Request for Information for Office of Naval Research Composites Manufacturing Technology Center (CMTC) Center of Excellence (COE)

This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) for the purpose of determining market capability of sources and obtaining market research information. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), or an indication that the Government will contract any of the items and/or services discussed in this notice. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201, responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Contractors responding to this request are advised that participation does NOT ensure opportunities for future solicitations or contract awards. Any formal solicitation that may subsequently be issued will be announced separately through SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of any potential Contractor to monitor SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to this topic.

Information on specific topics of interest is provided in the following sections of this announcement. Information in the RFI or SOW is in draft form only and is subject to change in the future. Capability Statements, comments, or responses to this RFI, are not to be construed as offers and any input received is not binding on the Government or this potential future requirement. The Government will NOT reimburse any Contractor or individual for any expenses associated with preparation or participation in this Request for Information.

Background

The Secretary of Defense established a Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program to further the national security objectives of Section 2501(a) of U. S. Code Title 10 – Armed Forces, through the development and application of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes that will reduce the acquisition and supportability costs of defense weapon systems and reduce manufacturing and repair cycle times across the life cycles of such systems.  The purpose of the program is to improve the manufacturing quality, productivity, technology, and practices of business and workers providing goods and services to the Department of Defense (DoD). DoD Directive 4200.15 implements the Manufacturing Technology Program, and it dictates that DoD is to rely on private sector investment and the “free enterprise” system to provide the manufacturing technology necessary to produce DoD material.  The Directive mandates ManTech investments are to be directed at improving the quality, productivity, technology, and practices of business and workers providing goods and services to the DoD. 

The Navy Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program, operated out of the Office of Naval Research (ONR), is focused on affordability improvements for specific key acquisition platforms as defined in the Navy ManTech Investment Strategy. Key platforms currently targeted include:  the CVN 78 Ford Class carrier; the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyer; the Virginia Class Submarine (VCS); Columbia Class Submarine (CLB); and FFG 62 Constellation Class Frigate; and the F35 Lightning II. ONR ManTech helps these Navy programs achieve their respective affordability goals by transitioning developed manufacturing technology which, when implemented, results in needed cost reduction or cost avoidance. Another investment area for consideration is called Capability Acceleration, which is getting new technologies to the fleet faster. These issues being addressed must be production-or manufacturing technology-related.

Navy ManTech executes through Centers of Excellence (COEs) using this key acquisition platform approach to develop cost reduction/avoidance platform portfolios and specific projects.  There are presently seven Navy ManTech Centers of Excellence, and they serve as focal points for the development and technology transfer of new and advanced manufacturing processes and technology in a cooperative environment with industry, academia, and the Naval Research Enterprise (NRE).  The COEs serve as corporate repositories of expertise in particular technological areas and collaborate with acquisition Program Executive Offices (PEOs) / Program Offices (POs) and relevant industry to identify and resolve manufacturing issues impacting the key Navy acquisition platforms.  The COEs develop and demonstrate manufacturing technology solutions for identified Navy manufacturing requirements, provide consulting services to naval industrial activities and industry, and facilitate the implementation of developed manufacturing technologies.

Incumbent Contractor and IDIQ Contract Number:

The incumbent Contractor for this award is Advanced Technology International (ATI) performing under award number N00014-21-D-7001.

NAICS Code and Small Business Size Standard

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments. The NAICS Code applicable to this potential award is 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).

PSC Code

The Product and Service Code (PSC) is a four-digit code that describes a product, service, or research and development (R&D) activity purchased by the Federal government. The PSC Code applicable to this potential award is AC13 – National Defense R&D Services; Department of Defense – Military; Experimental Development.