NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown: Mid-Life Refit

This contract entails a firm fixed price agreement for a comprehensive mid-life refit modification of the NOAA Ship RONALD H. BROWN. The work includes providing all necessary labor, materials, and equipment to upgrade or overhaul numerous ship systems. Key components of the refit involve repowering the vessel, enhancing the bow thruster and Z-drive, and renewing systems related to potable and chilled water, sewage, science refrigeration, uncontaminated seawater, and HVAC. Additional upgrades include improvements to tank level indicators, navigational and radar equipment, as well as various lighting systems including security perimeter and overhead lighting. Significant piping replacement and steel repairs will also be conducted based on findings from a prior American Bureau of Shipping inspection. The contract is managed by the Department of Commerce's NOAA office located in Norfolk, Virginia, with solicitation number 1305M2-20-NMAN-RHB. It was issued as a pre-solicitation notice in March 2021 under NAICS code 336611, which relates to shipbuilding and repairing. The project underscores a major overhaul intended to extend the service life of the NOAA research vessel while upgrading its operational capabilities and compliance with safety standards. Point of contact representatives for this acquisition include Jessica Loftus and Andrew Northcutt, who can provide additional information.