How to Sell to the U.S. Navy

The Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) manages the Navy's global supply chain and provides contracting support through its Fleet Logistics Centers (FLCs). FLCs are the Navy's regional contracting offices, handling everything from base operations and facilities services to supplies, equipment, and professional services at naval installations.

Key FLCs include FLC Norfolk (the largest, supporting the Atlantic Fleet), FLC San Diego (supporting the Pacific Fleet), FLC Jacksonville (aviation and submarine support), FLC Puget Sound (shipyard and maintenance support), and FLC Pearl Harbor (Pacific operations). Each FLC issues thousands of contract actions annually, with significant small business set-aside opportunities.

NAVSUP also operates the Weapon Systems Support (WSS) division in Philadelphia, which is the Navy's largest buyer of spare parts, repair services, and component overhaul. WSS manages inventory for virtually every Navy weapon system and is a major customer for manufacturing, machining, and logistics firms.

For small businesses, FLCs are often the most accessible entry point into Navy contracting. FLCs routinely set aside procurements for small businesses, 8(a) firms, HUBZone companies, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Building relationships with FLC small business specialists can unlock a steady pipeline of opportunities.

SeaPort-NxG (Next Generation) is the Navy's premier contract vehicle for engineering, technical, and programmatic support services. It is a multiple-award IDIQ contract with a rolling admissions model, allowing new contractors to on-ramp periodically. SeaPort-NxG replaced the original SeaPort-e vehicle and significantly expanded the scope of services available.

The vehicle covers 23 functional areas including engineering and technical support, research and development, modeling and simulation, prototyping, system design and integration, software development, logistics support, acquisition management, and in-service engineering. Task orders under SeaPort-NxG are competed among holders within the relevant functional areas and zones.

SeaPort-NxG is used by all Navy SYSCOMs, the Marine Corps, and other DoD organizations. The vehicle is divided into geographic zones, and contractors can compete in zones where they have the capability to perform. Both large and small businesses hold SeaPort-NxG contracts, and the Navy has set meaningful small business participation goals.

Getting on SeaPort-NxG is a strategic priority for firms seeking Navy engineering and professional services work. The rolling admissions model means companies can apply during open on-ramp windows rather than waiting for a full recompete. Once awarded, contractors gain access to billions in annual task order competitions.

Shipbuilding represents the Navy's largest single category of spending. Major new construction programs include Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines (the Navy's top acquisition priority), Virginia-class attack submarines, Ford-class aircraft carriers, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and Constellation-class frigates. These programs are executed by a small number of prime contractors, but the supply chain extends to thousands of subcontractors providing components, systems, and specialized services.

Ship maintenance and modernization is an equally large market. The Navy operates four public shipyards (Norfolk, Portsmouth, Puget Sound, and Pearl Harbor) and contracts extensively with private repair yards for depot-level maintenance. Maintenance availabilities include drydocking, hull repair, combat system upgrades, propulsion overhaul, and habitability improvements. Private shipyards in locations like San Diego, Norfolk, Jacksonville, and Bremerton compete for multi-ship, multi-option maintenance contracts.

For companies not in shipbuilding or heavy industry, the supply chain opportunities are substantial. Shipbuilding programs need electronics, software, mechanical components, environmental systems, coatings, cables, fasteners, and hundreds of other commodities. NAVSEA's Strategic Sourcing office manages vendor qualification for critical components, and getting on qualified supplier lists is the first step to participating in ship construction programs.