Full-Ocean-Depth AUV Design & Prototyping

The contract seeks to design, prototype, and test autonomous underwater vehicles capable of operating at full-ocean-depth, with a strong focus on pressure vessel engineering to withstand extreme hydrostatic pressures. Emphasis is placed on rapid design-build-test cycles to accelerate innovation and deployment, requiring advanced materials, structural integrity testing, and integration of robust sensor and propulsion systems suitable for deep-sea environments. The work must meet stringent performance criteria for endurance, reliability, and mission autonomy under the most challenging oceanic conditions. This is a subcontract opportunity issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under the Department of Defense, with a North American Industry Classification System code of 336612 for ship and boat building. The solicitation was posted on April 23, 2026, and responses are due by May 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. No specific set-aside provisions or geographic limitations are indicated, and the performance location has not been defined. Prospective bidders must demonstrate expertise in underwater vehicle systems, deep-sea engineering, and agile development methodologies to qualify for award.