U.S. Navy Escort Vessels

SYNOPSIS: DISCLOSURE: This is a Request for Information (RFI) notice only and is identical to RFI N00024-15-R-2213 which was posted to the 483211 NAICS code. This is not a request for proposal (RFP) and a formal solicitation is not available at this time. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue an RFP, contract, or order. This RFI is for informational planning purposes and it not to be construed as a commitment by the Government for any actual procurement of materials, machinery, or services. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. The Government will not pay for any effort expended or any material provided in response to this announcement. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are solely at the responding parties' expense. Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government will not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified. Proprietary information received in response to this RFI will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations. Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract or agreement. The Government will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative because of this RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. Specific responses to the approaches will not disqualify or have an impact on participation and evaluation on future solicitations. PURPOSE: The Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) is hereby issuing a RFI on behalf of the Support Ships, Boats, and Craft Program Office (PMS 325), seeking information from all potential sources who may be interested in supplying existing American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)-classed vessels to function as U.S. Navy escort vessels . The Navy believes that there are several types of commercial vessels that may be well suited to serve as escort vessels (including, but not limited to: Offshore Support Vessels, Platform Supply Vessels, Diving Support Vessels, Anchor Handling Towing Supply vessels, Multi-Mission or other Multi-Purpose Service vessels), but the Navy will consider any type of existing vessel meeting the requirements listed below. The Navy plans a Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 procurement to acquire existing vessels that meet these requirements. Only U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged vessels will be considered. The Navy is not interested at this time in concept designs or ships without operational service. Cost of the vessels is of primary importance to the Navy, and respondents are requested to provide information concerning price of the vessels as indicated below. For purposes of this request only, the Navy is contemplating acquiring up to four (4) vessels in FY15. Description: The Navy requires four escort vessels to support the Transit Protection System Program. This request for information is associated with a potential acquisition of up to four escort vessels. The Navy's intention is to acquire American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)-classed vessels capable of performing the functions described below. Responses to this RFI may include vessels that are not classed to ABS Rules, Notations, and Guides but must be classed by an International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) member to equivalent standards. The Navy's key vessel requirements are: Length Overall (LOA): 200 feet (min.) to 270 feet (max.), with desired LOA of at least 240 feet. Breadth: 42 feet (min.) to 54 feet (max.) Draft: Less than 19 feet, with desired draft of 15 feet or less. Minimum sustained speed: 13 to 15 knots Endurance: The vessels shall be able to support a standard mission profile which may last for periods up to 48 hours (threshold) to 96 hours (objective), and have a range of up to 400 nautical miles. Clear deck space for double-stacked and secured 20-foot or 40-foot ISO containers, positioned length-wise covering the full length of the aft deck. ABS Class 2 Dynamic Positioning System (DPS-2). Vessel Age: Vessel age of less than 10 years old is desired. Cargo crane with 5-10 ton capacity is desired. Gross Tonnage: Less than 3,000 tons, International Tonnage Certification. Berthing/Overnight Capacity: Berthing, toilet and shower facilities, for up to sixteen (16) persons in addition to crew berthing facilities. Pilothouse: In addition to crew operating space, space is desired for up to seven (7) USCG maritime force protection unit personnel to perform operational duties. This area shall afford clear sightlines in all directions (360) to the maximum extent possible. The pilothouse shall include space for dedicated USCG communications equipment. RESPONSES: Responses should be limited to 20 pages or less (not including any drawings, specifications, or sketches). A detailed proposal is not requested. Provide as much of the following technical data as practical within the time constraints of this inquiry. If the Respondent has multiple vessels that meet the RFI requirements, a separate response may be submitted for each. The following information is requested: - 1. Provide data and/or information on the existing vessel which is capable of meeting the key requirements identified above. The data and/or information should consist of general arrangement drawings and specifications for the candidate vessel. - 2. Identify the number of vessels available and the years ships were delivered. - 3. Identify the approximate price for each candidate vessel. Submission of Information: Interested parties are free to submit any information which may assist the Navy in its market research and need only respond to one RFI. RFI N00024-15-R-2212 and N00024-15-R-2213 are identical in content but are broadcasted to different NAICS groups. No specific format is required. Information of interest includes: Vessel Principal Characteristics General Arrangement drawings Machinery plant configuration, operational description, and power ratings Vessel technical specifications and classifications, including ABS or IACS member class notations Dynamic positioning sea state capabilities, and manual or automatic track following capabilities Accommodations, messing spaces, and offices Special operating restrictions or conditions Contact Information Information should be mailed to Mr. John Lighthammer, Naval Sea Systems Command, Attn: Mr. John Lighthammer, PMS325, 1333 Isaac Hull Avenue SE, Washington Navy Yard, D.C. 20376 and labeled with the solicitation number N00024-15-R-2212. Responses should include a digital copy of the files on CD or DVD. Responses are requested by 2:00 PM (EST), on January 22, 2015. Questions can be submitted electronically to John.Lighthammer@navy.mil and Roxie.Thomas@navy.mil. Information provided shall be treated as Business Sensitive and will not be shared outside of Government activities and agencies without the permission of the provider. This RFI in no way binds the Government to offer contracts to responding companies. The information provided will assist NAVSEA in developing and further defining future procurement and acquisition strategies. Defense and commercial contractors, including small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, HUBZone small businesses, and woman-owned small businesses are encouraged to participate. This RFI is the initiation of market research under Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and is not a Request for Proposals (RFP). All information shall be provided free of charge to the Government. NAVSEA may request further information regarding the capabilities of respondents to meet the requirements and may request a presentation and/or a site visit as deemed necessary.