FLEETWERX utilizes its ecosystem and market research to attract best-in-class submissions to solve national security problems. Subsequently, government subject matter experts review and select participants with the highest value to collaborate with for the given opportunity.
Note: All Assessment Events (AE) conductedthrough FLEETWERX have the potential to result in monetary awards and/or agreements.
The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE), Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) and the broader Joint Force must maintain fleet readiness, material redundancy, and operational self-sufficiency in highly contested environments. The Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) faces critical supply chain bottle necks and extended lead times associated with the traditional manufacturing of metallic shipboard components. To maintain operational availability (Ao) and rapid deployment readiness, SURFPAC requires a highly agile, localized industrial base capable of rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing of metal surface ship parts. We are specifically seeking partnerships with non-traditional defense contractors, small businesses, non-profits, and innovative manufacturing shops located within a short driving distance of Naval Base San Diego. The desired capability should leverage advanced manufacturing techniques to produce, inspect, and locally deliver critical metallic components at the speed of relevance in support of waterfront maintenance and fleet operations.
Key System Requirements
Proposed solutions must address the following Top Level Requirements (TLRs). The rapid metal prototyping and manufacturing service shall:
Scope/Composition: A complete end-to-end manufacturing service encompassing reverse engineering, secure ingestion of Navy Technical Data Packages (TDPs), rapid fabrication of metallic parts, post-processing, quality assurance testing, and direct physical delivery to Naval Base San Diego.
Metal Manufacturing &Prototyping Capabilities: Support the fabrication of components using heavy metals and corrosion-resistant alloys standard to naval surface ship environments (e.g., Titanium, Aluminum, Stainless Steels, and specialized marine alloys). The capability to execute complex geometries, internal channels, or consolidated assemblies that are difficult or impossible to produce via traditional casting and forging is desired but not required.
Production Speed &Logistics: Achieve a delivery transit time to Naval Base San Diego of 2 hours (threshold) with an objective of under 45 minutes. Achieve a total turnaround time from receipt of request to final part delivery of 14 days (threshold) with an objective of under 72 hours for urgent operational requirements. Maintain a local facility capable of accommodating same-day, in-person engineering collaboration, rapid iteration, and physical part handoff with SURFPAC waterfront maintenance personnel.
Quality Assurance & NAVSEA Compliance: Ensure all manufactured components demonstrate conformance with standard NAVSEA non-destructive test (NDT) acceptance criteria (e.g., NAVSEA Ltr 9074 Ser 05Z/223) and marking requirements (MIL-STD-130) unless waived by the government. Guarantee strict material controls to ensure all delivered products are structurally sound and traceably sourced.
Security & Digital Infrastructure: Comply with current National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandates regarding the origin, digital connectivity, and software control of additive manufacturing equipment including obtaining EJCP certification. Maintain secure, digitally sovereign IT systems capable of safely receiving, storing, and processing controlled or restricted Navy Technical Data Packages. Ensure compliance with all International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Utilize the Joint Advanced Manufacturing System (JAMS) which shall include uploading equipment information, POCs, and receiving part tasking.
Examples
The lists below are examples of potential application areas and attributes of interest. We encourage creative solutions that address our challenge.
Example Surface Ship Application Areas: Rapid replacement of legacy or obsolete metal valves, piping fittings, and machined seal housings.
· Prototyping and production of custom brackets, mounts, or structural hardware for emergent shipboard systems and sensor installations.
· Quick-turn fabrication of specialized maintenance tooling, jigs, and fixtures to support localized waterfront repair teams.
· Re-engineering of traditionally cast components into lighter, single-piece additively manufactured parts to consolidate assemblies.
Solution Attributes of Interest: Status as a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor (NDC), small business, or non-profit entity.
· Integrated "hybrid" manufacturing operations that seamlessly combine metal additive manufacturing (e.g., Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Wire Arc) with precision CNC subtractive machining.
· In-house metallurgical validation and full-spectrum Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) capabilities to streamline the qualification process.
· Agile production methodologies and flexible facility scheduling specifically optimized for low-volume, high-mix, quick-turn around defense requirements.
Evaluation Factors
The government will evaluate proposals during Steps 1-3 using the following factors:
1. Technical Merit: Demonstrated or potential future capability to meet:
· NAVSEA Standards
· Form, Fit, and Function tests for produced components
· Requested turnaround times for manufacturing
2. Relevance of proposal to problemset and key requirements.
3. Price/Cost.
24AUG2026 to 18SEP2026 – White Paper Submissions Open: Interested respondents who could potentially provide expertise/solutions that meet the needs of the Government Stakeholders are to submit one (1) White Paper Submission for Government only review. To submit the White Paper Submission, please follow the submission instructions bottom of this event release.
09SEP2026 1130-1230 Pacific Time – Objective Strategic Session (OSS): Potential performers have the opportunity to ask the Government Stakeholders about the desired project objectives. Government Stakeholders will provide further details in conversation.
18SEP2026, 1700 Pacific Time
18SEP2026 – 25SEP2026: Government Downselect
25SEP2026 - 07OCT2026: B2B signed
7OCT2026 - 15JAN2027: Rapid prototyping
15JAN2027 - 20JAN2027: Final Report
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