Mission System R and D Support for Blossom Point Tracking Facility (BPTF)
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.ONR.ONR NRL.NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY · Response deadline: Sat, 19 Dec 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is seeking small businesses to provide research and development support for mission systems at the Blossom Point Tracking Facility (BPTF). This work falls under NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).
BPTF is a satellite tracking and data acquisition facility operated by NRL, supporting spacecraft operations, telemetry, and related mission activities. The R&D support likely encompasses engineering analysis, system development, software integration, or technical services to maintain and enhance tracking capabilities. The scope may involve legacy system modernization, new technology integration, or operational support for satellite communication and control systems. See the solicitation for the complete statement of work, deliverables, and any specific technical requirements.
Key facts
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Office of Naval Research |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0017327R0002 |
| NAICS | 541715 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | December 19, 2026, 5:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This opportunity is set aside entirely for small businesses under the Small Business Set Aside - Total program. To qualify, your business must be small under the NAICS 541715 size standard and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
Self-certification is typically required at the time of bid submission. If you are a veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, HUBZone, or 8(a) small business, you may still compete, but the set-aside does not restrict to those subcategories. Verify your SAM registration is active and your size status is current before preparing your proposal. Joint ventures are permitted under SBA rules if they meet small business requirements and comply with affiliation regulations.
How to put together a competitive bid
For R&D contracts at NRL, reviewers prioritize technical credibility and demonstrated facility with mission-critical systems.
- Highlight relevant past performance: Document experience with satellite tracking, telemetry and command, space situational awareness, or similar DoD R&D programs. Include contract numbers, period of performance, and customer points of contact.
- Emphasize security clearances and facility capabilities: NRL work often requires personnel with active clearances or the ability to obtain them. Note your facility security clearance (FCL) status and any SCIF or cleared workspace capacity.
- Propose qualified personnel: Staffing plans should identify engineers and scientists with direct experience in RF systems, orbital mechanics, software-defined radio, or related disciplines. Resumes should demonstrate relevant degrees and hands-on project roles.
- Address technology transition: NRL values R&D with operational payoff. Describe how your proposed approach bridges research outcomes to BPTF's operational mission.
- Price strategically: Total small business set-aside creates competitive but not cutthroat pricing pressure. Focus on best value—balance cost realism with technical excellence. Avoid unrealistically low labor rates that suggest risk.
- Compliance check: Verify all solicitation clauses, deliverable schedules, data rights assertions, and reporting requirements. Government R&D contracts often include strict intellectual property provisions.
Next steps
Download and review the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0017327R0002. The document will contain the statement of work, evaluation factors, delivery requirements, and any amendments.
Key action: Note the firm response deadline of December 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions are typically not accepted. Allow ample time for SAM.gov technical issues, proposal formatting, and any required certifications. Consider registering for SAM.gov notifications to capture amendments or Q&A responses before the deadline.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →