NAVSEA Requests Industry Input on Next-Generation Submarine Rescue System

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) program office PMS 390 is conducting market research for a next-generation submarine rescue system through RFI N00024-27-R-6116 and post-Industry Day materials. The effort is intended to help the government understand available industry capabilities and shape a potential acquisition approach. The opportunity may interest firms with submarine rescue, hyperbaric, maritime systems, prototype development, testing, and operational support experience, as well as companies able to team across these areas.

The potential scope spans several phases and delivery models: prototype design, manufacture, and testing; possible follow-on production; and Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) services. The market research also identifies the possibility of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) systems. These elements suggest that NAVSEA is seeking insight not only into technical solutions but also into how industry could support a system across development, production, and operations. The source does not identify a contract value or name potential vendors, so respondents should avoid treating the notice as a defined or funded procurement.

Responses are due November 16, 2026. NAVSEA describes the RFI as market research only: it is not a solicitation and does not represent a commitment to award. The notice provides a tentative schedule estimating a prototype award in Q4 FY27, followed by a possible production and services solicitation and award in FY32 or sooner. NAVSEA cautions that these dates are estimates, not guaranteed procurement milestones. For contractors, the immediate opportunity is to provide relevant, specific market information that could influence requirements, acquisition structure, and the balance between prototype, production, and operational services.

Companies preparing responses should clearly distinguish their capabilities by phase rather than presenting a general corporate overview. Relevant evidence may include comparable rescue or hyperbaric systems, prototype design and test experience, production capacity, and the ability to operate and maintain government-owned equipment. Where a company cannot cover the full potential scope, it may be useful to explain its role in a team or supply chain. The RFI is an information-gathering step, not a request for binding pricing or a guarantee of a later competition; firms should monitor subsequent notices for any formal solicitation and revised schedule.

• Agency and office: NAVSEA, through PMS 390, is shaping its approach to a next-generation submarine rescue system.
• Reference: The market research is identified as RFI N00024-27-R-6116 and includes post-Industry Day materials.
• Response deadline: Industry input is due November 16, 2026.
• Potential prototype scope: Design, manufacture, and testing of a prototype system are identified as possible work areas.
• Potential later work: The notice identifies possible follow-on production and Government Owned Contractor Operated services.
• International dimension: NAVSEA identifies possible Foreign Military Sales systems as part of the market research.
• Tentative timing: A prototype award is estimated for Q4 FY27; a follow-on production and services solicitation and award could occur in FY32 or sooner.
• Schedule caveat: The stated timeline is an estimate, and the RFI is market research only—not a solicitation or commitment to award.
• Response strategy: Describe experience separately across prototype development and testing, production, and operations and maintenance; the source provides no contract value or named vendors.