How to bid on USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) Mid-term Availability for the Navy

What the Navy is buying

The Department of the Navy is looking for a contractor to perform the FY27 mid-term maintenance availability for the USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204). This work must follow the Military Sealift Command specification.

This is an opportunity for businesses specializing in ship maintenance and repair to work with the Navy on a significant vessel upkeep project.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on July 24, 2026. All responses must be submitted by August 23, 2026, at 10:00 PM Eastern Time. It is important to submit your bid well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for companies with expertise in marine vessel maintenance, repair, and overhaul, particularly those familiar with Military Sealift Command specifications. Firms with experience in equipment maintenance for large naval vessels will find this relevant.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, you will need to click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link a second time to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all the documents, though this is not always required.

The official Solicitation and Work Index Report are attached for reference. Additional solicitation attachments may be provided upon request due to data size limitations.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the Military Sealift Command specification to ensure your proposal fully addresses all requirements. Pay close attention to the Work Index Report to understand the scope of the maintenance tasks.

If additional solicitation attachments are available upon request, make sure to request them early to allow ample time for review and incorporation into your bid. Clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar naval or large vessel maintenance projects and your capacity to meet the specified timelines and quality standards.