How to bid on the Vessel Design Challenge for the Maritime Administration

What the Maritime Administration is buying

The Maritime Administration seeks proposals for a design-stage study modeling potential fuel-efficiency and underwater-noise benefits from vessel designs. The study should show that the proposed technologies are feasible and economically achievable; direct measurements are not expected.

Modeling methods are not limited to one approach. Proposals should address technology readiness and commercial availability. The RFP does not limit propulsion or fuel types.

Key date and deadline

The opportunity was published October 16, 2026. Proposals are due January 10, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET. The provided information does not state what happens at the deadline, so confirm submission instructions in the RFP.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity may suit domestic organizations with vessel-design and modeling capabilities, including teams able to bring together naval architects, shipyards, and technology suppliers. Domestic applicants are contractors organized or existing under U.S. law; individuals are not eligible.

MARAD prefers proposals with team leads represented by U.S. companies, headquartered in the United States, or operating under the U.S. flag. Fishing vessels, including large commercial fishing vessels, and whale-watching passenger vessels are not preferred project types.

How to access the RFP

Use “View original source” above to open the opportunity on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

A free account may be needed to view documents, though many bids can be viewed without one. Review the RFP and amendments for the full submission instructions.

Prepare a focused, credible proposal

Explain how your design and modeling approach will assess fuel efficiency and underwater noise, and show how the proposed technologies could meet the vessel’s capacity and operating needs. Support claims with clear assumptions and a practical account of feasibility and economic achievability.

Identify each intended team member, including subcontractors, and describe their role. State the technology readiness level and commercial availability of technologies used. If your proposal includes confidential business or design information, identify it clearly and review the RFP terms; MARAD says sensitive information will not be shared publicly without permission and will discuss publication limits with the project team.