PD-45-0080; Subsea Rollers and Bearings

Request for Information (RFI)

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWC PD) is seeking information on potential solutions for subsea rollers and bearings. This RFI is for planning purposes and not a solicitation for quotes or proposals.

NSWC PD desires information on commercial, modified commercial, or non-commercial product/service solutions for the design, fabrication, and testing of rollers (and associated bearings) for subsea payload handling equipment. Key specifications include:

• Operating Environment: Dry and subsea environments, with subsea operation prioritized. Minimal acoustic signatures in subsea environments are desired.
• Geometric Constraints: Must adhere to specified dimensions (Figure 1).
• Load Capacity: Minimum dynamic loads of 25,000 lbf for roller assembly "A" and 58,000 lbf for roller assembly "B".
• Friction: Maximum coefficient of friction at the supporting shaft not exceeding 0.150 in both dry and subsea environments.
• Speed: Support movement of payloads at speeds of at least 30 feet/min.
• Compliance: Must meet MIL-DTL-167A (Mechanical Vibrations).
• Environmental Tolerance: Operate in air temperatures from -20 to 140°F and seawater temperatures from 28 to 95°F, at depths no less than 400 feet.
• Durability: Impervious to corrosion, biofouling, and debris (sand, mud). Must support system operation for no less than 45 years, with a minimum of 100 cycles per year, and sustain performance for at least 18 months without maintenance.
• Design: Minimize components and preclude implodable/explodable volumes.

Vendors should provide:

• Company details (name, address, contact, NAICS codes, business size, socioeconomics, DUNS).
• Information on current products that meet or can be modified to meet requirements.
• Feasibility of developing bespoke products.
• Maximum achievable performance if requirements are infeasible.
• Design margins/safety factors.
• Proposed mounting method.
• Minimum expected cycles before maintenance/replacement.
• Identification of implodable/explodable volumes.
• List of non-metallic materials.
• Schedule estimates (design, prototype, testing).
• Rough-Order-Magnitude (ROM) cost estimates (nonrecurring engineering, prototype, final production).
• Equipment origin and testing location.

May 13, 2026

This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only. Responses are voluntary, and no contract award will be made based on this RFI. No funds are available to pay for response preparation.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from potential sources regarding solutions for subsea rollers and bearings for use in subsea payload handling equipment. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWC PD) is gathering data on commercial, modified commercial, or non-commercial product/service solutions.

• Functionality: Operable in both dry and subsea environments (subsea prioritized), with minimal acoustic signatures in subsea conditions.
• Geometric Constraints: Must adhere to specified dimensions (Figure 1).
• Load Capacity: Support dynamic loads of at least 25,000 lbf for assembly "A" and 58,000 lbf for assembly "B".
• Friction: Maximum coefficient of friction not exceeding 0.150 in both environments.
• Speed: Support payload movement at speeds of at least 30 feet/min.
• Compliance: Meet MIL-DTL-167A (Mechanical Vibrations).
• Environmental Tolerance: Operate in air temperatures from -20 to 140°F and seawater temperatures from 28 to 95°F, at depths no less than 400 feet.
• Durability: Impervious to corrosion, biofouling, and debris; maximize service life (45 years, 100 cycles/year); sustain performance for 18 months without maintenance.
• Design: Minimize complexity, reduce components, and preclude implodable/explodable volumes.

Vendors should provide:

• Company information (name, address, contacts, NAICS, business size, socioeconomics, DUNS).
• Details on current or feasible bespoke products meeting requirements.
• Maximum achievable performance if requirements are infeasible.
• Design margins, mounting methods, expected cycles before maintenance.
• Identification of any implodable/explodable volumes.
• List of non-metallic materials.
• Schedule estimates (design, prototype, testing).
• Rough-Order-Magnitude (ROM) cost estimates (nonrecurring engineering, prototype, production).
• Equipment origin and testing location.

April 13, 2026

This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. Responses are voluntary, and the government is not obligated to make an award. No funds are available to pay for response preparation.