RFI - ASLF - SAM posting.pdf

CUI

Industry Partner, This is a Request for Information (RFI) for possible new tasking to start in Q1 FY28.

A response to this RFI is due by Friday, 7 November 2025. Submittals sooner are welcomed.

Background:

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) plans to modify the NUWC Newport Advanced Submarine Launcher Facility (ASLF) to support future testing of advanced launcher systems.

The purpose of this RFI is to gauge industry interest, technical capability, and qualifications in support of a future contract.

See Attachment 1: ASLF Modification Background Slides

Requirements of Tasking:

1. A technical data package will be provided as Government Furnished Information (GFI), which will include the final design. Attachment 1 provides an overview of the required effort.

2. The torpedo tube and other long lead components will be provided as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE).

3. Fabrication and installation of the ASLF Modification includes the following:

a. Install a SEAWOLF Mk 69 Torpedo Tube into the ASLF impulse tank, in place of the current launch pipe.

b. Installation and fabrication of hydraulic, air, fluid, electrical systems to outfit the ASLF and torpedo tube

c. Fabricate and install arresting system

d. Fabricate and install loading tray

e. Blast and paint entire ASLF inside and out

f. Service life extension component replacement

g. Final testing

4. The installation shall not shut the ASLF down for longer than 22 months. Specifically, the installation effort can only delay VIRGINIA Class new construction pump testing for 22 months.

This is critical to the success of the project as any further shutdown will delay VIRGINIA Class construction. The 22-month period is broken down as follows:

a. 5 months of preparation (supported by both Government and contractor) is required prior to commencing the installation of the torpedo tube (i.e. “cutting steel”). These include acoustic baseline testing, blasting all surfaces in preparation for painting, and removal of surrounding equipment in preparation for tube install.

b. 12 months to install the torpedo tube, assuming all other installation work occurs concurrent to tube install (i.e. arresting tank retrieval mechanism installation, loading tray installation, control system installation, etc.). Torpedo tube install is assumed critical path.

c. 5 months following the modification installation is required for painting and final acoustic qualification of the facility. Acoustic qualification of the facility is the responsibility of NUWCDIVNPT.

5. Contractor Capabilities:

a. Recent Torpedo Tube Installation Experience: The most complex and time-critical evolution of the ASLF modification is the installation of the refurbished torpedo tube into the ASLF impulse tank. The ASLF simulates depth pressures comparable to a U.S.

submarine which necessitates adherence to welding requirements akin to those for submarine construction. Contractor or their subcontractor(s) must have experience with installation of torpedo tubes into submarine hull structure and experience with US submarine welding requirements (Tech Pub 1688).

b. Acoustic Performance Expertise: Maintaining and verifying the acoustic performance of the facility is critical to the success of the modification. The contractor or their subcontractor(s) must have specialized knowledge and experience with launcher system acoustics. This expertise is essential for ensuring that the modified ASLF meets acoustic performance requirements.

c. Critical Schedule Adherence: Success of the ASLF modification is critically dependent on completing the entire modification on time and restoring the facility to operational status to support VIRGINIA Class new construction testing. The modification must be completed within a 22-month window (as described above in section 4) to avoid disruption to the submarine construction schedule. Contractor or their subcontractor(s) must have experience with management of complex fabrication and installation efforts that adhere to tight timelines, preferably submarine construction or maintenance timelines.

Response:

Respondents are to review the information provided in this RFI and Attachment 1. Considering this information, respondents are to provide the following:

1. Identify your company’s capability and qualifications for this requirement considering the information provided in Attachment 1 and the Requirements section above. Specifically address your company’s capabilities related to sections 5.a – 5.c above.

2. Provide two (2) past performance references, as possible, which include a Government contract number and Government point of contact with email and phone #. Utilize RFI Attachment 2.

Respond with a white paper of 5 pages or less. Proprietary information, if any, must be clearly marked.

A response to this RFI is due by Friday, 7 November 2025. Submittals sooner are welcomed.

Technical questions shall be submitted via email only to Joshua Knoth @ Joshua.r.knoth.civ@us.navy.mil.

Your company’s white paper shall be submitted via e-mail only to Erin Montanari @ erin.l.montanari.civ@us.navy.mil and Juli Chytka @ juli.chytka2.civ@us.navy.mil.

NOTE:

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NOTICE ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.

THIS RFI IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR ANY ACTUAL

PROCUREMENT OF MATERIALS OR SERVICES. This notice does not constitute a solicitation or a promise of a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are solely at the responding parties' expense. Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government will not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified. Proprietary information received in response to this RFI will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations. Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract, order, or agreement. The Government will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative because of this RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in this solicitation, if one is issued.