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A Study on Vessel Design Challenge

TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF.MARITIME ADMINISTRATION.693JF7 DOT MARITIME ADMINISTRATION · Response deadline: Sun, 10 Jan 2027

What the government is buying

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is soliciting offers for "A Study on Vessel Design Challenge." This is a research and development services contract focused on maritime vessel engineering analysis.

NAICS 541720 refers to "Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities," though in federal contracting this code often covers applied research and engineering studies more broadly. The work involves vessel design challenge studies—see the solicitation for the specific technical scope, deliverables, and study parameters MARAD requires.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no set-aside program designated. Any responsible offeror—small or large business—may submit a bid. Small businesses without SBA certification in any specific program compete on equal footing with large businesses here.

Given the NAICS 541720, MARAD likely expects bidders with demonstrated capabilities in research services, maritime engineering, naval architecture, or related technical analysis. If your firm has experience in vessel design studies, feasibility analyses, or maritime transportation research, evaluate whether your past performance aligns with the stated challenge. See the solicitation for any specific size standard or qualifications.

How to put together a competitive bid

For an R&D study solicitation in vessel design, focus on these elements:

Technical approach: Clearly articulate your methodology for studying the vessel design challenge. MARAD research contracts typically value rigorous analytical frameworks, access to relevant maritime data sources, and credible modeling or simulation capabilities. Detail your team's expertise in naval architecture, marine engineering, or transportation systems analysis.

Personnel qualifications: Identify key personnel with relevant maritime credentials—naval architects, marine engineers, or researchers with published work in vessel design. Include résumés showing direct experience with government or industry studies of similar scope.

Past performance: Cite completed research contracts, especially with DOT components, Navy/Naval Sea Systems Command, or commercial maritime clients. Emphasize studies that produced actionable design recommendations or informed policy decisions.

Price realism: With no set-aside, expect competition from large research firms and potential subcontracting arrangements. Price competitively while ensuring your proposed hours and labor mix reflect actual study complexity. Review the solicitation for any cost realism analysis the government will apply.

Compliance: Follow the solicitation's prescribed format exactly. Government RFPs for studies often require specific section organization, page limits, and mandatory subcontracting plans if applicable.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 693JF726R000016 to understand detailed requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions
2. Register in SAM.gov if not already registered and active
3. Note the deadline: January 10, 2027, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time—plan for technical proposal development, pricing, and any required representations or certifications
4. Consider outreach: As this is full and open, early engagement with the contracting officer for clarifications may strengthen your competitive position

The posting date of October 16, 2026, allows approximately 12 weeks for proposal preparation—use this lead time for substantive technical development rather than rushed submission.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →