Sole Source to Undersea Systems International Inc, for SDV MK8 Diver Transceivers Evaluation and Repair
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER · Response deadline: Fri, 09 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Surface Warfare Center intends to award a sole-source contract to Undersea Systems International Inc for evaluation and repair services on SDV MK8 Diver Transceivers. The MK8 is a swimmer delivery vehicle used by Navy special operations forces—an underwater craft that transports combat swimmers and their equipment. Diver transceivers are critical communications equipment that enable voice and data transmission between the submerged vehicle, divers, and support platforms.
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation, meaning the notice serves as both the government's announcement of its buying intent and the formal request for the specific vendor to submit its proposal. Because this is a sole-source action, the government has already determined that only one responsible source—Undersea Systems International Inc—can satisfy the requirement.
NAICS code 811210 covers "Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance," which encompasses the specialized repair and testing of sophisticated military electronics in demanding operational environments. This type of work typically requires security clearances, controlled facility access, and demonstrated technical expertise with specific proprietary systems.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Surface Warfare Center (NAVSEA Warfare Center) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N61331-27-Q-TR02 |
| NAICS | 811210 |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | October 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM CDT |
| Place of performance | Panama City Beach, FL |
Who can bid
This is a sole-source procurement directed to one identified contractor. Other vendors cannot bid unless they timely demonstrate to the contracting officer that they are capable of performing the work, typically through a capability statement showing equivalent technical qualifications, relevant past performance with SDV MK8 systems or comparable undersea communications equipment, and appropriate security credentials. Given the specialized nature of diver transceiver systems for special operations platforms, such challenges to sole-source determinations are uncommon but not impossible under FAR 6.302-1 (only one responsible source) or related authorities.
The lack of any set-aside means standard small business preferences (such as HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, or WOSB set-asides) do not apply to this acquisition.
How to put together a competitive bid
For Undersea Systems International Inc specifically, and for any vendor seeking to challenge or prepare for similar opportunities:
Technical approach: Demonstrate specific expertise with SDV MK8 Diver Transceiver systems, including evaluation protocols, repair procedures, and testing methodologies. Reference prior Navy or special operations contracts involving underwater communications equipment.
Security and facility requirements: Maintain or obtain appropriate facility security clearances for handling Navy special warfare equipment. See the solicitation for specific clearance levels and controlled access requirements.
Quality assurance: Detail your inspection, testing, and certification processes. Undersea communications equipment demands rigorous environmental and operational testing given life-safety implications for combat divers.
Past performance: Document comparable repair and evaluation contracts, particularly those involving proprietary or limited-source military systems where original equipment manufacturer knowledge is essential.
Cost realism: Develop pricing that reflects the specialized labor skills, test equipment, and potential long-lead component requirements inherent in this niche field.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N61331-27-Q-TR02. The response deadline is October 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM Central Daylight Time. Note that this is a sole-source action; interested parties other than Undersea Systems International Inc should review the justification documentation and assess whether to submit a capability challenge within any timeframe specified in the full notice. All prospective offerors should verify current SAM.gov registration and entity validation status before attempting to respond.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →