The Naval Sea Systems Command’s Boats and Craft Program Office (PMS 300) has issued a request for information (RFI) seeking input from the commercial marine industry on a wide-ranging acquisition of new aluminum boats, steel workboats, service craft, and training targets. The RFI is intended to gauge industry interest and inform contract structure ahead of a potential multiple-award contract in fiscal year 2026.
According to the notice, the Service Craft and Boats multiple-award contract would run for 10 years as an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity vehicle with an estimated value of $3.5 billion. The program is expected to cover U.S. Navy requirements as well as foreign military sales, with awards that also include support such as crew familiarization, reactivations, and spares.
The RFI divides work into two competition tracks. Lot 1 is a small business set-aside focused on aluminum and steel boats and targets, including patrol boats, spill response craft, maneuvering targets, and utility barges. Lot 2 is a full and open competition for larger service craft such as barracks barges and floating dry docks.
PMS 300 said it anticipates recurring orders across fiscal years 2026 through 2036, with quantities projected in the thousands. The scope spans day-to-day fleet support, oil-spill response, training targets, and non-self-propelled service craft. Examples cited in the RFI include utility boats, force protection craft, high-speed targets, diving support platforms, steel workboats, harbor tugs, barges, floating dry docks, and other waterfront equipment.
Each delivery order under the contract would be competed separately, with options for multi-year buys tied to platform needs and budgets. While foreign and domestic firms may respond, the RFI emphasizes that any resulting solicitation would require the prime contractor to meet U.S. production and solicitation requirements.
Key planning milestones laid out in the RFI include an industry day scheduled for Oct. 15, 2025, release of a draft request for proposals in early fiscal 2026, and an anticipated award by the third quarter of fiscal 2026.
The RFI represents one of the Navy’s largest upcoming small craft procurement efforts, with opportunities across both small business and open competition categories. Interested firms are encouraged to review the full RFI for specifications, notional quantities, and participation requirements.
The issued Service Craft and Boat Multiple Award Contract can be found here.
