Bid guide
How to bid on Auxiliary Ships Industry Day programs from the DEPT of Defense
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of the Navy and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) held an Industry Day to discuss planned auxiliary ship programs. These programs include a Bulk Fuel Consolidated Cargo (CONSOL) Tanker, a Next Generation Hospital Ship (T-AH(X)), MARAD’s Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) Vessel Program, and MARAD’s Vessel Acquisition Manager (VAM) 2.0.
This event was designed to provide an overview of program requirements and gather feedback from vessel construction managers, shipyards, and key suppliers. This feedback will help with market research and inform future ship design and acquisition strategies. While the in-person event has passed, interested firms can request access to presentation and Q&A materials to understand these upcoming opportunities.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The original Industry Day was held on August 5-6, 2026. The deadline to request presentation materials and a sanitized record of questions and answers is September 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. After this date, requests for these materials will no longer be accepted.
It is important to note that submitting a request does not guarantee access to the materials. The Government retains sole discretion in granting requests and may deny access for reasons such as acquisition integrity or operational security.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is relevant for firms involved in vessel construction, shipyards, and key suppliers to the shipbuilding industry. Specifically, companies with expertise in bulk fuel tankers, hospital ships, and roll-on/roll-off vessels should consider reviewing the available materials.
The information shared during the Industry Day is intended to inform future acquisition programs, making it valuable for businesses looking to engage with the Department of the Navy and MARAD on these types of projects.
How to respond and access materials
To request presentation materials or the sanitized record of questions and answers, you must use the specific links provided in the original solicitation. These links will direct you to forms to submit your request.
To access the original solicitation and find these links, click “View original source” above. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account on the portal to view documents, though this is not always required.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing for future solicitations related to these programs, carefully review any available presentation and Q&A materials. These documents often provide insights into the agency's priorities, technical requirements, and areas of concern.
Pay close attention to any specific feedback or questions raised by the government during the Industry Day, as these can highlight areas where innovative solutions or detailed responses will be particularly valued. Understanding the agency's long-term vision for these auxiliary ships will help you tailor your proposals effectively.
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 DEPT of the Navy; the original posting controls.