ONR seeking proposals for Ocean Explorer LUUV

The Office of Naval Research is seeking proposals for the rapid design, build and testing of the Ocean Explorer Large Underwater Vehicle, an "ultra-large" autonomous undersea vehicle capable of conducting lengthy, ocean-scale missions and carrying a large modular payload.

The announcement posted Tuesday calls for white papers from those interested, followed by a full costed proposal which includes an OEX preliminary design -- meant to “establish the technical feasibility of the vehicle (with a payload module) and to lay out the operational and maintenance infrastructure required to support a hypothetical OEX ‘squadron’,” according to the government notice.

The Office of Naval Research is seeking to address operational needs “while significantly advancing the state of the art for uncrewed undersea vessels (UUV) from both performance and manufacturing capability,” the Broad Agency Announcement states, a solicitation method used for research and development.

The specific mission of OEX, according to the document, is to demonstrate an all-electric ultra large UUV that is capable of an extended autonomous mission without underway refueling.

More details, including program objectives, strategic goals, performer participation and technology transition opportunities will be presented during industry days, taking place June 30 through July 1 at the Office of Naval Research headquarters in Arlington, VA.

White papers are due no later than July 25, while full proposals will be accepted until October 31. Submitted white papers should include the technical concept, future naval relevance, operational naval concept, operational utility assessment plan and cost estimate.