US Navy seeks help to fix submarine support network problems
The USN has problems getting its SSNs through their maintenance cycles. Lack of sufficient parts and shipyard capacity means fewer boats are getting to sea. (Photo: USN)
The US Navy has released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather information about developing capabilities to support its submarine programmes.
A spokesperson from the US Navy told Shephard that the RFI 'seeks information on targeted submarine new construction and sustainment efforts, specifically evaluating for capacity and manufacturing, or reverse engineering capabilities to support the navy’s submarine programmes'.
The spokesperson explained that the RFI is looking for capabilities to 'refurbish or produce low-volume parts for new construction on an as-needed or/and ongoing basis; provide reverse engineering support for obsolete components; [and] manufacture and/or overhaul targeted submarine components'.
The RFI was published by the Blue Forge Alliance (BFA), the navy’s non-profit integrator for the submarine industrial base, in August and it is
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power]()
Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power
As an indispensable energy crossroads, the Mediterranean is at serious risk from grey zone disruption. As navies increasingly employ AI data centres, what happens when cutting-edge defence technologies rely on the very infrastructure most susceptible to hybrid tactics?
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”]()
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
