Bid guide
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 a Vessel Design Challenge. This initiative aims to fund design teams to create and model commercially useful vessel designs that improve fuel efficiency and reduce underwater radiated noise (URN). The goal is to develop the next generation of U.S. vessels, supporting national security and economic prosperity by making U.S.-flagged and built vessels more competitive.
MARAD's Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program is providing up to $1.25 million in total funding for this challenge. Individual awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $450,000 per team, with projects lasting no more than 18 months. This is an opportunity for design teams to contribute to advanced maritime technology and demonstrate the benefits of integrated design approaches.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Proposals (RFP) was published on September 11, 2026. The deadline for submitting proposals is January 10, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.
After the deadline, MARAD will evaluate the submitted designs and team compositions. Awards will be made based on the number of vessel designs proposed, their technological innovation, or a combination of both. Multiple design teams will be funded.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is ideal for design teams with expertise in naval architecture, marine engineering, and shipbuilding. Preferred teams include U.S.-based companies and may involve naval architects, marine engineers, shipyards, vessel owners or operators, and technology providers.
Proposals can include designs for existing vessels that would be redesigned, forthcoming projects just beginning the design specification phase, or theoretical/experimental designs. While there are no restrictions on eligible vessels, they should be commercially useful and generally exclude small watercraft, recreational vessels, or fisheries vessels. Designs for vessels operating in coastal or inland waterways, as well as the Great Lakes, are eligible.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full solicitation details, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account to view all associated documents, though this is not always required.
Once you have reviewed the full RFP, prepare your proposal according to the specified content requirements. This includes detailing your proposed vessel design(s) and describing your design team, including partnerships, collaborations, and capabilities. Teams may submit one or more vessel designs, but an organization may only lead one team/proposal.
Practical tips for a competitive response
Focus on demonstrating how your proposed design integrates hull-machinery-propulsion approaches to maximize fuel efficiency, URN reduction, and return on investment. Clearly articulate the technology readiness level and commercial availability of any technologies used in your design.
Emphasize the composition and capabilities of your design team. Highlight relevant experience that supports your ability to manage and achieve project goals of similar scope. A strong team should represent a design-build approach, including naval architects, marine engineers, shipyards, owners/operators, and technology providers. Preference will be given to proposals with team leads represented by U.S. companies.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Maritime Administration; the original posting controls.