NextGen UBA

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) issued this Special Notice on behalf of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) to solicit innovative commercial solutions for a Next Generation Underwater Breathing Apparatus (UBA) system. The notice represents a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) procurement effort to replace the legacy MK 16 UBA currently used by U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) divers. This is a distinct procurement phase following previous sources sought notices issued in November 2024 and July 2025. The opportunity targets mature, non-developmental, and commercially available or readily adaptable closed-circuit, back-mounted UBA systems that can be evaluated in the near term. The notice invites qualified contractors to submit solutions that prioritize diver safety while minimizing acoustic and magnetic signatures.

The primary objective is to procure a complete UBA system solution with enhanced capabilities including real-time dive profile guidance, low-signature certification compliance, extended bottom time, and operation capability across diverse maritime environments and depths up to 328 feet of seawater. Contractors must submit Phase 1 Solution Briefs (maximum 20 pages or 30 slides) by May 5, 2026 at 1600 CST, with evaluation based on innovation, technical merit, and feasibility; Phase 1 submissions need not include formal pricing, schedules, or data rights assertions. Eligibility requires satisfaction of 10 U.S.C. 4022(d) conditions: either nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participation, all significant participants being small businesses or nontraditional contractors, or at least one-third total project cost from non-federal sources. Interested contractors must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a valid Unique Entity ID and CAGE Code prior to submission. The procurement process includes Phase 2 in-person or virtual pitches and Phase 3 full proposal submissions, with potential follow-on production contracts available without further competition upon successful prototype completion.