F.A.Q.

NAVWAR-DIU CSO Opportunities(1) NAVWAR CSO Opportunities(0) NAVWAR eCommerce Contact Us Resource Guide F.A.Q.

TOP 10 Contracting Questions

1. QUESTION: What Does NAVWAR buy?

ANSWER: Supplies and Services required by 1NAVWAR. For more details on what kind of supplies and services 1NAVWAR requires, check out the PEO C4I, PEO MLB and PEO Digital websites for more background and context on the program offices within each organization.

2. QUESTION: Do you but alot of "stuff"?

ANSWER: Yes. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 NAVWAR procured more than three billion dollars in goods and services to execute the Navy's Information Warfare mission.

3.QUESTION: How do I make sense of all the data posted on the NAVWAR eCommerce site?

ANSWER: Quick breakdown: The eCommerce site is a predominately text-based site that will industry partners to quickly view all of the Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Proposal (RFP), Requests for Quote (RFQ), Market Surveys and other contract-related announcements posted by NAVWAR HQ, NIWC Pacific and NIWC Atlantic. Opportunities appear under separate folders for each of these three contracting offices, but for quick reference look to the first 6 alpha-numeric digits to identify the source of the requirement. For example:

N00039= NAVWAR HQ
N66001 = NIWC Pacific
N65236 = NIWC Atlantic

4. QUESTION: What is a "PEO" and why should I care?

ANSWER: PEO stands for Program Executive Office. Think of PEOs as the program managers for large portfolios of NAVWAR projects. They are responsible for acquiring, developing, and sustaining specific information warfare systems. Understanding which PEO aligns with your technology area is crucial for targeting your efforts. Check the PEO C4I, PEO MLB, and PEO Digital websites to learn more about their specific needs and priorities.

5. QUESTION: What's the difference between an RFI, RFP, and RFQ?

ANSWER:

RFI (Request for Information): A preliminary request used to gather information about available technologies and potential solutions. It's a chance to introduce your company and its capabilities.
RFP (Request for Proposal): A formal solicitation seeking detailed proposals for specific requirements. This is where you'll need to demonstrate your ability to meet NAVWAR's needs.
RFQ (Request for Quote): Used for simpler, more straightforward procurements where price is a primary factor.

6.QUESTION: How does NAVWAR prioritize innovation and emerging technologies?

ANSWER: Innovation is a top priority for NAVWAR. We actively seek out cutting-edge technologies through various channels, including:

DIU CSO: As mentioned earlier, our partnership with DIU provides a streamlined path for commercial solutions.
Technical Exchanges: We regularly host technical exchanges and industry days to learn about new technologies and connect with potential partners.
Internal Research and Development (R&D): Our NIWCs conduct extensive R&D to identify and develop emerging technologies.

7. QUESTION: Do I have to have a security clearance to work with NAVWAR? What security clearance are typically required for NAVWAR contracts?

ANSWER: No, security clearances are not always required. Security clearance requirements vary depending on the specific contract and the sensitivity of the information involved. Though some contracts may require Secret or Top Secret clearances, a significant portion of our contracts do not. If a clearance is required, it will be specified in the solicitation. If you don't currently have a clearance, the government may be able to sponsor you, but this process can take time.

8. QUESTION: I'm a small business. Are there resources available to help me navigate the government contracting process?

ANSWER: Yes! NAVWAR is committed to supporting small businesses. We encourage you to explore the resources offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs. Additionally, many NIWC offices have Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLO) who can provide guidance and assistance. Look for contact information on the NIWC websites.

9. QUESTION: I want to work with someone at NAVWAR about the cool stuff I'm working on and its potential application to the warfighter. How do I get in touch with you?

ANSWER: Start by filling out this form. That is the quickest, simplest and fastest way to get on our radar.

10. QUESTION: I have a product that isn't exactly "military-grade." Can I still work with NAVWAR?

ANSWER: Absolutely! NAVWAR is increasingly interested in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions and technologies that can be adapted for military use. While ruggedization and security are important considerations, we're open to exploring innovative solutions from various sectors. Don't assume your product isn't a fit – tell us about it!