort before the government determines interest.

If invited to submit a full proposal, additional documentation and cost details will be required.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support your application through:

• Assessing whether your technology fits Technical Areas 1, 2, or 3

• Developing a competitive white paper aligned with AFRL evaluation criteria

• Structuring your proposal for BAA compliance and technical clarity

• Managing the full proposal preparation process if invited

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Aircraft Formation Flight Control Technology for Heterogeneous Formation Flight - SBIR Topic DON26BZ01-NV004

Disclaimer:
This topic was temporarily posted by the Department of War SBIR Program on March 2nd 2026 and removed the following day.
We believe this topic is planned to be released once the SBIR program is reauthorized; however, this topic may ultimately be modified or withdrawn.

Sign up below to be notified as soon as this topic is released again. In the meantime, we’d recommend you start planning to respond if within your capabilities.

Funding Amount:

Est. $240,000

Deadline to Apply:

Est. April 29th, 2026.

Objective:

Develop an advanced flight control architecture to enable greater range and endurance through precise automatic station keeping while flying in formation and exploiting vortex-generated upwash from upstream aircraft.

Description:

Wake surfing (i.e., flying trail in close formation within the upwash of one or several lead aircraft) has demonstrated significant fuel savings on the order of 10-20%. Researchers have conducted multiple studies and executed flight demonstrations in the past that validated performance gains. However, the adoption of an operational capability still faces challenges.

One key challenge is the technical approach for trailing aircraft to maintain precise relative position behind upstream aircraft in the optimal location to maximize efficiency. While this task can be performed through manual pilot station keeping, the task is workload intensive and is not practical for long missions. There is a need for an autopilot flight control capability to maintain the position for optimum fuel savings (i.e., the “sweet spot”), realizing this significant range/endurance benefit opportunity with minimal or zero pilot workload. Flight control architectures must be capable of precise station keeping in aircraft formations of similar/dissimilar and manned/unmanned fixed wing aircraft. Flight control architectures may include techniques to sense the location of the vortex/upwash effects both with and without explicit knowledge of aircraft relative positions.

The objective is to create robust flight control laws for trailing aircraft in similar or dissimilar formations to exploit the benefits of wake surfing. Unique aircraft hardware and modifications should be minimized to the greatest extent possible to achieve this objective. To achieve robust control law development for precision formation flight, the problem can be broken into coarse and precision tracking problems, with some interdependencies between the two. It is strongly desired that both problems be solved without additional hardware integration for participating vehicles and zero data-link demands.

For coarse acquisition and tracking, it is expected that the relative position between participating aircraft needs to be established and maintained in the general vicinity of the lead’s wing-tip vortex. Relative position must be maintained while sequencing waypoints or tracking a heading or ground track to accomplish ingress/egress mission segments. Consideration in the development of coarse acquisition and tracking capability should be given to Global Positioning System unavailability.

For precision position tracking and control, it is expected that aircraft sensors (e.g. air data, inertial, flight controls) affected by the influences of the wing tip vortex on the trail aircraft can be identified and exploited to locate optimal position. Control architecture gains and surface mixing influences necessary for acquiring and tightly tracking the optimal location in the presence of the non-linear wing tip vortices and free stream turbulence must be considered.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Integrated Metal Ceramic Matrix for High Strength Steels - SBIR Topic DON26BZ01-NV002

Disclaimer:
This topic was temporarily posted by the Department of War SBIR Program on March 2nd 2026 and removed the following day.
We believe this topic is planned to be released once the SBIR program is reauthorized; however, this topic may ultimately be modified or withdrawn.

Sign up below to be notified as soon as this topic is released again. In the meantime, we’d recommend you start planning to respond if within your capabilities.

Funding Amount:

Est. $240,000

Deadline to Apply:

Est. April 29th, 2026.

Objective:

Develop an integrated metal matrix for high strength steels.

Description:

Landing gear components are limited to the use of high strength steels due to their harsh loading applications and various environmental conditions. Typically, high strength steels are used to survive the load requirements. The two technologies currently applied to most landing gear components are Hard Chrome and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF). Each has their disadvantages that affects landing gear components. A replacement for Hard Chrome and HVOF is required to improve the readiness and safety of landing gear components.

Hard Chrome’s main disadvantage is that it hides corrosion underneath the chrome plating which can lead to stress corrosion cracking in high strength steels. This failure mode would cause the complete loss of a landing gear system as the landing gear essentially snaps into pieces due to high stresses of landing. If corrosion is found before stress corrosion cracking occurs it still leads to the complete scrapping of landing gear components. This is due to Hard Chrome having no repair method. The only option for Hard Chrome is to replace, remove, and then reapply which takes days of machining and post machining. In addition to the machining, the application requires hazardous chemicals and produces waste that creates a health and safety risk to the fleet and its manufacturing personnel. Lastly, another risk with Hard Chrome is the dimensional limitations it provides. If too little or too much Hard Chrome is applied, the coating will immediately delaminate and damage landing gear and hydraulic components due to the foreign object debris (FOD) inside the system.

HVOF comes with its disadvantages as well. HVOF requires extremely low surface roughness on the pistons which have poor tribology. The poor tribology causes the hydraulics seals to perform dry and wear the seals away extremely quickly. Hydraulic fluid cannot stick to the walls of the piston due to the low surface roughness.

On top of the hydraulic disadvantages, the surface roughness requires precision post machining for long durations to survive the landing gear environments. In the fleet, the main issue seen with HVOF is spalling when the landing gear experiences high strains. When this occurs, the landing gear components must be removed and replaced.

This topic seeks an innovative solution that provides an integrated metal matrix for high strength steels that boosts the performance of and extends a component's survivability and improves a system's operational readiness and lifecycle costs. Current technology for titanium uses waveform energy. The process generates a targeted physical reaction within a substrate, activating the substrate at an atomic level for precise placement and gradient depth control of an integrated infusion. This infusion results in a matrix composite material that leverages the strengths of both components. The chemical bonding between a ceramic and the titanium alloy involves a combination of covalent and ionic characteristics — sharing and exchanging of electrons. This combination enhances the mechanical properties of the composite material, such as properties and porosity mitigation for corrosion protection, hardness for wear resistance, thermal stability, and overall durability, resulting in a metal-matrix suitable for various high-performance applications. Current technology can tailor characteristics such as hardness, electrical conductivity, thermal and oxidation, and mechanical strength. These meticulous adjustments enable the creation of the matrix with specific, desired functionalities, enhancing their performance in various applications to defeat corrosion, wear, erosion, thermal, and other challenges. For instance, a metal matrix composite gradient depth infusions of titanium nitride (TiN) achieved hardness ratings of 2800-3100HV (micro-Vickers). Currently, the process is limited to transition metals; however, there is a need to adapt and develop it for application to high strength steels. This innovative solution will provide the benefits of both Hard Chrome and HVOF while eliminating the current limitations of the respective coatings.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Navy: Autonomous Systems to Reduce Risk Warfighters Encounter

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

Executive Summary:

The Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division has released Special Notice N0016426SNB34 titled “Autonomous Systems to Reduce Risk Warfighters Encounter.”

This is a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from industry on Uncrewed System (UxS) solutions (UGV, UAV, USV, UUV) that reduce risk to warfighters.

The Government may issue a future Request for Solutions (RFS) and award a Project Order under the Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

The Response Date is Mar 30, 2026 2:00 PM EDT.
If you have a relevant UxS platform, you should evaluate this immediately.

How much funding would I receive?

Although the solicitation does not explicitly state a funding amount, contract opportunities typically follow within the range of $500k to $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is not specified at this stage.

However, the RFI is focused on autonomous Uncrewed System (UxS) solutions (UGV, UAV, USV, UUV) that reduce risk to warfighters and meet the following required criteria:

REQUIRED (must meet Questions 1–3):

• Total system weight: 45 lbs or less

• Battery life: Minimum 30-minute run time after deployment

• Minimum speed: Must keep pace with a human (between 2.5 and 4 mph)

The RFI also requests additional information on:

• Carrying capacity

• Safety features (redundant safety, deployment delay timers)

• Cost and production rate

• Blue UAS status

• TRL

• ATAK compatibility

• Autonomy capabilities

• Operation in contested environments

• Emission profile (auditory, visual, thermal)

• Kinetic/non-kinetic launcher integration

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The notice states:

• Responses may be shared with other partner organizations for additional use cases.

• Submission could potentially lead to contact from NSWC Crane personnel for further information.

• Participation positions you for potential future EMC2 RFS opportunities.

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

• RFI Release Date: 10 February 2026

• Response Date: Mar 30, 2026 2:00 PM EDT

• Inactive Date: Apr 14, 2026

Where does this funding come from?

• Department of Defense

• Department of the Navy

• Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)

• Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division

• Issued under the Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2)

• Potential awards under Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) authority in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022

Who is eligible to apply?

The RFI is issued to the general public and industry.

All interested parties should visit https://emccrane.org/ to become a member of the consortium to view future possible RFS opportunities.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

While no evaluation criteria are provided, the RFI clearly prioritizes systems that:

• Weigh 45 lbs or less

• Provide at least 30 minutes of run time

• Move at 2.5–4 mph

• Demonstrate autonomy capabilities

• Potentially integrate with ATAK

• Can operate in contested environments

• Have known TRL levels

• Provide clear cost and production scalability

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Submissions must be non-proprietary

• Do not submit classified information

• No marketing/advertising pictures

• No hyperlinks allowed

• File types limited to Microsoft Word, PDF, or PowerPoint

• File size must not exceed 10MB

• Page limits:

  • Word/PDF: Not to exceed 5 pages

  • PowerPoint: Not to exceed 5 slides

• Font: Times New Roman 10 (or larger)

• Must answer required questions in numbered format

• Must clearly indicate “N/A” where applicable

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The submission is limited to:

• 5 pages (Word/PDF) or

• 5 slides (PowerPoint)

Formatting requirements are strict but concise.

For a company with an existing UxS platform that meets the REQUIRED criteria, preparation time is likely moderate. The exact time required is not specified in the notice.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Assess whether your UxS meets the REQUIRED criteria

• Position your technology clearly against the numbered RFI questions

• Frame autonomy, TRL, ATAK, and contested-environment capabilities strategically

• Ensure compliance with formatting and non-proprietary requirements

• Prepare you for a potential future EMC2 Request for Solutions (RFS)

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

H92240-26-S-C001 Naval Special Warfare Command Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

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

Executive Summary:

Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) has released Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) H92240-26-S-C001 to rapidly acquire innovative unmanned systems (UxS) capabilities for Special Operations Forces (SOF).

NSWC intends to award FAR-based Firm-Fixed-Price contracts and/or Other Transaction (OT) Agreements under 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021–23 to support:

• “UxS as a Service” subscription-based solutions

• First Person View (FPV) ISR operations

• FPV Kinetic operations

This is a multi-phase competitive process running throughout 2026/2027.

Deadlines:

• AOI 1 submissions are due 25 January 2026.

• AOI 2 and AOI 3 submissions are due 9 January 2026, 9 April 2026, 9 July 2026, and 9 October 2026.

If you have a deployable UxS platform, FPV ISR capability, or FPV kinetic solution with strong production readiness and compliance posture, this is an active acquisition pathway—not just research funding. Early submission increases the likelihood of engagement and Phase II selection.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, funding ceilings, number of awards, or total program value.

Awards may be made as:

• FAR Part 12 Firm-Fixed-Price contracts

• Other Transaction (OT) Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022–23

Multiple awards may be made if solutions meet technical criteria and funds are available.

If an OT Prototype Project is awarded, there is potential for a noncompetitive follow-on production agreement under 10 U.S.C. 4022(f), subject to successful prototype completion.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to deliver operational unmanned system capabilities to NSWC and SOF operators.

AOI 1: “UxS as a Service”

Subscription-based models providing:

• Complete UxS systems

• Platforms and payloads

• Communications and data transfer equipment

• Software, AI, PED systems

• Command and Control (C2) software and AI

• Launch/recovery systems

• Attachments and modular components

• Updates, upgrades, training, maintenance, and spare parts

Offerors must clearly define:

• Number of systems available

• Delivery speed and replenishment rate

• Interoperability with C2 systems

• Modular Open Systems Approach compliance

• Regulatory and compliance posture

AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations

Solutions that improve individual operator situational awareness using FPV systems capable of:

• Locating, identifying, and reporting targets

• Multi-mission ISR configurations

• Advanced ease-of-use and operational capability

AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations

FPV systems that enable operators to kinetically engage targets, including:

• Configurable ISR/kinetic capability

• Payload flexibility

• Advanced control modes

Technical characteristics of interest include:

• 0m–50K operational distance

• 45–60 minute duration

• Autonomous capability

• Swarm and saturation capability

• GNSS resilience

• EMI resilience

• Maritime launch capability

• Waterproof ISR sUAS sub-surface launch

• Modular payload integration

• Ability to supply at least three (3) prototypes (if applicable)

The period of performance should generally be no greater than 12 months unless otherwise negotiated.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

This CSO offers:

• Direct access to NSWC and USSOCOM experimentation venues

• Potential collaborative Statement of Work development

• Eligibility for OT prototype awards

• Potential follow-on noncompetitive production agreements

• Possible external Venture Capital interest from strategic Government partners

Solutions are treated as commercial items under DFARS 212.70.

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

Phase I – Solution Brief (White Paper / Scout Card)

Submit via Vulcan.

Deadlines:

• AOI 1: 25 January 2026

• AOI 2 & AOI 3: 9 January 2026, 9 April 2026, 9 July 2026, 9 October 2026

Government aims to provide:

• Phase I evaluation response within 45 days after submission

• Phase II evaluation notification within 30 calendar days of the demonstration/experimentation

Phase II – Demonstration / Pitch

• Conducted at NSWC or USSOCOM venues

• At offeror’s expense

• Must provide ROM pricing and schedule

• May require at least three (3) operational units and two (2) trained operators

Phase III – Proposal

• Invitation-only

• Collaborative SOW development

• Contract/OT negotiation

The solicitation does not specify award issuance timing beyond these evaluation targets.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC)

• United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

• Department of War (DoW) (as referenced in the solicitation)

Awards are made under:

• FAR Part 12

• 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021–23 (Other Transaction Authority)

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Traditional defense contractors

• Non-traditional defense contractors (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2302(9))

• Foreign-owned businesses (independently or via teaming with U.S.-owned businesses)

Requirements:

• Registration in SAM.gov

• Registration in WAWF for invoicing

• Ability to meet export control requirements (if applicable)

• All Phase I submissions must be unclassified

Note: Some Phase II discussions may require personnel clearances depending on venue.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Solutions will be evaluated individually based on:

Technical

• Merit and feasibility

• Relevance to AOI

• Ability to address vulnerabilities

• Innovation (as defined under DFARS 212.7001)

Importance to Agency Programs

• Operational relevance

• Business viability

• Commercial viability

Affordability

• Price and budgetary considerations

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Production readiness

• Supply chain transparency

• Compliance with NDAA and regulatory requirements

• Modular, interoperable architectures

• Clear operational utility to SOF

The Government reserves the right to move directly to award without demonstration.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Phase II participation is at the offeror’s expense.

• Costs of preparing submissions are not reimbursed.

• Technical data may require export approvals.

• Compliance may include:

  • NDAA compliance

  • Remote ID

  • FAA/ICAO/DoW compliance

  • Cybersecurity

  • Insurance/liability

• Submissions must not exceed five (5) pages for Phase I Solution Brief (12-point font).

• Only a warranted Contracting or Agreements Officer can obligate the Government.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Phase I submission requirements:

• Maximum five (5) pages

• 12-point font

• Concise, substantive response

• Technical and business overview

• Capability differentiators

• Readiness timeline

• Rough Order of Magnitude schedule and budget

For companies with a mature UxS product and clear business model, preparation time is typically measured in weeks rather than months.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Position your UxS or FPV capability against the correct AOI

• Refine your five-page Solution Brief to align with NSWC evaluation criteria

• Strengthen innovation framing under DFARS 212.7001

• Develop ROM pricing strategy

• Prepare you for Phase II demonstration requirements

• Support OT negotiation strategy and Phase III proposal development

This is an operational acquisition pathway. Positioning and clarity matter.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.