Ocean Explorer (OEX) Large Underwater Vehicle Demonstrator N0001425SBC04
Summary
AI-generated · Aug 23, 2025A government solicitation seeks potential industry partners to rapidly design, build, and test an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle called Ocean Explorer (OEX), capable of extended ocean-scale missions and carrying a large modular payload. The program requests innovation in both ultra-large underwater vehicle technology and rapid prototype design/fabrication. The initial BAA calls for white papers, followed by a full costed proposal for an OEX Preliminary Design phase (Phase 1A) with an optional Detailed Design (Phase 1B). The Preliminary Design aims to prove technical feasibility of the vehicle (including a payload module) and to outline the operational and maintenance infrastructure needed to support a hypothetical OEX squadron.
Amendments have been issued with updated attachments (three successive amendments), while the core scope remains the same: pursue Phase 1A feasibility and Phase 1B design options, starting from white papers to costed proposals. Bidders should review the latest attachments for current requirements and submission instructions.
ONR will hold Industry Days on 30 June 1 July 2025 Amendment 001 - Posted 24 Jun 2025 (Please see updated attachments) The Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks potential performers who are interested in pursuing the rapid design, build, and testing of OEX, an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of conducting extended ocean scale missions while carrying a large modular payload. Innovation is sought both in terms of ultra-large undersea vehicle technology and in rapid prototype design and fabrication. The BAA Call initially seeks white papers followed by a full costed proposal covering an OEX Preliminary Design phase (Phase 1A) with a Detailed Design option (Phase 1B). The purpose of the OEX Preliminary Design is 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 .
From Solicitation posted on Jun 24, 2025Amendment 002 - Posted 24 Jul 2025 (Please see updated attachments) Amendment 001 - Posted 24 Jun 2025 (Please see updated attachments) The Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks potential performers who are interested in pursuing the rapid design, build, and testing of OEX, an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of conducting extended ocean scale missions while carrying a large modular payload. Innovation is sought both in terms of ultra-large undersea vehicle technology and in rapid prototype design and fabrication. The BAA Call initially seeks white papers followed by a full costed proposal covering an OEX Preliminary Design phase (Phase 1A) with a Detailed Design option (Phase 1B). The purpose of the OEX Preliminary Design is 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 .
From Solicitation posted on Jul 24, 2025Amendment 003 - Posted 20 Aug 2025 (Please see updated attachment) Amendment 002 - Posted 24 Jul 2025 (Please see updated attachments) Amendment 001 - Posted 24 Jun 2025 (Please see updated attachments) The Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks potential performers who are interested in pursuing the rapid design, build, and testing of OEX, an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of conducting extended ocean scale missions while carrying a large modular payload. Innovation is sought both in terms of ultra-large undersea vehicle technology and in rapid prototype design and fabrication. The BAA Call initially seeks white papers followed by a full costed proposal covering an OEX Preliminary Design phase (Phase 1A) with a Detailed Design option (Phase 1B). The purpose of the OEX Preliminary Design is 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 .
From Solicitation posted on Aug 20, 2025Amendment 004 - Posted 26 September 2025 (Please see updated attachment) Amendment 003 - Posted 20 Aug 2025 (Please see updated attachment) Amendment 002 - Posted 24 Jul 2025 (Please see updated attachments) Amendment 001 - Posted 24 Jun 2025 (Please see updated attachments) The Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks potential performers who are interested in pursuing the rapid design, build, and testing of OEX, an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of conducting extended ocean scale missions while carrying a large modular payload. Innovation is sought both in terms of ultra-large undersea vehicle technology and in rapid prototype design and fabrication. The BAA Call initially seeks white papers followed by a full costed proposal covering an OEX Preliminary Design phase (Phase 1A) with a Detailed Design option (Phase 1B). The purpose of the OEX Preliminary Design is 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 .
From Solicitation posted on Sep 26, 2025Amendment 005 - Posted 22 December 2025 (Please see updated attachments) Amendment 004 - Posted 26 September 2025 (Please see updated attachment) Amendment 003 - Posted 20 Aug 2025 (Please see updated attachment) Amendment 002 - Posted 24 Jul 2025 (Please see updated attachments) Amendment 001 - Posted 24 Jun 2025 (Please see updated attachments) The Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks potential performers who are interested in pursuing the rapid design, build, and testing of OEX, an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of conducting extended ocean scale missions while carrying a large modular payload. Innovation is sought both in terms of ultra-large undersea vehicle technology and in rapid prototype design and fabrication. The BAA Call initially seeks white papers followed by a full costed proposal covering an OEX Preliminary Design phase (Phase 1A) with a Detailed Design option (Phase 1B). The purpose of the OEX Preliminary Design is 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 .
From Solicitation posted on Dec 22, 2025Amendment 006 - Posted 30 January 2026 (Please see updated attachments) Amendment 005 - Posted 22 December 2025 (Please see updated attachments) Amendment 004 - Posted 26 September 2025 (Please see updated attachment) Amendment 003 - Posted 20 Aug 2025 (Please see updated attachment) Amendment 002 - Posted 24 Jul 2025 (Please see updated attachments) Amendment 001 - Posted 24 Jun 2025 (Please see updated attachments) The Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks potential performers who are interested in pursuing the rapid design, build, and testing of OEX, an ultra-large autonomous undersea vehicle capable of conducting extended ocean scale missions while carrying a large modular payload. Innovation is sought both in terms of ultra-large undersea vehicle technology and in rapid prototype design and fabrication. The BAA Call initially seeks white papers followed by a full costed proposal covering an OEX Preliminary Design phase (Phase 1A) with a Detailed Design option (Phase 1B). The purpose of the OEX Preliminary Design is 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 .
From Solicitation posted on Jan 30, 2026Notice history
6-
Solicitation Posted Jun 24, 2025
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Solicitation Posted Aug 20, 2025View changes (2)
- Description: Description was updated
- Response Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 → Dec 01, 2025
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Solicitation Posted Sep 26, 2025View changes (2)
- Description: Description was updated
- Response Deadline: Dec 01, 2025 → Jan 02, 2026
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Solicitation Posted Dec 22, 2025View changes (2)
- Description: Description was updated
- Response Deadline: Jan 02, 2026 → Jan 30, 2026
Details
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Not yet awarded
Contacts
Phone
Agency
Place of Performance
USA