PMS 300 Naval Surface Warfare Center - Carderock (NSWCCD) Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD) Research Vessel (R/V)

The U.S. Navy is conducting market research for a single 80‑ft research vessel to replace the aging R/V Chinook at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Acoustic Research Detachment in Bayview, Idaho. The effort is issued as an RFI/Sources Sought Notice (RFI/SSN) to collect capability statements from qualified shipbuilders and system integrators. The vessel must meet strict acoustic, propulsion, payload, and onboard laboratory requirements, including low‑self‑noise operation, tow‑capability for sonar arrays, specialized acoustic treatments, and a fully equipped computer lab. Submissions are voluntary, must be delivered via the SAFE system by 1500 EDT on 16 Oct 2026, and will be used to gauge industry interest for a future procurement under the PAE Maritime Service Craft & Boats Multi‑Award Contract. No contract award is guaranteed; the Navy may set‑aside the eventual contract for small businesses. • 80 ft length, 22 ft beam, ~8 ft molded depth; 30,000 lb deck payload, 20,000 lb tow capacity. • Marine diesel propulsion with bow thrusters; speed range 2 kt (min) to 35 kt (max transit). • Crew of 4 plus a 12‑person computer lab; required galley, waste handling, and acoustic isolation. • Required electronics: LiDAR, radar, ADCP, USCG‑compliant radio, intercom, depth sounder, weather station. • Power generation: one 40 kW and one 60 kW 3‑phase generators with redundancy and filtering. • Delivery to Bayview, ID; four‑point mooring system; crane‑accessible deck for lab equipment. • Submission deadline 16 Oct 2026 via SAFE; questions via email to [email protected] and [email protected].