Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (006) to BAA Call N0001425SBC04 makes the following updates:

• Updates Attachment 4, "Detailed Proposal Information."
• Provides answers to questions received, which can be found in Attachment 5.

All revisions within this amendment are denoted by red text in the document.

• Attachment 4: Detailed Proposal Information
• Attachment 5: Answers to Questions

This amendment does not appear to modify proposal deadlines or submission requirements, but it provides updated information and answers to vendor questions that may impact proposal content.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4: Detailed Proposal Information," outlines specific requirements for proposal submissions, supplementing Appendix 2 of N0001425SB01. It details the content and structure expected for the Technical Proposal and Statement of Work (SOW).

• Technical Proposal (Max 50 pages combined with SOW):
  • Technical and Management Approach: Describe system development processes, management approach, teaming arrangements, lessons learned, organizational responsibilities, integration of production and prototype design, government interaction, programmatic approach (cost, schedule, risk), and reporting tools.
  • Technical Understanding: Address key technical challenges in design and fabrication (reliability, external communications, endurance, robust autonomy) and the technical approach for Preliminary Design.
  • Integrated Master Schedule (IMS): Detail tasks, inter-relationships, and sequencing. Include a high-level description, critical path, risks, mitigation plans, and provide in Microsoft Project electronic native format (11x17 foldouts). The WBS must correlate with Cost and SOW structure. The IMS must be unclassified.
  • Deliverable Descriptions: For each deliverable in Attachment 1, Section II C.1 and C.2, provide content description, standards, and format. Specify media for electronic forms.
  • Project Team and Experience: Describe proposed engineering processes, management approach, proposed teammates, their roles and capabilities, key personnel experience, proposed Program Manager and functional leads' roles and time commitment, team member capabilities in S&T challenges, ability to execute similar programs, and experience in fabrication and system integration.
  • Resumes: Provide resumes for key personnel (max 2 pages each).
• Statement of Work (SOW):
  • Clearly define technical tasks/subtasks, durations, and dependencies.
  • Employ a common Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for SOW, IMS, and cost proposal.
  • For each task/subtask, provide objective description, approach, responsible organization, and completion criteria.
  • The SOW will use a common WBS matching cost volume and IMS.
• Government Data Rights:
  • Address requirements for Unlimited or Government Purpose Rights in delivered data. Data on battery packs and control systems may have Limited Rights. Explain the impact of any proposed lesser rights.

This document is critical for bidders as it dictates the specific content, format, and structure of their proposal's technical and SOW sections. It outlines page limitations, required details on technical approach, team qualifications, schedule management, and data rights, all of which are essential for a compliant and competitive submission. The government desires an overall duration of 1 year for Phase I.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation DCN# 2026-1-22-1905, specifically concerning Attachment 4 (Detailed Proposal Information) and Attachment 1-Rev-1 (Additional Information).

• Proposal Page Limit: The 50-page limit for the technical proposal and Statement of Work (SOW) remains, excluding full-page graphics, the proposal checklist, DCAA accounting system checklist, and ONR Contract Specific Reps and Certs.
• Phase 1 Duration: The 12-month period of performance refers only to Phase 1A (Preliminary Design), not the entire Phase 1 (including Phase 1B Detailed Design).
• Design Divergence: The government acknowledges that divergence between prototype and production vehicle designs is expected. Contractors should propose critical paths and will jointly develop approaches for the transition to detailed design if solutions are not apparent within the 1-year effort.
• Battery Data: Detailed battery performance information and BMS data will be provided at award, dependent on industry partner finalization.
• Autonomy TRL: While no specific TRL is mandated for all components at Phase 1A, the autonomy should be assessed to be TRL 3 or 4 by the conclusion of Phase 1B. An open architecture is preferred, and the contractor should justify their framework choice.
• Communications Architecture: The GFI will specify performance, space, and weight requirements for a communication system, not necessarily a pre-defined government radio. Offerors may propose their own system.
• Propulsor Integration: The government will provide a dedicated team to facilitate interaction on the propulsor integration. There are no defined electrical or data requirements for the propulsor itself in the GFI.
• Modularity for Future Payloads: ONR will provide general guidance on alternative payload concepts during the kickoff meeting to ensure modularity of the core vehicle design for future needs.

These clarifications address key aspects of the proposal requirements, design expectations, and technical details, potentially impacting how offerors structure their proposals and technical approaches. The government has also indicated a cost-reimbursement contract type with limitations of cost and funds for Phase 1B.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (005) to BAA Call N0001425SBC04 makes the following changes:

• Updates submission dates and removes previously scheduled past events.
• Removes the "Oral Presentation" requirement from Section III.
• Includes Attachment 4, titled "Detailed Proposal Information."

All revisions are denoted in red text within the document.

• Submission dates and past events.
• Section III (White Paper Submission) regarding oral presentations.
• Introduces Attachment 4: Detailed Proposal Information.

Submission deadlines have been updated. The requirement for an "Oral Presentation" has been removed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4: Detailed Proposal Information," provides specific instructions for vendors on the information to be included in their proposal packages when submitting to the opportunity. It supplements Appendix 2 of N0001425SB01.

• Proposal Package Structure: Separates classified elements into an appendix and limits the total proposal to 50 pages plus exempted graphics.
• Technical Proposal Components:
  • Technical and Management Approach: Requires a management plan detailing system development processes, teaming arrangements, lessons learned, organizational responsibilities, integration of production and prototype design, government interaction, and programmatic approach to cost, schedule, and risk management.
  • Technical Understanding: Requires identification of key technical challenges (reliability, external communications, endurance, robust autonomy) and the proposed approach to address them in Preliminary Design.
  • Integrated Master Schedule (IMS): Must detail tasks, inter-relationships, and time sequencing. It should include a high-level description, critical path, risks, mitigation plans, and be provided in Microsoft Project electronic native format (11x17 foldout). The IMS WBS must correlate with the Cost and SOW volume structure. It must be unclassified.
  • Deliverable Descriptions: Requires a complete description of each deliverable listed in Attachment 1, including content standards, format, and media for electronic forms.
  • Project Team and Experience: Requires a management plan for Phase 1 execution, discouraging boilerplate descriptions. It should detail proposed teammates, roles, key personnel qualifications, and experience relevant to the project's S&T challenges. It also requires discussion of the ability to execute similar programs on schedule and within budget, and experience in developing plans for fabrication and system integration.
  • Resumes: Resumes for key personnel are required, limited to two pages each.
• Statement of Work (SOW): Requires a clear definition of technical tasks/subtasks, durations, and dependencies, employing a common WBS. Each task/subtask needs a general description, approach, responsible organization, and completion criteria.
• Data Rights: Addresses government requirements for continuing development, acquisition, modification, and sustainment, anticipating Unlimited or Government Purpose Rights in delivered data, with potential exceptions for battery pack data.

This attachment is critical for bidders as it outlines the specific content, format, and structural requirements for their technical proposals and SOW. Adherence to these instructions is essential for a compliant and competitive submission. It details the evaluation focus on technical approach, management, team experience, and schedule management.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (004) to BAA Call N0001425SBC04, "Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator," primarily serves to update submission dates. All revisions are denoted in red text within the document.

• Submission dates have been updated.

• The amendment specifically modifies the submission deadlines for white papers and potentially other related dates. Bidders should refer to the updated dates within the amendment for accurate submission timelines.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (003) to BAA Call N0001425SBC04 updates the submission dates for the "Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator" research opportunity.

• Primarily affects the submission deadlines for white papers and full proposals.

• White Paper Submission Date: Updated to 25 September 2025.

• Planned date for completing white paper review: Updated to 2 October 2025.

• Tentative date for oral presentations: Updated to 9 October 2025.

• Notification of Full Proposal Selection: Updated to 16 October 2025.

• Full Proposal Submission Deadline: Updated to 1 December 2025.

• Estimated Award Date: Updated to 1 April 2026.

• All revisions are denoted by red text in the document.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (002) to BAA Call N0001425SBC04 makes the following changes:

• Removed Industry Days Information.

• Updated the White Paper Submission instruction and submission date.

• Updated Attachment 1 (Additional Information).

• Added Attachment 3 (OEX Memo Guidance to receive GFI).

• Industry Days Information (removed).

• White Paper Submission instructions and deadline.

• Attachment 1 (Additional Information).

• Attachment 3 (OEX Memo Guidance) (added).

• The White Paper Submission Date has been updated. The previous date was 15 August 2025, and the new date is also 15 August 2025, but the instructions have been updated.

• The deadline for GFI Request Submission remains 01 August 2025.

• The deadline for White Paper Submission is 15 August 2025.

• The planned date for completing the review of white papers is 22 August 2025.

• Oral presentations are tentatively scheduled for 29 August 2025.

• Notification of Full Proposal Selection is on or about 15 September 2025.

• Full Proposal Submission is due by 31 October 2025.

• Funding decisions are expected by 21 November 2025.

• Estimated award date is 20 February 2026.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "BAA Call Attachment 1: Additional Information," provides supplementary details and context for the "BAA Call N0001425SBC04 Ocean Explorer (OEX)" opportunity. It is intended to assist potential offerors in developing their proposals.

• OEX Technical Overview: Details the key attributes of the Ocean Explorer (OEX) system, including reliability, endurance, communications, and autonomous operation. It highlights the benefits of an all-electric propulsion system and the challenges and goals related to autonomy and payload modularity.
• Program Approach: Outlines the key program objectives and S&T challenges, focusing on reliability, communications, endurance, and autonomy for an extended autonomous mission UUV. It also details the two primary design requests: Production Vehicle and Prototype Vehicle.
• Government Furnished Information (GFI): Lists and describes GFI provided to assist offerors, including the Government Concept Design, studies, OEX Compendium, and OEX Vehicle WBS. It also details Government-provided support for batteries and propulsors.
• Contract Data Requirements Deliverables (CDRLs): Specifies deliverables for Phase 1A (Preliminary Design) and Phase 1B (Option - Detailed Design), including various reports, data packages, and plans, along with their review stages (e.g., PDR, CDR).
• Major Program Review Descriptions: Outlines the expectations for formal reviews such as SRR, CoDR, PDR, and CDR, detailing their objectives and minimum information requirements.
• Other Information: Lists additional attachments to be provided later, including Design Reference Mission, Top Level Requirements, Detailed Performance Goals, and a Q&A Summary Document.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it elaborates on the technical and programmatic aspects of the OEX concept. It defines the scope of work, key challenges, required deliverables, review processes, and government-provided resources, all of which are essential for preparing a comprehensive and compliant proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This memorandum provides guidance to potential performers on how to receive Government Furnished Information (GFI) for the creation of white papers and proposals related to the "Special Program Announcement for Office of Naval Research. Research Opportunity: Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator Industry Day" (BAA Call N0001425SBC04).

• Potential performers must submit a formal request on company letterhead.
• The request must include details for DD 254 Blocks 6 and 8, specifying contractor information, CAGE code, cognizant security officer (CSO), and facility locations where white papers and proposals will be created.
• Requests must be submitted in PDF format via email.
• The deadline for submitting these requests is Friday, 1 August.

This document outlines the specific steps and deadlines required to obtain classified GFI necessary for preparing white papers and proposals for the OEX BAA call. Failure to follow this guidance may prevent access to essential information for proposal development. The document also specifies the submission email addresses for these requests.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (001) to BAA Call N0001425SBC04 introduces the following changes:

• Registration Limit: Due to venue capacity, registration for Industry Days is now limited to three (3) individuals per participating organization.
• Topic Description Update: Paragraph II, "Topic Description," has been updated.
• Industry Day Update: Paragraph III, "INDUSTRY DAY," has been updated to include a tentative agenda and the REAL ID requirement.
• New Attachment Section: A new Paragraph X, "ATTACHMENTS," has been added to provide additional information, including Questions and Answers.

All revisions are denoted in red text within the document.

• Paragraph II (Topic Description)

• Paragraph III (Industry Day)

• Addition of Paragraph X (Attachments)

• The registration limit for Industry Days has been reduced to three individuals per organization.

• The Industry Days agenda and REAL ID requirements have been updated.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions and clarifications related to the opportunity N0001425SBC04.

• Registration: Registration for the event is possible without a SIPR account.
• Event Duration: The event will run for two full days, concluding at Close of Business (COB) on both days.
• Classified Information: Classified information will be distributed via mail, SIPRNET (if applicable), or in person at the Office of Naval Research (ONR).
• FFRDCs Involvement: Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible for direct awards under the Long Range BAA but can participate in teaming arrangements with eligible offerors, provided their sponsoring agreements permit.
• Agenda: The agenda for the industry day is available via Amendment 001.

This Q&A document clarifies several aspects of the opportunity, including registration procedures, event logistics, handling of classified information, and eligibility for FFRDCs. Potential bidders should review these clarifications to ensure accurate proposal preparation and submission. The agenda is referenced in Amendment 001.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "BAA Call N0001425SBC04 Attachment 1 - Additional Information," provides supplementary details and context for the "Ocean Explorer (OEX)" Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Call. It is intended to assist potential offerors in understanding the program's objectives, technical challenges, and program approach.

• OEX Technical Overview: Describes the key attributes of the Ocean Explorer (OEX) system, focusing on reliability, endurance, communications, and autonomous operation for an all-electric, ultra-large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV).
• Program Approach: Outlines the primary objectives, including the development of a production vehicle design and a prototype vehicle for testing. It details the key Science & Technology (S&T) challenges related to reliability, communications, endurance, and autonomy.
• Contract Data Requirements Deliverables (CDRLs): Lists the deliverables required for Phase 1A (Preliminary Design) and Phase 1B (Option - Detailed Design), including plans, reports, and technical data packages.
• Major Program Review Descriptions: Details the expected systems engineering process and the formal reviews (SRR, CoDR, PDR, CDR) that will be conducted.
• Government Furnished Information (GFI): Identifies information and equipment that will be provided by the Government, including details on the battery, propulsor, and payload.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the scope, technical requirements, and development phases of the OEX program. It details the expected deliverables, review processes, and government-provided resources, which are essential for preparing a comprehensive and compliant proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This announcement, BAA Call N0001425SBC04, is a Special Program Announcement for the Office of Naval Research (ONR) regarding the Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator Industry Days. It seeks to focus scientific community attention on the OEX technology area, which involves the rapid design, build, and testing of an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of conducting extended ocean-scale missions with a large modular payload. Innovation is sought in both vehicle technology and rapid prototype design/fabrication.

• The initial call seeks white papers, followed by full costed proposals for an OEX "Preliminary Design" phase (Phase 1A) with a "Detailed Design" option (Phase 1B).

• Preliminary Design aims to establish technical feasibility and outline operational/maintenance infrastructure for a hypothetical OEX "squadron".

• Design details will cover an objective "Production Vehicle" with a fully operational payload module, a "Prototype Vehicle" with a dummy module, and a "Prototype Payload Module" for dry land testing.

• ONR aims to advance the state-of-the-art for uncrewed undersea vessels (UUVs) in performance and manufacturing.

• ONR anticipates issuing up to two (2) contracts for a total funding amount of $30M.

• The period of performance for projects may be from 1 to 3 years.

• Industry Days: 30 June – 1 July 2025, at ONR, Arlington, VA. Attendance is optional but highly encouraged. Registration is required and closes 18 June 2025.

• White Papers: Strongly encouraged, due 25 July 2025. Evaluation for potential value to the Navy. Feedback via email. Initial appraisal aims to indicate funding likelihood.

• Full Proposals: Encouraged for offerors whose technologies are identified as valuable. Submission deadline is 31 October 2025.

• Evaluation: White papers will be reviewed, with potential for expanded oral presentations on 29 August 2025. Selection notification for full proposals by 15 September 2025.

• Other-than-small businesses must submit a subcontracting plan.

• Small businesses interested in subcontracting should email nrl_smallbusinessoffice@us.navy.mil with specific information.

• This announcement is not a contract or a request for proposal.

• A portion of Industry Days will be held at the SECRET classification level, requiring a valid U.S. security clearance and submission of a SECRET visit request by 18 June 2025.

• No electronic devices are permitted in the classified session.

• Key dates are provided, with awards expected around 20 February 2026.