Opportunity
SAM #N0018926QB076
Sole Source Modernization of Navy Disorientation Research Device (DRD) 'The Kraken'
Buyer
NAVSUP FLC Norfolk
Posted
June 11, 2026
Respond By
June 15, 2026
Identifier
N0018926QB076
NAICS
334511, 541512
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk is seeking to modernize the U.S. Navy Medicine Disorientation Research Device (DRD), known as 'The Kraken,' at Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Navy, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk - OEM Highlight: - Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC) is the original manufacturer and sole source for this modernization - Products/Services Requested: - Modernization of the DRD motion platform (Model #102985) - Upgrade of the distributed I/O system from obsolete Interbus fieldbus architecture to an EtherCAT-based solution - One lot for the DRD upgrade - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Sole source procurement due to proprietary system design - Modernization is critical to ensure continued operational availability, safety, and maintainability of the DRD - The DRD is a bespoke, complex motion platform supporting advanced aerospace medical research - Estimated contract value is approximately $19 million
Description
The U.S. Navy Medicine Disorientation Research Device (DRD) also known as The "Kraken, is a bespoke and complex motion platform designed to support advanced aerospace medical research objectives unique to the Department of War and other agency partners, built by Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC). Due to its unprecedented performance requirements and one-of-a-kind nature, the system underwent an extended design, development, integration, and validation period. DRD was developed under Contract N00189-09-C-Z025, with contract award in January 2009 and operational activation in December 2016. Due to the extended development lifecycle, core subsystems--specifically the distributed I/O architecture based on Interbus--are now obsolete and no longer supported by industry. Modernization is required to ensure continued operational availability, safety, and maintainability of this research asset. This is being procure on a sole source basis to ENVIRONMENTAL TECTONICS CORP due to propietary nature.