Drydock Repairs USCGC HATCHET (WLIC-75309)
HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF.US COAST GUARD.CG-SEA-C22 · Response deadline: Mon, 09 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking drydock repairs for the USCGC HATCHET (WLIC-75309), a Workboat Ice Breaking Cutter. This is a vessel maintenance and repair contract that will require the contractor to place the vessel in drydock and perform necessary hull, mechanical, and systems repairs to maintain operational readiness. Drydock work typically encompasses hull inspection and repair, underwater body maintenance, propulsion system servicing, rudder and shaft work, painting and surface preparation, and potentially related engineering services. The specific scope of repairs for this cutter will be detailed in the full solicitation. The Coast Guard depends on these services to keep its aging fleet mission-capable across multiple operational environments.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard (CG-SEA-C22) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 70Z08527QIBCT0002 |
| NAICS | 33661 — Ship Building and Repairing |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | November 9, 2026, 11:00 AM PT |
| Place of performance | See the solicitation |
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved for total small business set-aside, meaning only small business concerns may submit offers. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for NAICS 33661 (Ship Building and Repairing). You must be registered in SAM.gov, have an active status, and maintain appropriate North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes in your entity registration. Past performance with Coast Guard or other federal vessel repair contracts will strengthen competitiveness but is not strictly required to bid. Firms with Coast Guard-specific familiarity—particularly with WLIC-class cutters or similar 65-foot inland icebreaking workboats—should highlight this experience. Joint ventures and mentor-protégé arrangements are permitted if they meet small business eligibility requirements.
How to put together a competitive bid
Drydock repair solicitations are typically evaluated on price and technical approach, with past performance as a significant factor. Begin by reviewing the solicitation's Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) carefully, as these will specify drydock requirements, repair specifications, Coast Guard inspection standards, and environmental compliance obligations.
Technical proposal priorities:
- Demonstrate drydock capacity and availability aligned with the Coast Guard's operational schedule. WLIC-class vessels require specific lifting capacity and cradle configuration.
- Detail your quality assurance plan, including NAVSEA or equivalent welding procedures, NDT inspection capabilities, and paint system certifications.
- Provide past performance references for similar vessel repair work, ideally for Coast Guard, Navy, or comparable government fleets.
- Address environmental compliance for hazardous waste generation, bottom paint containment, and local waterway permitting.
- Submit a realistic schedule that accounts for discovery work and potential growth items common in drydock repair.
Pricing considerations:
- Structure your proposal to capture firm-fixed-price elements and identify known options or growth items for potential equitable adjustments.
- Factor in vessel mobilization/demobilization, dockside services, and potential ice-class repairs given the HATCHET's operational profile.
- Confirm your bonding capacity for performance and payment bonds if required.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 70Z08527QIBCT0002 or the title "Drydock Repairs USCGC HATCHET (WLIC-75309)" to obtain the complete PWS, evaluation criteria, and attachment requirements.
- Note the deadline: All proposals must be submitted by November 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time.
- Verify your SAM.gov registration is active and includes NAICS 33661.
- Consider attending any industry days or seeking clarifications posted to the SAM.gov record if questions and answers are published.
Given the specialized nature of Coast Guard vessel repair and the total small business set-aside, early engagement with the solicitation documents is essential for proposal preparation.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →