Science Applications International Corporation Secures Contract for Critical Undersea Warfare Support

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has cemented its role in the nation’s undersea defense mission, securing a contract to provide essential mission engineering support for the U.S. Navy’s critical testing operations. This initiative is centered around the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, focusing specifically on the Propulsion Test Facility (PTF).

The contract ensures continued technical, engineering, and management services vital for validating and sustaining the fleet’s heavyweight and lightweight torpedo inventory, including the formidable MK 48 and the lightweight MK 54 and MK 46 torpedoes.

Under the scope of work, SAIC’s team is responsible for preparing the specialized test facilities, coordinating and executing the testing phase, and meticulously processing the complex data collected. This support extends beyond the test stand, including the maintenance, upgrade, and operational readiness of test torpedo assemblies. By providing this integrated suite of services, SAIC is directly enabling the U.S. Navy and the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to maintain a decisive edge in underwater combat effectiveness.

This renewed partnership highlights the importance of institutional knowledge and technical longevity in supporting complex defense programs. The ability of an industry partner like SAIC to provide sustained, deep technical support to organizations such as the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport is paramount to long-term national security readiness.

Insights for GovCon Success

The continuity of contracts like this one underscores a key truth in government contracting: Specialized expertise is priceless.

To our readers who are part of the GovCon ecosystem, whether you are bidding for major defense work or looking to partner as a subcontractor, here are a few tips for long-term success, inspired by this critical program:

1. Master the Mission: Don’t just focus on the technical requirements (the SOW). Understand why the Navy needs this torpedo tested or why the training is structured in a Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environment. A true mission partner knows the strategic impact of their task, not just the process.
2. Highlight Longevity and History: If you have a successful track record with a specific agency or program (like SAIC’s decades of Navy support), ensure your proposal aggressively highlights that experience. Institutional knowledge reduces risk and is a significant factor in contract renewals.
3. Invest in Your Niche: In the defense sector, breadth is good, but depth is better. SAIC’s support for the PTF is a highly specialized niche. Identify where your company excels—be it undersea engineering, advanced modeling, or cybersecurity—and invest heavily in that capability to become an irreplaceable subject matter expert. This allows you to command a greater value proposition.

By focusing on mission success, demonstrating specialized expertise, and fostering deep partnerships with government customers, your organization can follow in the footsteps of established industry leaders and secure critical, long-term contracts.