NAWCWD Attends Ventura Defense Industry Forum (VDIF)

The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), under the Department of the Navy Naval Air Systems Command, has published a Special Notice announcing its participation in the Ventura Defense Industry Forum (VDIF) Strategic Alliance. This informational notice is not a solicitation for bids, quotes, or proposals, but rather announces NAWCWD's attendance at a two-day industry engagement event scheduled for April 7-8, 2026, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center in Oxnard, California. The event is designed to facilitate direct interaction between government representatives and industry partners, allowing contractors to engage with NAWCWD leadership, technical experts, and acquisition professionals. While NAWCWD is an active participant, it is not the official host or sponsor of the forum. The Special Notice is issued for informational purposes to alert interested industry members to this networking and information-sharing opportunity.

The primary objective of NAWCWD's participation in VDIF is to provide industry partners with insight into current mission priorities, future capability needs, and upcoming contracting opportunities across participating commands. The event will feature panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions with government subject matter experts, with particular focus on critical topics including artificial intelligence and autonomy, supply chain resiliency, industrial base challenges, and emerging technologies supporting the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy. There are no specific eligibility requirements outlined; interested contractors may register for attendance through the event website at www.venturadefenseindustryforum.org. Contractors should note that while this forum provides valuable exposure to government priorities and leadership, the Special Notice explicitly clarifies that participation does not constitute a solicitation or government obligation to procure any products or services. The due date of April 6, 2027, listed in the posting appears to reflect administrative tracking rather than a contractor deadline, as the event itself occurs on April 7-8, 2026.