A Study on Vessel Design Challenge

Agency	TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF
Solicitation Number	693JF726R000016
Notice Type	Solicitation
NAICS	541720
Set-Aside	No Set-Aside
Place Of Performance
Posted	Oct 16, 2026
Source	Federal — SAM.gov
Response Deadline	Jan 10, 2027 65 days left as of Nov 6, 2026
Time Left	65 days left as of 2026-11-06
Primary	Christian Onwudiegwu · [email protected] · 2023661676
Secondary	Kelly Mitchell-Carroll · [email protected] · 2028766453
Official Notice	View On SAM.gov

About this opportunity

The purpose of amendment no. 5 is to respond to the following question. Question-12. Could you please clarify whether the reference to fisheries vessels applies only to small fishing vessels or to all fishing vessels, including large commercial fishing vessels? Response-12. Fishing vessels, even large commercial vessels, fall outside the general purview of the Maritime Administration and thus are not the specific focus of this RFP. ===================================================================== The purpose of amendment no. 4 is to respond to the following question. Question-11. Would a U.S.-flagged, USCG-inspected passenger catamaran used for paid whale-watching trips fit the program? Response-11. Unfortunately, that type of vessel falls outside the purview of this project and generally outside the purview of the Maritime Administration. While there is no prohibition on submitting a proposal, it falls outside the preferred vessel types identified in the RFP. ====================================================================== The purpose of amendment no. 3 is to respond to the following questions. Question-9. Is MARAD primarily looking for design-stage studies in which fuel efficiency and URN are predicted through fluid dynamic modeling? Response-9. Yes. The goal is to demonstrate, through modeling, the benefits that can be realized through a systematic design approach integrating technologies with input from naval architects, shipyards, and technology suppliers on the efficacy of these approaches. There is no limitation on the type of modeling - approaches should be used as needed. Question-10. Is there any room for measurements within the Challenge? Response-10. This is a design stage challenge and does not include an expectation of direct measurement. ================================================== The purpose of amendment no. 2 is to respond to the following questions. Question-4. Is MARAD open to all forms of propulsion to gain fuel efficiencies - for example, hybrid diesel-electric equipment with electric motors and batteries? Response-4. There are no limits or specific requirements for the type of propulsion or fuel. Technologies, including fuels and propulsion, should be centered around performance and demonstrating the feasibility and economic achievability of these combined approaches and should be dictated by capacity needs set by industry requirements (tug capacity, crew capacity, operations support, range, TEU, cargo etc.). Designs should note specifically the technology readiness level and the commercial availability of any technologies used. Question-5. Under the Eligibility Information section of the subject notice, it states that the opportunity is "open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals." In reviewing the statutory definition of a �domestic source� under 50 U.S.C. � 4555(7), �the term �domestic source� means a business concern� (A) that performs in the United States or Canada substantially all of the research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and production activities required of such business concern under a contract with the United States relating to a critical component or a critical technology item.� Based on this definition, which appears to include qualifying Canadian businesses as domestic sources for certain USG Response-5. For the purposes of this RFP a domestic applicant is considered to be a contractor organized or existing under the laws of the United States. Keep in mind that the RFP states preference will be given to proposals with team leads represented by U.S. companies, those with U.S. headquarters, and those operating under the U.S. flag; the RFP does not exclude those with team leads or team members outside the U.S. " Question-6. Confidentiality of design information: Our understanding is that the final report and presentation will be publicly shared, while sensitive supporting information, such as calculations, design plans and drawings, model

Who can apply

Set-aside: NONE — as stated in the official notice: “NONE”. Verify eligibility on the official notice before bidding.

Source: SAM.gov. Verify every deadline on the official notice.