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CGC KUKUI DRYDOCK

HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF.US COAST GUARD.CG-SEA-C22 · Response deadline: Mon, 23 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking small business bids for drydock services for the CGC KUKUI (WLB 203), a 225-foot seagoing buoy tender. Based on the NAICS code 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), this contract covers vessel drydocking work—typically including hull inspection, cleaning, painting, and repairs while the vessel is out of water in a drydock facility.

Drydocking for Coast Guard cutters is a critical maintenance requirement, usually performed on a recurring cycle to maintain watertight integrity and operational readiness. The scope generally encompasses underwater hull maintenance, zinc anode replacement, sea valve servicing, propeller and shaft work, and related shipyard services. Specific technical requirements, exact repair items, and performance specifications—see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside, meaning only qualifying small businesses under NAICS 336611 may bid. The size standard for NAICS 336611 is typically 1,300 employees; verify your firm's current status at SAM.gov and in the SBA's Size Standards Tool.

Eligible bidders must hold active SAM registration with valid NAICS 336611, demonstrated drydock and ship repair capabilities, appropriate facility certifications, and likely Coast Guard or Navy shipyard experience. If your firm lacks all capabilities, consider joint venture or mentor-protégé arrangements—but structure any teaming before the response deadline.

Bonding capacity for ship repair work is typically required; ensure your surety can support estimated contract value—see the solicitation for specific requirements.

How to put together a competitive bid

Facility readiness: Confirm your drydock can physically accommodate a 225-foot vessel with adequate blocking, crane capacity, and environmental controls. Coast Guard cutters require precise docking procedures due to specialized sonar domes, appendages, and hull configurations.

Technical proposal substance: Emphasize recent drydock experience with similar federal vessels. Include detailed schedules, manning plans, and quality control processes. Ship repair contracts heavily weight past performance—document comparable Coast Guard, Navy, or commercial work.

Cost realism: Labor rates should reflect skilled trade compensation in your region; material costs for marine-grade coatings and specialized components require accurate takeoffs. Request a site visit or vessel inspection if permitted—see the solicitation for procedures.

Environmental compliance: Drydock operations involve hazardous materials removal, wastewater management, and EPA/VGP compliance. Detail your pollution prevention plan and waste disposal certifications.

Safety record: OSVET and EM 385-1-1 compliance history matters. Provide Experience Modification Rate (EMR) and OSHA recordables for recent years.

Given the response deadline falls in late November, account for holiday scheduling impacts in your proposed availability and workforce planning.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 70ZU0227QIBCT0001—this notice is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, so the complete requirements package should be available for immediate download
2. Note the firm response deadline: November 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT—late submissions are typically non-negotiable in federal ship repair acquisitions
3. Verify SAM registration is active and small business certification is current
4. Request any permitted pre-bid site visits or clarifications early in the solicitation period

View the official notice on SAM.gov →