How to bid on Advanced Payload Integration Capabilities for Future Submarines from DEPT of Defense

What the Navy is buying and why it matters

The Department of Defense, specifically the Director, Submarine Programs (DSP), is seeking industry ideas for integrating payloads into future submarines. This includes solutions for handling, stowage, command and control, platform support, safety, security, and lifecycle design.

This is an opportunity for companies with expertise in submarine systems, payload integration, and related technologies to provide input directly to the Navy and its shipbuilders. The goal is to ensure future submarines can support a wider variety of payloads than the current fleet.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The deadline to register for this Industry Day and submit your Visit Authorization Request (VAR) is August 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Failure to complete both steps by this date will result in denial of entry to the event.

The Industry Day itself is a classified, two-day event held on September 29–30, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia. Day 1 will feature government and shipbuilder briefings on requirements and concept designs. Day 2 offers optional 20-minute one-on-one sessions with government and shipbuilder personnel for registered participants who requested them.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for U.S. companies with specific technical solutions and ideas related to submarine payload integration. It is particularly relevant for firms specializing in logistics and operations, stowage and maintenance, command, control and communications (C3), platform integration (power, cooling, auxiliary systems), safety and security, and lifecycle design for naval systems.

Attendees must be U.S. citizens and possess a final, active U.S. SECRET or higher security clearance. Interim clearances will not be accepted.

How to respond to this RFI

To participate in the Industry Day, you must complete a two-step registration process by August 28, 2026.

Step 1 is Email Registration: Send an email to Mr. Matt Hedrick at [email protected] with the subject line "DSP Payload Integration Industry Day Registration - [Company Name]". Include your primary point of contact's name, email, and phone number; your company's name and address; the names of up to three participating individuals; and an explicit request for a Day 2 one-on-one breakout session if desired.

Step 2 is DISS VAR Submission: Submit a formal Visit Authorization Request via the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) to SPA SMO Code 7L563. The purpose of visit is "DRPM Subs / DSP Future Submarine Payload Integration Industry Day" for the dates September 29-30, 2026. Ensure your VAR is received and verified in DISS by the deadline.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

This is an RFI, not a Request for Proposal, meaning the government is seeking information and ideas, not bids. Focus on providing specific technical solutions and concepts for future submarine payload integration, rather than generic capability statements.

Prepare to discuss your firm's expertise in the identified areas such as logistics, stowage, C3, platform integration, safety, security, and lifecycle design. If you request a one-on-one session, be ready to present your technical concepts and capabilities clearly and concisely.

Ensure all security requirements are met well in advance of the deadline. Confirm your security clearance is active and final, and that your VAR is submitted and approved in DISS. Remember that no electronic devices are permitted inside the classified facility, so plan accordingly for note-taking or presentations.