How to bid on USCGC HATCHER DryDock Repairs FY27 for Homeland Security

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting market research to find companies capable of performing drydock repair and maintenance services for the USCGC HATCHER, a 75-foot inland construction tender, and its 68B barge. This work will take place over a 70-day period from March 9 to May 19, 2027.

The scope of work includes inspecting, maintaining, and preserving deck equipment, cranes, winches, the boat davit, and anchor windlass. It also involves cleaning and preserving various tanks, as well as the vessel’s deck, structure, and underwater body. All work will be performed at the contractor's facility. This is an opportunity for ship repair and maintenance firms to demonstrate their capabilities for future Coast Guard contracts.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 04, 2026. The deadline for submitting your information is September 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. This is a market research request, not a solicitation for proposals or quotations. The information gathered will help the Coast Guard determine if suitable sources exist and inform future competition and set-aside decisions. Your response helps the agency understand the market.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for companies specializing in ship building and repair, particularly those with experience in maintaining and preserving vessels and their associated equipment. The applicable NAICS Code is 336611, Ship Building and Repairing, with a small business size standard of 1,300 employees. Firms with facilities capable of drydocking a 75-foot cutter and a 68B barge, and located within a reasonable transit distance from Galveston, Texas, where the cutter is homeported, would be well-suited.

The Coast Guard is specifically interested in understanding your business size and certifications, such as 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), or Small Business Concern.

How to respond

To respond, you must submit your information via email to the Point of Contact listed in the Contract Opportunities announcement. Your submission should include your company's name, address, DUNS Number, a point of contact and phone number, and your business size applicable to NAICS Code 336611. You must also provide documentation verifying any small business certifications you claim.

Additionally, you should provide a positive statement of interest and demonstrate your capabilities to meet or exceed the stated requirements, including any relevant commercial market information and details of similar past work. Be sure to review the attached specification document for full details on the anticipated work.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

When responding to an RFI, focus on clearly articulating your firm's relevant experience and technical capabilities. Provide specific examples of past projects that involved similar drydock repairs, maintenance of deck equipment, cranes, winches, and vessel preservation. Highlight your facility's capacity and any specialized equipment or certifications that make you a strong candidate.

Ensure all requested company information, including business size and certifications, is accurately provided and supported by the required documentation. Even though this is not a bid, a well-organized and thorough response demonstrates your professionalism and readiness for future solicitations. Pay close attention to the details in the attached specification for the USCGC HATCHER and 68B BARGE to tailor your capabilities statement effectively.