How to bid on COLUMBIA Class Tailcone Manufacture for the DEPT of Defense

What the Navy is buying

The Department of Defense, through the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, is looking for a contractor to manufacture and deliver COLUMBIA Class submarine tailcones. This work is managed by the Advanced Propulsor Management Office.

This opportunity is significant for vendors with expertise in advanced manufacturing and defense contracting, particularly those familiar with naval submarine components.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on September 11, 2026. All responses must be submitted by November 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. It is crucial to submit your proposal before this deadline, as late submissions are generally not accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for manufacturing firms with capabilities in producing complex equipment, specifically for naval applications. Experience with submarine components and working under various contract types like Fixed Price Incentive - Firm Target (FPIF) and Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) will be beneficial. The relevant category for this bid is equipment manufacturing.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” to open the opportunity on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, carefully review all sections of solicitation N00167-26-R-1005. Pay close attention to the technical specifications for the COLUMBIA Class tailcones and ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates your firm's ability to meet these requirements.

Given the contract may include Fixed Price Incentive, Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee, and other cost-type line items, ensure your pricing strategy is well-defined and justified for each component. Clearly outline your cost breakdown and any proposed incentives. Highlight your past experience with similar complex manufacturing projects for government agencies, especially those involving naval or defense equipment.