Bid guide
How to bid on Submarine Rescue Vessel Extended Time Charter for the DEPT of Defense
What the agency is buying
The Department of Defense is seeking to charter one Jones Act-qualified, U.S.-flag Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV). This vessel will provide submarine rescue support, assist with submarine sea trials, and fulfill other fleet mission support requirements.
The work will take place in the vicinity of the Hampton Roads Area in Virginia. The contract includes a one-year base period, followed by three one-year option periods, and one 11-month option period. Anticipated lay days for the vessel are from February 18 through March 28, 2027.
Key dates and deadlines
This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on September 08, 2026. All proposals must be submitted by the deadline of September 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. The offer due date has not been extended by any amendments.
It is important to submit your proposal on time, as late submissions are typically not considered. Ensure you account for any potential technical issues or delays when submitting your response.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms that own and operate Jones Act-qualified, U.S.-flag Offshore Supply Vessels. Vendors should have experience in maritime support operations, particularly those involving naval or submarine activities.
The primary category for this solicitation is transportation, specifically maritime vessel charter services. Firms with a proven track record in providing reliable vessel support for government or commercial marine operations will be well-suited.
How to respond
To access the full solicitation details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the government portal. Click the 'View original source' link to open the opportunity.
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 the necessary documents, though this is not always required for every bid.
Tips for a competitive response
Carefully review all attachments, especially RFP N3220526R6077 and its amendments (0001 and 0002). These documents contain critical details regarding the vessel specifications, performance requirements, and any government-furnished property.
Pay close attention to the administrative notes, which clarify that this is an active Request for Proposal, not a request for information. Ensure your proposal directly addresses all requirements outlined in the RFP and its amendments. Clearly demonstrate how your vessel meets the Jones Act qualification and U.S. flag requirements, and how your firm can reliably support the specified missions near Hampton Roads, Virginia.
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.