VIRGINIA Class Propulsor Forward Subassembly Manufacture and Delivery

Request for Information: VIRGINIA Class Propulsor Forward Subassembly Manufacture and Delivery

This is not a Request for Proposal and award of a contract will not be made as a result of this Request for Information (RFI).  The Advanced Propulsor Management Office (Code 808) in the Naval Architecture and Engineering Department (Department 80) of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) requests assistance from industry for conducting market research to identify vendors that are currently qualified, or are able to become qualified to manufacture and delivery VIRGINIA Class Propulsor Forward Subassemblies (hereby identified as FWD Subassemblies).

The purpose of this RFI is to conduct market research by soliciting industry comments and feedback. Market research will determine potential socio-economic small and large businesses interested in, and capable of, providing the support services identified herein.  This posting is issued in accordance with the requirements of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10.

NSWCCD intends to fulfill this requirement via a Single-Source, Definite Quantity delivery order contract with a five year ordering period. The anticipated award date is September 2026.

All interested parties must request references (a) and (b), which are classified as CONFIDENTIAL, and references (c) and (d) no later than 10 business days after posting of this RFI. Any requests for additional information will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and may be disapproved.

References:

(a)  Extended Life Propulsor Forward Duct, DWG 245-8483200, Rev (B)

(b)  Bearing Support Structure, DWG 245-7069140, Rev (J)

(c)  Propulsor Paint Preservation, DWG S9245-A4-TSM-010, Rev (A)

(d)  VIRGINIA Class Submarine Propulsor Syntactic Manufacturing and Installation, DWG 245-8880170, Rev (A)

Responses should include the following:

1. Cover letter, not to exceed one (1) page that includes:

1. Organization name, CAGE Code, and address
2. Point of contact name and contact information
3. Size and type of organization, including if applicable U.S. small business or other status
4. Brief statement of interest that indicates the organization’s interest in applying as a prime or subcontractor.

2. Interested parties shall provide a response (not to exceed 30 pages) to the following questions:

1. Provide a summary of capabilities to manufacture, assemble and deliver FWD Subassemblies, as provided in Reference (a), and a summary of capabilities to paint FWD subassemblies in accordance with Reference (c).  The summary must include a description of the equipment, facilities and personnel (including requisite qualifications) to be utilized throughout the manufacturing, assembly and painting of a FWD Subassembly and all sub-components (i.e. Bearing Support Structure and Forward Outer Structure).  Reference (b) is hereby provided to give interested parties an understanding of the material types, tolerances, qualifications and other requirements necessary to successfully manufacture and deliver a FWD subassembly.  Interested parties shall also include a brief description of their syntactic fill capabilities as related to reference (d). 
   • Interested parties shall include a general assembly plan to provide the government with their understanding of the manufacturing and assembly process.  This assembly plan shall not exceed 5 pages, and is to be included within the 30 page limit identified in Section 2 above.
2. Describe any teaming agreements or concur with capabilities available in-house necessary to manufacture, assemble, paint and deliver three (3) FWD assemblies per fiscal year, with each FWD subassembly completed within 3 years of material award.  Interested parties are to assume that material will be ordered under the same contract vehicle as the manufacture and delivery, however under separate CLINs.
   • Teaming agreements must also include any material supplier agreements or arrangements to procure the requisite material necessary to manufacture a FWD subassembly.
3. Describe prior experience and capabilities (providing specific examples) to manufacture and deliver large-scale classified components of similar size with similar tolerance requirements as identified in references (a) and (b). 
4. Confirm understanding that all parts to be machined will be classified as CONFIDENTIAL, provide facility security clearances, and state willingness to comply with all security requirements upon award. Describe current DCSA-approved facilities and computing resources (including CNC controllers) to conduct manufacturing operations at the CONFIDENTIAL level (or above).  If facilities/resources are not currently cleared to the CONFIDENTIAL level, indicate interest in receiving appropriate certification. 
5. Provide alternative recommendations and/or concerns regarding the intended contract type or/and CLIN structure.
6. Describe any potential costs necessary to increase or improve current manufacturing capabilities to meet the requirements of this RFI.  Costs shall include facility improvements, necessary personnel changes (including qualifications) and all applicable equipment costs.