Jessie Rehwoldt

AOI 27-A002 Commercial Technology Accelerator

NIWC Atlantic, on behalf of the Department of War Enterprise Software Initiatives, is seeking a prototype to establish a scalable and objective business process for accelerating the adoption of emerging commercial technologies. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between commercial software providers and the Department of War by overcoming barriers related to security compliance, cybersecurity authorization, and complex defense acquisition requirements. The goal is to replace current ad-hoc methods with a repeatable process that identifies successful technologies, validates demand, and ensures secure integration into the government environment while reducing administrative burdens on personnel. This unclassified opportunity, identified as AOI 27-A002 under solicitation N65236-26-S-0001, is managed as a Commercial Solutions Opening. Interested parties must submit a solution brief via the Vulcan platform by October 21, 2026, detailing their approach and how they meet nontraditional business participation requirements. Evaluation focuses on process design, usability, sustainability, and the ability to support multiple classification levels. Preference is given to providers with a Technical Readiness Level of 6 or higher and those capable of demonstrating rapid pilot utility within the first six months. Virtual pitches are tentatively scheduled for November 2 through 6, 2026, and successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production agreements.

Department Of DefenseSC, 29410,

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PSC

AC13

Research and Development

Posted Oct 14, 2026

27-A002

Closed

FederalNEW1

AOI 27-A001 Resilient Airborne Free-Space Optical Communications Turret

NIWC Atlantic, under the Department of Defense, is soliciting prototypes for a flight-certified, aero-optically resilient dual-turret optical communications and optical time-transfer system. This initiative, identified as AOI 27-A001, aims to mitigate risks associated with high-threat electronic warfare and GPS or RF-denied operational domains that threaten Department of Navy and Marine Corps fleet operations. The goal is to enable ultra-high-bandwidth communications and high-precision timing synchronization across multi-domain nodes, supporting tactical concepts like Distributed Maritime Operations and Joint All-Domain Command and Control without relying on vulnerable satellite navigation or RF spectra. The project is structured as a Commercial Solutions Opening divided into two primary lines of effort: the development of an airborne optical terminal and gimbal system, and the creation of an air-qualified optical transceiver telescope. Over a 16-month period, the selected provider will handle the design, fabrication, and flight testing of the system using NASA research assets. The resulting technology must overcome significant aero-optical and mechanical barriers, including boundary layer disruptions and base-motion jitter, while meeting strict airworthiness certifications and size, weight, power, and aerodynamic drag constraints.

Department Of DefenseSC, 29410,

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PSC

AC13

Research and Development

Posted Oct 7, 2026

27-A001

Closed

Federal1

Project Sentinel: Joint-Service Offline Two-Person Integrity (J-SOTPI) for Tactical Systems

Project Sentinel, identified under solicitation number 26-A008, is a Department of the Navy initiative led by NIWC Atlantic to develop and validate an enterprise-grade software capability that enforces Two-Person Integrity with Multi-Factor Authentication in disconnected, high-threat tactical environments. The solution must enable concurrent, hardware-validated dual-operator authorization for privileged actions—such as data deletion, privilege escalation, and network configuration changes—without reliance on cellular or internet connectivity. It must operate across heterogeneous systems including Windows and Linux operating systems, VMware vSphere, and Hyper-V hypervisors, using only dedicated physical cryptographic tokens or smart cards, explicitly excluding mobile devices. The prototype must demonstrate a 100% enforcement rate of dual approval under simulated disconnected conditions, with zero dependency on commercial networks, and must provide full documentation of compatibility across all specified platforms, including legacy and modern versions. The solicitation requires a detailed specification of the required physical hardware components and supported OS and hypervisor versions to ensure long-term maintainability and integration within Joint Force operational networks. The response deadline is August 13, 2026, and the contract falls under NAICS code 541715 with no set-aside classification. Primary point of contact is Jessie Rehwoldt at NIWC Atlantic in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Department Of DefenseSC, 29419, USA

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PSC

AC13

Research and Development

Posted Aug 5, 2026

26-A008

Closed

Federal1

Zero Trust Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Roadmap AOI 26-A006 under RCC CSO N6523626S0001

The Department of the Navy, through NIWC Atlantic, is seeking a commercial solution to automate the discovery, identification, and cataloging of cryptographic assets across its enterprise and tactical environments in response to the imminent threat posed by cryptographically relevant quantum computers. This initiative, issued under Commercial Solutions Opening N65236-26-S-0001 with solicitation number 26-A006, aims to create a continuous, enterprise-wide Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM) that dynamically maps all cryptographic algorithms, protocols, key lengths, and certificates in use on on-premise and cloud IT systems, mobile platforms, operational technology, and embedded weapon systems. The solution must support hybrid scanning methodologies—including passive network sniffing and active, authenticated, or agent-based discovery—and operate effectively in disconnected, intermittently connected, and low-bandwidth tactical environments without disrupting mission-critical operations. The CBOM must feed directly into authoritative Navy data repositories to enable centralized risk reporting, prioritized migration planning to Post-Quantum Cryptography, and real-time vulnerability assessments. Proposals must be submitted via the Vulcan platform no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 8, 2026, and must include the prime contractor’s Cage Code, a detailed account of nontraditional business participation as defined in the CSO, and must not contain Controlled Unclassified Information. Submission requires a Secret Facility Clearance, which must be verifiable at the time of proposal submission, and is a hard pass/fail requirement. Offerors who pass the initial review will be invited to a live, in-person pitch in Charleston, South Carolina, tentatively scheduled for July 20–21, 2026, where they must provide a Bottom Line Up Front summary, top-level cost estimate, and conduct a mandatory unclassified demonstration of their solution executing a representative operational scenario. The solution must also minimize processing, memory, and bandwidth overhead on tactical assets and ideally include documented timelines for FIPS 140-3 validations of the vendor’s cryptographic modules. While no contract value or pricing structure is specified, the effort is structured as a prototype agreement under a CSO, and successful candidates will support the Navy’s broader Zero Trust and quantum-readiness roadmap mandated by NSM-10 and OMB M-23-02.

Department Of DefenseSC, USA

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PSC

AC13

Research and Development

Posted Jul 7, 2026

26-A006

Closed

Federal1

NIWC Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Cell - Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) N8 - Industry Engagement Session: Accelerating Efficiency through AI & Automation

The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) N8, through the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (NIWC Atlantic) Rapid Capabilities Cell, is hosting an industry engagement event on July 28–29, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, to explore AI and automation solutions that address pressing financial management challenges within the Navy. This unclassified event is designed as a two-day exchange featuring a kickoff session with keynote remarks by Vice Admiral John B. “Brad” Skillman, followed by one-on-one quick synch sessions on July 28 and invitation-only 30-minute capability demonstrations on July 29, all aimed at fostering direct interaction between government stakeholders and industry partners. Participation is open to U.S.-headquartered companies with U.S. citizen representatives, and attendees must present approved government-issued identification for site access. Companies are encouraged to submit a single consolidated capabilities statement via email by July 8, 2026, outlining relevant technical expertise, with no classified materials permitted under any circumstances. While this notice does not constitute a solicitation, request for proposal, or commitment to award a contract, it serves as a preliminary step to inform future acquisition strategies and potential opportunities, with any resulting solicitations to be posted on SAM.gov. All submissions become government property and will not be returned, and respondents bear all costs associated with participation. The event emphasizes voluntary information sharing, with proprietary data required to be clearly marked and segregated. Follow-on engagements are anticipated but not guaranteed, and participation in this event is not a prerequisite for future opportunities. Contract administration details, including funding accounts, payment instructions, or specific evaluation criteria, are not provided as this is a pre-solicitation outreach effort under Special Notice 26-A007, and no formal contract clauses, delivery schedules, or financial obligations are established at this stage.

Department Of DefenseArlington, VA, USA

NAICS

541512

Computer Systems Design Services

Posted Jun 23, 2026

26-A007

Closed

Federal1

Mission Engineering and Integration AOI 26-A005 under RCC CSO N6523626S0001

The United States Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic is soliciting innovative commercial solutions under the Mission Engineering and Integration Area of Interest 26-A005, issued as part of the Commercial Solutions Opening N65236-26-S-0001, to address urgent national security challenges posed by evolving near-peer adversaries. This effort seeks to transform traditional, static approaches to mission engineering into a dynamic, data-driven ecosystem capable of continuously identifying gaps and vulnerabilities across complex mission threads and kill webs, and rapidly engineering, validating, and delivering holistic, interoperable warfighting capabilities at the speed of need. The required technical solutions must support end-to-end lifecycle management of mission capabilities, integrating digital threads across multi-tiered security enclaves, orchestrating bidirectional data flows, and leveraging human-in-the-loop wargaming and Live-Virtual-Constructive experimentation to assess survivability, interoperability, and effectiveness against adversary threat profiles. Solutions must utilize open standards and APIs to seamlessly interface with both Government-off-the-shelf and commercial-off-the-shelf systems while mapping acquisition portfolios and programmatic metrics directly to operational mission architectures. All offerors must possess a Top Secret facility clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information access at the time of Solution Brief submission, a mandatory prerequisite verified via the CAGE code provided in the proposal; failure to meet this requirement disqualifies participation in subsequent phases. Solution Briefs must be submitted exclusively through the Vulcan platform by 2359 Eastern Daylight Time on 24 June 2026, must not contain Controlled Unclassified Information, and must detail how nontraditional business participation requirements are met, including the identification and CAGE codes of any teaming partners. Selected offerors will be invited to an in-person Phase 2 Pitch event tentatively planned for 8–10 July 2026 at NIWC Atlantic in North Charleston, South Carolina, with each pitch lasting approximately one hour. Travel may be required to locations including the National Capital Region, Norfolk, Quantico, San Diego, Honolulu, Okinawa, Naples, and Stuttgart. The Government reserves the right to directly award follow-on production agreements without competition to prototypes developed under this effort, and no public announcements or press releases regarding the solicitation are permitted prior to official notification of down-select to Phase II. The point of contact for all inquiries is Jessie Rehwoldt of NIWC Atlantic.

Department Of DefenseNorth Charleston, SC, USA

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PSC

AC13

Research and Development

Posted Jun 22, 2026

26-A005

Closed

Federal10

NIWC Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Cell Commercial Solutions Opening

The Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic is issuing a continuously open Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under solicitation number N65236-26-S-0001 to rapidly identify and acquire innovative commercial technologies and services that address urgent fleet requirements. Authorized by 10 U.S.C. 4022, this CSO supports the mission of the Rapid Capabilities Cell to accelerate the adoption of advanced solutions through prototyping, technology curating, and streamlined acquisition pathways. Rather than accepting general responses, the CSO operates by posting specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) on the Vulcan platform, which industry partners must target with tailored submissions. The solicitation emphasizes expeditionary tactical capabilities and enterprise IT systems aligned with warfighter information advantage, leveraging commercial innovations to bridge technology gaps quickly. Updates to the CSO include the addition of DD254 enclosures for command-level security agreements, public release guidance for dissemination, and clarifications on potential Production Other Transactions (OTs) that may follow successful prototyping efforts. The contract is administered by NIWC Atlantic located in North Charleston, South Carolina, and falls under the NAICS code 541715 for research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The primary point of contact is Jessie Rehwoldt, who can be reached via email for inquiries. All AOIs and submissions are hosted exclusively on the Vulcan platform, and proposers must adhere to the guidance outlined in the latest updates, including security protocols and dissemination requirements. This CSO does not have a set closing date but remains active as long as mission-relevant AOIs are posted, making it a dynamic mechanism for sustaining innovation and responsiveness to evolving naval operational needs. The place of performance is tied to the 29410 ZIP code area, reflecting the local and expeditionary nature of the capabilities being sought.

Department Of DefenseSC, 29410,

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Posted May 20, 2026

N6523626S0001

No deadline

Federal1

Agile Software for Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence (CDAO) Operations

NIWC Atlantic is seeking to establish a responsive and enduring software development capability outside the continental United States (OCONUS) to support United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), United States European Command (EUCOM), and U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples. The contract aims to prototype a flexible framework that can rapidly develop, deploy, and sustain software solutions aligned with dynamic and time-sensitive operational needs. Utilizing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodology, this initiative intends to enhance the agility and dedicated OCONUS presence of software development resources, enabling faster response to evolving warfighter requirements. This solicitation, titled "Agile Software for Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence (CDAO) Operations," was posted by NIWC Atlantic and is open for responses until March 25, 2026. The effort falls under NAICS code 541715, which corresponds to research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The contract supports digital and AI initiatives under the department of defense, with the primary point of contact being Jessie Rehwoldt. The work focuses on delivering software development solutions that can quickly adapt to operational demands in overseas environments, providing critical technological support to enhance mission effectiveness for AFRICOM and EUCOM.

Department Of DefenseSC, 29410,

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PSC

AC13

Research and Development

Posted Mar 18, 2026

N6523626RE004

Closed

Federal2

Value and Decision Capability- AOI N6523626RE033

The contract focuses on addressing the challenges faced by the NIWC Atlantic and Naval RDTE enterprise in effectively communicating the strategic importance, progress, and return on investment of complex, technically advanced defense projects to a diverse range of critical stakeholders. These stakeholders include high-level leadership within the Department of War and Department of the Navy, fleet operators, Congressional members, industry partners, and other joint military entities. The goal is to develop a human-centric communication strategy that enhances organizational alignment and operational effectiveness from top leadership to operational personnel, thereby fostering a common operational picture that supports informed decision-making. This solicitation seeks a comprehensive solution to improve understanding of risks, accelerate the adoption of key warfighting capabilities, and enable rapid, strategic collaboration among stakeholders. Recognizing that traditional government communication methods are inadequate for conveying the nuanced and urgent nature of the mission, the contract aims to overcome budget uncertainties, delays in capability fielding, and challenges to joint mission readiness through innovative communication strategies. The opportunity was posted by NIWC Atlantic under solicitation number N6523626RE033 with a response deadline in late February 2026, targeting industry and organizations capable of enhancing value and decision-making capabilities within the defense RDTE framework.

Department Of DefenseSC, 29410,

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PSC

AC13

Research and Development

Posted Feb 19, 2026

N6523626RE033

Closed

Federal

AOI 26-A002: Specter- Container-Native Platform for Navy Tactical and Enterprise Applications

The Department of the Navy is seeking a cutting-edge, remote-first, container-native platform to standardize and modernize its mission applications and battle management aids, many of which are legacy systems with high maintenance costs. This platform is intended to serve as an enterprise-wide hosting solution that accelerates software delivery to naval fleets while enhancing cybersecurity through zero-trust architecture. A critical requirement is its ability to operate seamlessly across a broad range of environments, from enterprise cloud data centers to tactical-edge conditions with denied, disrupted, intermittent, or limited bandwidth. The solicitation, identified as AOI 26-A002 under RCO CSO N6523626S0001, calls for a solution that significantly reduces total ownership costs by optimizing resource use and incorporating automation. The solution must address the unique demands of Navy operations, ensuring resiliency and scalability in both secure and constrained settings. Managed by the Department of Defense’s Niwc Atlantic office in North Charleston, SC, the opportunity invites responses by January 30, 2026, and focuses on NAICS code 541715, which covers research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The primary point of contact for this solicitation is Jessie Rehwoldt.

Department Of DefenseSC, 29410,

NAICS

541715

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PSC

AC13

Research and Development

Posted Jan 23, 2026

N6523626SC002

Closed