Space Electronic Systems Prototype Development

This is a presolicitation notice issued in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 5.101, Presolicitation notice, in preparation for the anticipated release of a Request for Proposal (RFP). This notice does not constitute an RFP, Request for Quotation, or Invitation for Bid. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is not requesting proposals at this time. NRL reserves the right to cancel this acquisition at any time.

NRL anticipates issuing RFP No. N00173-27-R-0001, titled “Space Electronic Systems Prototype Development (SESPD) Phase III,” in the near future. This acquisition will be conducted through full and open competition in accordance with FAR Part 6, using competitive negotiated procedures under FAR Part 15. The solicitation will specify the source selection procedures and evaluation criteria.

The requirement will support NRL’s Spacecraft Engineering Division (SED) in conceiving, developing, integrating, testing, and demonstrating space and aerospace systems to meet Department of War (DoW), Department of the Navy, and national mission needs. The effort encompasses a broad range of space and airborne research and development (R&D) activities, including spacecraft electronics, experimental payloads, and mission systems. The scope spans the system development lifecycle, from concept formulation and design through prototype development, integration, testing, operational demonstration, and transition to mission use. The contractor will provide multidisciplinary technical support, including systems engineering, prototype development, integration and testing, launch and mission operations support, data analysis, and documentation.

The resulting contract is anticipated to be an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with a five-year ordering period. An initial task order with a two-year period of performance is anticipated to be issued at contract award. Task orders may include option periods, as appropriate. This structure will support evolving R&D requirements and phased design, prototype development, integration, testing, and operational demonstration of spacecraft electronic systems.

The anticipated aggregate level of effort is approximately 531,280 labor hours for task orders issued during the five-year ordering period. The effort will include a mix of labor categories and designated key personnel. The total labor hours ultimately solicited and required may differ from this estimate.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). The applicable small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

• The Product Service Code (PSC) is AR13 — Space R&D Services; Space Flight, Research and Supporting Activities; Experimental Development.

Interested parties may submit questions or feedback concerning this notice by November 6th, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) to both of the following points of contact:

• Erica Turner, Contract Specialist: erica.n.turner9.civ@us.navy.mil
• Graham Irby, Contracting Officer: graham.d.irby.civ@us.navy.mil

Include “N00173-27-R-0001 – SESPD Phase III Presolicitation Notice” in the email subject line. Telephone inquiries regarding this notice will not be accepted.

THE FORTHCOMING SOLICITATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY ONLY. NO HARD COPIES WILL BE PROVIDED.

When issued, the solicitation and associated attachments will be available through SAM.gov Contract Opportunities at https://sam.gov. Prospective offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for the solicitation, amendments, and other acquisition updates.

Once the Request for Proposal has been posted, all responsible sources may submit a quotation, bid, or proposal, as appropriate, which will be considered by the agency.

Prospective offerors must satisfy the System for Award Management (SAM) registration requirements specified in the solicitation and applicable regulations. Registration information is available at https://sam.gov.