Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs

Registration for the PAE RAS Industry Day closes June 2.

The two-day event will bring together industry, academia, and private equity partners for discussions focused on the future of robotics and autonomous systems, including scalable and adaptable RAS capabilities, digital architecture, Government contracting, and the PAE RAS operating model.

Day 2 will feature focused tracks on architecture, digital environment, and contracting, with participation limited based on capacity.

Register: https://lnkd.in/erp8-KcA

Learn More: https://lnkd.in/exb9BjnM

The latest edition of the DON Small Business Brief highlights upcoming engagement events across the defense industrial base, including DON Gold Coast Expo registration and sponsorship information, PAE RAS Industry Day, Small Business Training Week 2026, LYNX platform demonstrations for industry and government stakeholders, and Navy-led small business outreach and training sessions.

This issue also features updates on proposed DFARS foreign ownership (FOCI) requirements, SBA manufacturing grant funding, Navy leadership announcements, regional small business engagement efforts, VA OSDBU webinar sessions, and contracting opportunities supporting Navy and homeland security missions.

Read the full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/navy/25may2026

Opportunities are still available for small businesses interested in participating in the 38th Annual Department of the Navy Gold Coast Expo this August in San Diego.

Hosted in partnership with the NDIA San Diego Chapter, Gold Coast remains a key forum for connecting government, industry, academia, and small businesses across the defense industrial base.

Small Business Sponsorships include exhibit space, conference visibility, networking opportunities, and access to key engagement events throughout the conference.

Register for DON Gold Coast Expo: https://www.navygoldcoast.org/attendees/

View sponsorship opportunities: https://www.navygoldcoast.org/sponsor-registration/

In observance of Memorial Day, the DON Office of Small Business Programs will be closed on Monday, May 25.

We honor and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation.

Our office will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

Registration is now open for the PAE RAS Industry Day in San Diego, CA, taking place June 10–11, 2026.

Hosted by the Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (PAE RAS), the event will bring together industry, academia, and private equity partners to discuss mission needs, autonomy, digital architecture, and Government contracting.

PAE RAS will also use registration information to better understand industry capabilities and areas of interest for future engagement opportunities.

Registration closes June 2. Space is limited.

Register: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/pQyuCARda1
Learn More: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/69b48d029cd342a598caafaf4d42b72c/view

Attention Defense Contractors and Small Businesses:

DoW has published a proposed DFARS rule addressing mitigation of risks related to foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) and beneficial ownership for certain covered contractors and subcontractors.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed rule and submit comments during the open comment period.

Learn more: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/07/2026-09067/defense-federal-acquisition-regulation-supplement-mitigating-risks-related-to-foreign-ownership

Small Business Sponsorships are available for the 38th Annual Department of the Navy Gold Coast Expo, taking place August 17–20, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.

Recognized as the premier Navy & Marine Corps procurement expo, Gold Coast brings together government, industry, academia, and small business leaders from across the defense industrial base for networking, collaboration, and engagement opportunities.

Small Business Sponsorship benefits include:
• 10’ x 10’ exhibit booth in a central location
• Logo displayed on digital screens during conference breaks
• Logo recognition on the conference website and event emails
• One conference registration
• Access to the invitation-only Speakers’ Reception
• Discounted QR Lead Capture Software access

Small Business Sponsorships: $1,700

Register for DON Gold Coast Expo: https://www.navygoldcoast.org/attendees/

View sponsorship opportunities: https://www.navygoldcoast.org/sponsor-registration/