How to bid on the Vessel Design Challenge from the U.S. Maritime Administration

What MARAD is buying and why it matters

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking proposals for its Vessel Design Challenge. This initiative aims to fund design teams to develop new vessel designs that improve fuel efficiency and reduce underwater radiated noise. The goal is to create the next generation of U.S. vessels, supporting the revitalization of domestic maritime industries.

MARAD expects to award between $150,000 and $450,000 per project, with a total of up to $1.25 million available. Projects will last 12 to 18 months. This is an opportunity for design teams to contribute to advanced maritime technology and potentially secure significant funding for innovative vessel concepts.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Proposals (RFP) was published on September 10, 2026. The deadline for submitting your proposal is January 10, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this exact time.

After the deadline, MARAD will evaluate the submitted proposals. Awards are expected to be made to multiple design teams, with individual award amounts depending on the number of designs proposed and their technological innovation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for design teams with expertise in naval architecture, marine engineering, and shipbuilding. MARAD is looking for integrated design work that focuses on a systems approach to improve fuel efficiency and reduce underwater radiated noise.

Teams should include naval architects, marine engineers, shipyards, owner/operators/buyers, and technology providers. Preference will be given to proposals with team leads represented by U.S. companies. Proposed vessels should be commercially useful, such as those operating in coastal or inland waterways or the Great Lakes, rather than small watercraft or recreational vessels.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the 'View original source' link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid. Once you have access, carefully review the RFP document, including all instructions and requirements for proposal content and submission.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Focus your proposal on demonstrating novel vessel designs that meet or exceed international benchmarks for fuel efficiency and underwater radiated noise. Emphasize a systematic design approach that integrates technologies from the drawing board.

Clearly describe your proposed vessel design, whether it's a redesign of an existing project, a forthcoming project, or a theoretical concept. Detail how your design couples hull-machinery-propulsion approaches to maximize fuel efficiency, URN reduction, and return on investment. Specify the technology readiness level and commercial availability of any technologies used.

Highlight your design team's capabilities, related experience, and unique combinations of expertise. Ensure your team represents a design-build approach, including all key roles such as naval architects, marine engineers, shipyards, and owner/operators/buyers. If your organization is leading multiple teams, remember that an organization may only lead one team/proposal.