The U.S. Navy is conducting market research to gauge industry capability to design and build a new research vessel (R/V) for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Acoustic Research Detachment. The vessel will replace the aging R/V Chinook and must meet stringent acoustic, speed, payload, and onboard laboratory requirements for towed sonar array testing on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. Interested firms are asked to submit capability statements, organizational details, and any subcontracting plans by the indicated deadline.
• Vessel size: up to 80 ft length, 22 ft beam, ~8 ft molded depth, 30,000 lb deck payload, 20,000 lb tow load.
• Performance: minimum 2 kts, cruising 12‑15 kts, max tow 30 kts, max transit 35 kts; marine diesel propulsion with bow thrusters.
• Specialized features: acoustic isolation mounts, masker system, 40 kW & 60 kW generators, integrated computer lab with crane‑port, LiDAR, radar, ADCP, marine radio, weather station, and a CHT waste handling system.
• Delivery: direct to ARD facility in Bayview, ID with four‑point mooring and overhead‑crane transport capability.
• Submission: capability statement on company letterhead via the SAFE Guest portal, granting access to the contracting officers.