U.S. NAVY VESSEL VOYAGE REPAIR AVAILABILITY (VRA)
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSUP.NAVSUP GLOBAL LOGISTICS SUPPORT.NAVSUP FLC SIGONELLA.NAVSUP FLC SIGONELLA NAPLES OFFICE · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Navy is seeking contractor support for a Vessel Voyage Repair Availability (VRA) in Gaeta, Italy. A VRA is a maintenance period during which shipboard repairs and alterations are performed while a vessel remains operational or minimally inactive during a deployment or voyage. This type of work typically involves ship repair services, mechanical system maintenance, hull work, and potentially electronics or combat system modifications—all conducted in a forward-deployed location rather than at a U.S.-based shipyard.
See the solicitation for the specific scope of repairs, vessel identification, and technical requirements.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella, Naples Office |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N6817127QN004 |
| NAICS | 336611 — Ship Building and Repairing |
| Set-aside | No Set Aside Used (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 2, 2026, 2:00 PM CET (UTC+1) |
| Place of performance | Gaeta, Italy (IT-62) |
Who can bid
This solicitation is open to all qualified contractors—there is no small business set-aside restricting competition. Both large and small businesses may submit proposals, including:
- U.S.-based ship repair contractors with overseas capability
- Marine engineering firms experienced with Navy vessel maintenance
- Companies already holding or able to obtain requisite security clearances
- Firms capable of performing work in Italy, including proper visas, logistics, and local coordination
Bidders should note that working on U.S. Navy vessels in Italy typically requires:
- Compliance with U.S. Navy technical standards and specifications
- Ability to navigate host-nation contracting and labor requirements
- Potential need for personnel to hold Secret clearances or achieve facility clearance (see the solicitation for specific requirements)
- Experience with Navy maintenance processes, 3M systems, or shipalt procedures
International contractors may face additional restrictions; U.S. ownership or Defense Base Act insurance may be required.
How to put together a competitive bid
Demonstrate deployed ship repair experience. VRAs differ fundamentally from depot-level availabilities. Emphasize past performance conducting repairs with limited pier access, compressed timelines, and remote logistics chains. Navy or Military Sealift Command voyage repair experience carries significant weight.
Address the Italy-based execution challenge. Detail your plan for labor (U.S. workers, local Italian hires, or third-country nationals), material sourcing, customs handling, and coordination with NAVSUP FLC Sigonella. Established relationships with Italian port authorities or local subcontractors can differentiate your proposal.
Pricing strategy. Open competition means likely competition from large shipyards. Small businesses must demonstrate efficiency advantages or niche expertise. Develop realistic cost estimates accounting for overseas labor rates, travel, lodging, and potential currency fluctuations.
Compliance artifacts. Prepare to submit DCAA-compliant cost/price data, past performance references with specific contact information, and any required certifications (SAM registration, NIST SP 800-171, etc.). Verify your SAM.gov entity registration is active and reflects current representations.
Technical proposal depth. Navy ship repair solicitations typically require detailed methodologies, schedules, and risk mitigation. See the solicitation for specific instructions, including any page limits or required forms.
Next steps
- Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N6817127QN004
- Review all attachments and amendments—Navy solicitations often include ship specifications, drawings, and Statement of Work documents critical to proposal development
- Note the deadline: Proposals are due November 2, 2026, by 2:00 PM Central European Time—account for time zone conversion and electronic submission requirements
- Register questions early if the solicitation permits; clarify any ambiguity about facility access, security requirements, or local coordination responsibilities before final proposal preparation
View the official notice on SAM.gov →