Oceanographic Survey Ship (T-AGS(X)) Designs and Builders

The U.S. Navy, through NAVSEA Headquarters, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) under solicitation number N00024-26-R-2227 to conduct market research for the design and construction of the T-AGS(X) Oceanographic Survey Ship, with the NAICS code 336611. This RFI is strictly for informational and planning purposes and is not a Request for Proposals; no funding is attached to this announcement, and no formal contract will result from responses. Vendors must submit their responses electronically by 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on August 31, 2026, to the designated points of contact, with subject lines formatted as “T-AGS(X) RFI RESPONSE - [Company Name] - RFI #TBD” and all materials provided as searchable PDFs in 8.5”x11” or 11”x17” sizing. Respondents are required to clarify their role within the maritime industrial base and confirm whether they are U.S.-based or from an allied nation, while also identifying their business size status and applicable socioeconomic categories under NAICS codes 336611 (Ship Building and Repair) and 541330 (Engineering Design Services). Design submissions must include a placemat or one-pager summarizing general design characteristics, the last production date or current maturity level of the design, relevant experience building vessels of comparable size and complexity, and evidence of partnership with U.S. shipyards if the respondent is non-U.S. Based. A rough order of magnitude cost estimate for the design and construction of up to eight vessels is requested for planning use, but no pricing or contract lines are established. The vessel specifications call for an ocean-going survey ship capable of unrestricted service in subarctic waters up to 50°N, operating in NATO Sea State 5 conditions with sustained 27-knot winds, maintaining position within a 33-foot radius via ABS DP-2 certification or equivalent, achieving a minimum speed of 15 knots in SS4 and 10 knots in SS5, and sustaining operations for 12,000 nautical miles at 12 knots with a 10% fuel reserve and 29 days at 3 knots. Performance requirements include 56 permanent crew accommodations, 12 transient berths, a minimum 3,800-square-foot fantail