The U.S. Navy has issued a preliminary presolicitation notice for a major contracting program tied to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), advancing plans for construction of a new multimission drydock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Wash.
The contract, titled Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program Multi-Mission Dry Dock, Multiple Award Construction Contract, carries a maximum value of $30 billion and is expected to become one of the largest federal shipyard infrastructure construction programs in recent memory.
The Navy plans to issue an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity multiple award construction contract request for proposals in September 2026. The contract would carry a base period of 60 months with up to five 12-month option periods, for a total possible duration of 10 years, or until the $30 billion contract ceiling is reached.
The contract will primarily support waterfront and marine mega-construction projects under SIOP, with the primary focus on development of the new multimission drydock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, located at Naval Base Kitsap. The presolicitation also lists work under the cognizance of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, including Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and other locations.
The Navy expects “the solicitation may result in the award of approximately five multiple award construction contracts; however, if determined to be in the best interest of the Government, fewer than five contracts may be awarded,” the presolicitation stated.
Most construction task orders are expected to be firm-fixed-price, though cost-reimbursement task orders may also be used for select scopes. Major task orders are expected to range from $2 billion to $6 billion, although smaller awards may be issued to support early contractor involvement and alternative technical concept development.
The Navy said contractors will need to demonstrate a single-project bonding capacity of $2 billion to qualify for the MACC. Each contract holder will receive a minimum guarantee of $2 million.
The new drydock is planned within the footprint of existing Dry Dock 3, Pier 6, and Pier 7. The project includes drydock drainage, dewatering, and flooding systems; a caisson and gate system; utility tunnels; roadways and rail infrastructure; portal crane rails; communications systems; and associated mechanical and electrical systems. The project also includes demolition of existing facilities and utilities.
Once completed, the fully pressure-relieved drydock will be capable of servicing Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier aircraft carriers, as well as other surface and subsurface vessels supported by the shipyard.
Marine construction will also include major dredging work in Sinclair Inlet and installation of double-wall cofferdams to allow dry construction while providing long-term hydraulic cutoff protection.
The Navy expects the work to be divided into four major task order packages.
Task Order Package No. 1, the marine package, is estimated at $2 billion to $3 billion and includes demolition of piers, buildings, and upland utilities; dredging; construction of upland shoring and cutoff walls; double-wall cofferdam installation; and ground improvements.
Task Order Package No. 2, the drydock package, is valued at $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion and includes dewatering systems, shoring wall tiebacks, demolition of Dry Dock 3, excavation, pressure relief systems, drydock construction, and pumpwell installation.
Task Order Package No. 3, the infrastructure package, also valued at $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion, includes support buildings, substations, utility tunnels, partial replacement of the Farragut Avenue tunnel, equipment installation, utility work, paving, crane rail installation, fendering systems, cofferdam removal, caisson installation, and commissioning.
Task Order Package No. 4, the caisson package, is estimated at $200 million to $300 million and covers fabrication and delivery of the caisson.
The Navy said it is evaluating several risk mitigation strategies for the program, including early contractor involvement, economic price adjustment provisions, award fee incentives, reduced small-business subcontracting goals, and limiting task order performance bonds to a maximum of $2 billion.
The acquisition timeline calls for an industry day in August 2026, release of the MACC solicitation in September, Phase I proposals due in October, Phase II proposals due in January 2027, and contract awards in May 2027.
The Navy expects to issue an alternative technical concept task order in June 2027, followed by release of the first major marine package request for proposals in November 2027. Award of that task order is expected in June 2028.
The Navy emphasized that the notice does not constitute a formal request for proposals, request for quotes, or invitation for bids. A sources sought notice is expected to be posted on SAM.gov around June 25, 2026.
