Recapping the 2026 Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit and NAVFAC Northwest SIOP Industry Day

KEDA and NAVFAC-NW partner on historic, standing-room-only industry day 

On August 20, 2026, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), in partnership with Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Northwest, hosted an industry event at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton. Bringing together regional business executives, defense prime contractors, small business suppliers and senior U.S. Navy leaders, the Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit and NAVFAC Northwest SIOP Industry Day marked a pivotal moment for Kitsap County’s economic trajectory. Also see: Making History Together: KEDA and NAVFAC Northwest partner for landmark Multi-Mission Dry Dock industry day

The summit focused on the Navy’s multi-billion-dollar Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), specifically the landmark Multi-Mission Dry Dock (M2D2) project at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF).

Representing one of the Navy’s largest infrastructure investments and the region’s first new dry dock construction in 65 years, this generational investment is set to transform the Pacific Northwest maritime industrial base and strengthen the local defense ecosystem for decades to come.

SIOP Construction Updates

The morning program, presented by KEDA, established the high-stakes national security imperatives driving the SIOP initiative. Modernizing public shipyard infrastructure is essential to servicing next-generation fleet assets, including Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers and Virginia-class Block V submarines.

SIOP is organized along three lines of effort: waterfront infrastructure, new buildings and utilities, and capital equipment used to repair and fabricate parts and components for these fleet assets. Through 2032, up to $17 billion is projected to be invested in the region.

Commander John Daly, future OICC PSNS executive officer, described the project as “literally renovating our house while we live in it.”

Multi-Mission Dry Dock senior program manager Dave Gibson provided detailed updates on ongoing construction across PSNS & IMF, including seismic upgrades, shoreline restoration, tunnel repairs, electrical and mechanical modernizations, and preparations for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Navy expects to release the final EIS later this fall.

The morning session concluded with a KEDA-hosted Q&A panel, where local contractors engaged in a direct dialogue with Navy leadership about project timelines, construction coordination, dispute resolution and site logistics for upcoming work packages. See NAVFAC slide deck here.

Government Contracting Guidance

The afternoon transitioned into a Navy-led instructional program focused on technical compliance, acquisition strategies and supplier teaming.

Experts from KEDA’s APEX Accelerator outlined actionable best practices for navigating federal acquisitions. KEDA’s three APEX Business Advisors are retired contracting officers, bringing decades of firsthand federal procurement experience to their work helping local businesses pursue government contracts. NAVFAC Northwest reaffirmed its commitment to local economic development, targeting a 47% small business utilization goal across its contracting footprint.
 

“SIOP is a major opportunity for Kitsap businesses, but federal contracting is complex. Our APEX advisors have spent their careers on the government side of that process, so we understand what contracting officers are looking for and can help businesses position themselves to compete.”— Terry Homburg, KEDA APEX Business Advisor

Guidance was provided on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework and upcoming solicitation structures for NAVFAC Northwest’s Waterfront Multiple Award Construction Contracts (MACC).
Closing out a day that drew nearly 200 participants, local subcontractors, specialty trade suppliers and technology vendors met with national Tier 1 prime contractors to share capability statements, build connections and explore potential teaming and subcontracting opportunities.

“The scale of SIOP creates opportunities far beyond the large prime contractors. There will be significant demand for subcontractors, suppliers, professional services and specialty businesses throughout our region. KEDA’s APEX Accelerator is here to help Kitsap companies understand where they fit, become contract-ready and make the connections they need to participate in this generational investment.” — James Davis, KEDA APEX Program Manager

Looking Ahead

The economic impact of the Multi-Mission Dry Dock program will ripple across construction, engineering, supply chain and service sectors throughout Western Washington. With major multi-billion-dollar work packages spanning marine dredging, reinforced concrete dry dock construction, utility tunnels and support facilities, the years ahead will create significant opportunities for local businesses.

KEDA’s APEX Accelerator provides no-cost, one-on-one assistance to help Kitsap businesses prepare for and compete for government contracting opportunities. Connect with KEDA’s APEX team to learn how your business can position itself for SIOP and other federal contracting opportunities. And follow biz opps and updates on KEDA's Kitsap Hub SIOP Business Hub.