Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Support for the Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering (CCSE)
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.ONR.ONR NRL.NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is seeking small business support for Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) work at the Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering (CCSE). The CCSE is NRL's focal point for studying how materials degrade in marine and other environments—critical knowledge for extending the operational life of Navy ships, aircraft, and infrastructure. RDT&E support typically covers a range of scientific and technical activities: designing and running laboratory experiments, developing and validating computational models, analyzing failure mechanisms, transitioning new protective technologies to fleet use, and preparing technical reports and test protocols. See the solicitation for the specific tasks, deliverables, and performance period.
Key facts
| Agency | Naval Research Laboratory (Office of Naval Research, Department of the Navy) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0017326RGF02 |
| NAICS | 541715 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | November 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses under NAICS 541715, which covers "Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)." To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this code—generally 1,000 employees or fewer—and be registered as a small business in the System for Award Management (SAM).
Because this involves RDT&E for a Department of the Navy laboratory, bidders should expect potential security clearance requirements, facility clearance needs, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling obligations. If your firm lacks direct experience with NRL, consider partnering with an institutionally knowledgeable subcontractor or forming a joint venture with another small business that has relevant corrosion science or Navy RDT&E credentials.
How to put together a competitive bid
Demonstrate corrosion science depth. The CCSE specializes in electrochemical and environmental degradation of metals and coatings. Highlight your team's expertise in corrosion mechanisms, accelerated testing protocols, or predictive corrosion modeling. Cite prior Navy, DoD, or maritime industry projects.
Emphasize RDT&E methodology. NRL evaluates proposals heavily on scientific rigor. Clearly describe your experimental design, analytical techniques, and quality assurance processes. Specify facilities and equipment you will use or access.
Address transition potential. NRL values research that moves toward operational application. Explain how your approach could lead to fielded solutions, standards adoption, or industry transfer.
Build a compliant cost structure. Government RDT&E contracts typically mix labor categories (PhD scientists, engineers, technicians) with materials, equipment, and overhead. Ensure your labor rates and indirect costs are realistic and well-documented. Consider whether a cost-reimbursement or fixed-price structure suits your technical approach.
Leverage small business advantages. As a total small business set-aside, you compete only against other qualified small businesses—not large primes. Highlight any HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB certifications if applicable for potential price evaluation preferences or subcontracting plans.
Handle security proactively. Prepare your Facility Security Clearance (FCL) status and key personnel clearances. If uncleared, state your ability to obtain interim clearances within the required timeframe.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation for N0017326RGF02 on SAM.gov to obtain the statement of work, proposal instructions, evaluation criteria, and any amendments. Note the firm deadline of November 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST—late submissions are typically not accepted. Register or verify your SAM registration immediately, as processing can take several weeks. Monitor SAM.gov for amendments, especially any additions to place of performance or mandatory site visit requirements.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →