How to bid on a Special Mission Vessel for the Navy

What the Navy is buying and why it matters

The U.S. Navy is conducting market research for a Special Mission Vessel (SMV). This vessel will support helicopters, Class 2/3 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned surface vehicles (USV), small boats, and command-and-control missions. It will serve as an afloat forward-deployed operations and staging base.

This is an opportunity for businesses to inform the Navy's future acquisition plans for a versatile, modular maritime platform. The Navy is interested in both newly designed and built vessels, as well as modifications of existing non-developmental platforms.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 20, 2026. Responses are due by August 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. This is market research only; it is not a request for proposals or a promise of a future contract.

At the deadline, the Navy will collect all submitted capability statements. These statements will help the Navy understand industry capabilities and inform their planning for a potential future acquisition. There will be no contract awarded from this RFI.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for shipyards, naval architects, and marine engineering firms capable of designing, building, or modifying large vessels. Companies specializing in maritime security, unmanned systems integration, and command-and-control platforms will find this relevant.

The Navy is looking for vessels approximately 300-400 feet long, capable of 30 days endurance and 9,600 nautical miles range, and accommodating up to 59 personnel. Firms with experience in U.S. Coast Guard regulations (46 CFR Subchapter I) and ABS classification are particularly well-suited.

How to respond to this RFI

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though not always.

Interested organizations should submit a capability statement. This statement should detail your proposed acquisition approach (new build or existing vessel modification), shipyard capacity, projected timelines, and a rough cost estimate. For existing vessels, include current material condition and required modifications.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Clearly address all technical capability requirements outlined in the RFI, such as hull dimensions, seakeeping, aviation/UAS capabilities, small boat handling, and berthing. Provide specific details on how your proposed vessel meets or exceeds each minimum specification.

Highlight your experience with similar projects, especially those involving multi-mission vessels or integration of unmanned systems. Emphasize your ability to use existing, non-developmental platforms where possible, as this is a stated preference.

Ensure your submission clearly identifies your proposed acquisition approach and provides supporting details like shipyard capacity and timelines. If proposing an existing vessel, describe its current condition and the necessary modifications. A rough cost estimate, even at this RFI stage, demonstrates your understanding of the scope.