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BIG BLUE 3 MAC - N64498-26-Q-5284

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.NSWC PHILADELPHIA DIV · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

NSWC Philadelphia Division is soliciting for "BIG BLUE 3 MAC" under solicitation number N64498-26-Q-5284. This acquisition falls under NAICS 336611, which covers Ship Building and Repairing. Shipbuilding and repair work under this NAICS typically encompasses maintenance, alteration, and conversion of naval vessels, including hull work, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and associated industrial services.

The "MAC" designation commonly indicates a Multiple Award Contract structure, though see the solicitation to confirm the specific contract vehicle type and scope. Big Blue refers to a known Navy surface ship maintenance program focused on availabilities for certain vessel classes.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside. All responsible sources, including large businesses and small businesses, may submit offers. Small businesses remain eligible to compete but will not receive set-aside preferences.

To bid, a company must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov with active registration valid through the contract period
• Hold or be eligible for appropriate Navy master ship repair agreements or facility certifications if required
• Demonstrate past performance in ship repair or shipbuilding relevant to the complexity indicated by the Big Blue program
• Meet any facility security clearance or cybersecurity (DFARS 252.204-7012) requirements applicable to Navy ship repair contracts

Small businesses lacking direct ship repair experience should evaluate whether teaming or subcontracting relationships could strengthen technical qualifications.

How to put together a competitive bid

Study the solicitation documents carefully. Ship repair solicitations under Big Blue typically specify vessel class, availability type (planned maintenance, emergent, or modernization), and key performance periods. Production schedules and waterfront access requirements significantly affect pricing.

Evaluate your facility capabilities. NSWC Philadelphia Division contracts may require work at government-furnished facilities, contractor facilities, or vessel locations. Confirm whether this requirement demands dry-dock availability, crane capacity, or specific craft labor skills. See the solicitation for precise place of performance and facility requirements.

Address Navy-specific requirements:

• NAVSEA Standard Items and technical work specifications dictate quality standards and inspection protocols
• Environmental compliance for hazardous materials common in ship repair (lead paint, asbestos, PCBs)
• Safety programs aligned with OSHA shipyard standards and Navy-specific requirements

Price realistically. Ship repair contracts carry significant risk in uncertain conditions, material availability, and weather-dependent operations. Review the solicitation's contract type (likely firm-fixed-price, cost-plus, or hybrid) to structure appropriate cost or price proposals.

Past performance documentation. Prepare detailed references for comparable ship repair or maintenance availabilities, emphasizing on-time delivery and quality metrics.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number N64498-26-Q-5284 to obtain the statement of work, volume requirements, and evaluation criteria
2. Register or verify SAM.gov status immediately if not current
3. Note the deadline: All proposals must be submitted by November 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time — late submissions are inadmissible
4. Submit questions through the solicitation's specified point of contact if clarification is needed on technical requirements or evaluation factors

View the official notice on SAM.gov →