RFI NAWCAD Acquisition Strategy
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 Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry recommendations for developing a forward-looking, 5-year acquisition plan. The primary goal is to enhance capability delivery to the fleet with greater speed and efficiency by re-examining FAR-based service requirements. Responses are requested by June 19, 2026.
Scope of Request
NAWCAD is seeking expert recommendations on several key areas to shape a more effective and efficient acquisition environment:
- Optimizing Outcome-Based Contracting: Advice on structuring contracts to align incentives with warfighter needs, reward superior performance, and drive innovation. Specific questions relate to performance criteria, strategic contracting elements, and suitable requirement types.
- Reducing Contract Administration Workload: Insights on the top drivers of government contract administration workload and suggestions for systemic inefficiencies and redundancies.
- Accelerating Contract Award Timelines and Reducing Protests: Recommendations on identifying and addressing major delays in the pre-award acquisition lifecycle and strategies to reduce contract protests.
- Driving Competition: Input on barriers to entry for non-traditional and small businesses, and how NAWCAD can structure acquisitions to foster a wider range of industry partners and leverage competition.
- Potential Impacts to Industry: Feedback on potential unintended impacts or barriers related to an agile contracting plan focused on speed, competition, performance-based outcomes, and reduced administrative requirements.
Submission & Timeline
- Response Due: June 19, 2026, by 8:00 PM ET.
- Submission Method: Via the provided link: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/eTEFLNGCpp
- Published: May 12, 2026.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Mr. Alfred W Hensler at alfred.hensler@navy.mil or 301-757-5934.
Additional Notes
All feedback will be considered anonymous. Based on responses, some industry participants may be invited to a reverse pitch brief. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.