Nuclear-Powered Submarine Material Harvesting and Refurbishment
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Navy (NAVSEA HQ) is conducting a Sources Sought for Nuclear-Powered Submarine Material Harvesting and Refurbishment. This market research aims to identify industry capabilities for a potential future Multiple-Award IDIQ contract involving the reutilization, repair, and refurbishment of critical and non-critical submarine components. Responses are due March 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
This opportunity involves material harvesting and refurbishment of systems, components, and subcomponents from nuclear-powered submarines, including Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E), Non-propulsion Electronic Systems (NPES), Strategic Weapon Systems Support Equipment (SWSS), and Selected Ship Systems (SSS). Harvesting will occur at various Naval Shipyards and facilities, with refurbishment at contractor sites. Harvested material will be provided as Government Furnished Material (GFM), requiring strict traceability and accountability.
The requirements are categorized into two tiers:
- Lot 1: Critical Systems: Encompasses work under NAVSEA Note 5000, where a single failure could lead to the loss of a submarine or crew. This includes SUBSAFE, SFCC, FBW SCS, and DSS-SOC programs, requiring adherence to the SUBSAFE manual (NAVSEA 250-1500-1) and specific certifications.
- Lot 2: Non-Critical Systems: Includes all work not covered by NAVSEA Note 5000, such as habitability spaces, non-propulsion auxiliary systems, and general structural repairs, requiring compliance with applicable NAVSEA technical requirements and Standard Items.
Key tasks include:
- Reutilization: Cleaning, inspection, re-configuration, and re-certification of harvested material (units, modules, LRUs) to meet performance standards.
- Repair: Fault isolation, component removal/replacement, mechanical repair, and module-level repair to restore functionality.
- Refurbishment: Bringing damaged but repairable items to Ready for Issue (RFI) serviceable operating condition (Condition Code A or B), including cleaning, damage assessment, component replacement, and reassembly.
- Obsolescence Management: Providing solutions for obsolete components, including reverse engineering and manufacturing, with Government approval required for production.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (anticipating a Multiple-Award Contract Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity - MAC IDIQ)
- Duration: Anticipated five-year base ordering period + five additional option years.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: March 22, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: March 6, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested sources must submit written information (max 10 pages) demonstrating capabilities. Responses should include:
- Company Information: Legal name, address, POC, business size/socio-economic status, CAGE, UEI, NAICS.
- Core Capabilities: Experience with Lot 1 critical systems (NAVSEA Note 5000, SUBSAFE), harvesting, reutilization, repair, obsolescence management, reverse engineering, testing, recertification, technical data, and quality management.
- Facilities & Workforce: Description of specialized facilities, equipment, and key personnel qualifications.
- Past Performance: Up to three examples of similar projects within the last five years.
- Data Rights: Statement on data rights restrictions and ability to provide GPR/Unlimited Rights.
- Teaming & Small Business Participation: Intent to prime/subcontract, estimated percentages, and teaming arrangements.
Submissions must be sent electronically to Leigh Marvin (leigh.a.marvin.civ@us.navy.mil) and Jack Klipfel (jack.a.klipfel.civ@us.navy.mil) with the subject line: "Firm Name - Nuclear-Powered-Submarines Material Harvesting and Refurbishment".
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee a future contract. The Navy is particularly interested in small business capabilities. The anticipated MAC IDIQ will include rolling admissions provisions, allowing for annual competitions to add new contractors.