Sources Sought Notice For Acquisition & Systems Engineering Support
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's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Acquisition & Systems Engineering Support for its Nuclear Weapons Systems (NWS). This is market research to identify capable firms for technical expertise and support. White Paper Capability Statements are due by April 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope of Work
SSP is seeking firms to provide technical expertise and support in Program Management, Systems Engineering and Integration, and Administrative and Technical Services for various SSP programs and offices. The required services, detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW), encompass:
- NWS Acquisition Support: Technical, programmatic, and budget development; acquisition strategy; contracting package preparation.
- NWS Systems Engineering (SE) Support: Advising on SE policies, risk management, root cause analysis.
- NWS Systems Security Engineering (SSE) Support: SME support for INWSS SSE, cybersecurity strategy, policy, and requirements, including ISSO/ISSM roles.
- NWS Operations and Deployed Systems Support: Analyzing operational strategies, evaluating prime contractor performance, coordinating for Transit Protection Program (TPP).
- NWS Training Support: Developing and implementing training strategies and modules. General requirements include compliance with DFARS Clause 252.204-7012 (DIB Memo), NIST SP 800-171 (Rev. 2) for cybersecurity, cyber incident reporting, comprehensive program management, status reporting, and delivery of data with at least Government Purpose Rights (GPR).
Key Requirements & Qualifications
Respondents must demonstrate specific knowledge and experience in:
- NWS and SWS operational systems, vulnerabilities, and gap analysis.
- Development, technical, operational, and programmatic trade studies.
- Complex Department of Navy policy and program-level acquisition planning.
- US Navy program and system engineering support for the Nuclear Weapons Surety program.
- Ability to develop and deliver Digital Engineering (DE) CDRLs. A facility clearance of TOP SECRET and a computing facility cleared to process SECRET data are required.
Contract Details & Timeline
The anticipated contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) with Term Contract Line-Item Numbers (CLINs). The Period of Performance (POP) will include a base year (December 11, 2026, to December 10, 2027) and four one-year option periods. The applicable NAICS code is 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services), and PSC codes include R425 (Engineering/Technical). An estimated 5 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) personnel will be required, providing off-site and on-site support at the Washington Navy Yard, DC.
Submission Requirements
Interested firms must submit a detailed White Paper Capability Statement (maximum 10 pages, excluding administrative information) by April 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EST, via email to righthero.phillips@ssp.navy.mil. The statement must:
- Document specific and evidenced possession of the minimum qualifications (paragraph 7.0).
- Demonstrate relevant and recent past performance (within 5 years, annual incurred cost >= $2M) as a Prime or Subcontractor for similar efforts, using the provided Table A format.
- Include company administrative information (UEI, CAGE, size, ownership, security clearance).
Set-Aside & Small Business
While no specific set-aside is designated at this market research stage, SSP strongly encourages Small Business Concerns (including veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, small disadvantaged, and women-owned) to respond. Small businesses intending to partner must clearly identify specific tasks for each entity and provide a letter of intent from partners.
Disclaimer
This is a Sources Sought Notice for market research only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to issue one. All costs associated with responding are at the interested party's expense.