Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract and Sources Sought for SSN AUKUS Vertical Deployment Tube (VDT) Technical and Tooling Package
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) for an SSN AUKUS Vertical Deployment Tube (VDT) Technical and Tooling Package. This notice also serves as a Sources Sought for market research to identify any other capable sources. Responses are due by April 24, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a comprehensive technical and tooling package to prepare for the future manufacturing of SSN-A VDT ITH/ITK components. This package must be based on the U.S. VIRGINIA Class program, adapted for the United Kingdom's VDT design. Deliverables include:
- Development of necessary tooling (fixtures, NDT calibration standards, dies) and procurement-ready drawings.
- A comprehensive list of tooling with life expectancy, detailed cost/schedule for production, and maintenance costs.
- Preliminary production documents, including a manufacturing process plan and test location/size drawings.
- A documented plan for prototype testing, NDT Ultrasonic Testing Scan, and Magnetic Particle Test Procedures for VDT units, plus a comprehensive production schedule.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Firm-Fixed-Price/Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee) and Sources Sought.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Intended Awardee: General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB).
- Response Due: April 24, 2026, by 8:00 PM ET.
- Published: April 9, 2026.
Requirements for Other Sources
The Government is seeking information from companies capable of meeting these requirements. To be considered, a response must provide clear and convincing evidence of the ability to satisfy all three points:
- Immediate, authorized access to U.S. VIRGINIA Class submarine VPM proprietary design data, tooling manufacturing processes, and testing standards.
- Demonstrated Production Readiness Level (PRL) 9 for manufacturing large-scale, HY-80 submarine hull-integrated components.
- Ability to meet an accelerated timeline: contract award by September 2026 and initial production unit delivery within 12 months thereafter, without requiring a multi-year development and qualification period. Responses should include availability, budgetary cost estimate, lead time, company/product literature, a white paper (max 5 pages) addressing requirements, and similar Government contracts.
Additional Notes
This RFI/Sources Sought is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. Costs incurred by respondents will not be reimbursed.