How to bid on USS Wichita (LCS 13) Docking Availability Paint and Technical Services for DEPT of Defense

What the Navy is buying and why it matters

The Department of Defense is seeking vendors to provide paint, coatings, and preservation products, along with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certification and qualified technical representatives, for the USS Wichita (LCS 13) Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA). This includes a 12-year underwater hull and boot-top coating system, a direct manufacturer warranty, and related technical support.

This is a significant opportunity for paint and coating manufacturers and service providers. The contract requires a firm-fixed price (FFP) agreement and is a full-and-open competition where price is the primary evaluation factor among conforming, responsible, and technically acceptable offers.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on August 28, 2026. Responses are due by September 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. This deadline is for your proposal submission. Required materials are due later, on October 28, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for paint and coating manufacturing companies (NAICS code 325510) that can provide both the products and the necessary technical support. Vendors must be able to perform the work in the Mayport homeport area, which is Jacksonville, Florida. A key requirement is having an Agreement for Boat Repair (ABR) or an approved equivalent by the time of contract award.

The solicitation specifies that the responding vendor must provide the required warranty directly, without waiver or subcontracting, and must provide proof of OEM certification for the paint and coating systems. Experience with similar ship classes, such as Littoral Combat Ships or other naval vessels, is highly relevant.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Sometimes the first click may take you to the portal's homepage, so you might need to click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.

Your response should include a brief description of your company, its capabilities related to the requirements, and answers to specific questions outlined in the solicitation. Limit your response to no more than five pages, excluding certifications or licenses.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the Navy Paint Warranty (Attachment 3) to ensure your company can meet all warranty requirements, including the two-year application durability and premature failure remedies. The warranty is a critical component of this bid.

Since this is a price-only competition among conforming, responsible, and technically acceptable offerors, ensure your technical proposal clearly demonstrates your ability to meet all scope requirements, including OEM certification, qualified personnel, and the specific hull coating system specifications. Once technical acceptability is established, price will be the deciding factor.

Provide clear and concise answers to all questions posed in the solicitation, especially regarding your company's size, socioeconomic status, past performance on similar marine preservation work, and ability to provide both product and warranty directly. Highlight any experience with Littoral Combat Ships or similar naval vessels.