AFCEA Headquarters - 4114 Legato Rd, 1st Floor Conference Room, Fairfax, VA
Conference
Hosted by AFCEA International
May 20, 2026 | AFCEA Headquarters, Fairfax, VA
This event is designed for small businesses, non-traditional defense contractors, prime contractors seeking teaming partners and technology innovators looking to support surface warfare, combat systems, ship design, in-service engineering and fleet modernization initiatives.
Small businesses are essential to accelerating innovation, strengthening the industrial base, and delivering mission advantage to the Fleet. This focused forum brings together Senior Leaders in the Small Business community from across the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) enterprise to provide industry with direct insight into priorities, partnership pathways, and upcoming opportunities.
The event will open with a keynote from the NAVSEA Director of Small Business, outlining enterprise-wide strategy, acquisition priorities and expectations for small business engagement in FY26 and beyond.
Deputy for Small Business representatives from:
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
Each will deliver focused briefings on technology priorities, contracting pathways, upcoming requirements and how small businesses can position for success within their respective divisions.
The program will conclude with a moderated panel discussion featuring all Deputy for Small Business leaders, providing attendees the opportunity to gain clarity on cross-division coordination, best practices for engagement and actionable steps to strengthen partnerships across the NAVSEA enterprise.