Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-docking (UWILD) and Hull Cleaning of the USNS SACAGAWEA
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.MSC.MSC HQS.MSCHQ NORFOLK · Response deadline: Thu, 05 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Navy's Military Sealift Command is seeking a contractor to perform underwater inspection in lieu of dry-docking (UWILD) and hull cleaning for the USNS SACAGAWEA, a dry cargo/ammunition ship in the Navy's Military Sealift Command fleet. UWILD is a standard maritime practice that allows ship hulls to be inspected and certified without removing the vessel from the water, using commercial divers or remotely operated vehicles to assess hull integrity, propellers, rudders, and other underwater components. Hull cleaning removes biofouling—marine growth that accumulates on hull surfaces—which degrades fuel efficiency and can introduce invasive species.
NAICS 488390 covers "Other Support Activities for Water Transportation," a broad category that includes specialized maritime services like diving operations, vessel maintenance support, and underwater surveying. This work typically requires marine contractors with demonstrated experience in commercial diving operations, underwater welding and inspection capabilities, and knowledge of Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) classification requirements for UWILD certifications.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, Military Sealift Command Headquarters Norfolk |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N3220527Q7018 |
| NAICS | 488390 |
| Set-aside | No set-aside used (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 5, 2026, 5:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Guam |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside, meaning large businesses, small businesses, and enterprises of any size may submit offers. However, the specialized nature of UWILD and hull cleaning work creates natural barriers to entry that may favor established marine services contractors.
To bid competitively, a firm should hold:
- Valid commercial diving credentials and safety certifications
- Experience with Navy or commercial vessel UWILD protocols
- Capability to perform work in Guam, including any Jones Act or local labor considerations
- Relationships with ABS or other classification society surveyors who can certify inspection results
Small businesses with these specialized maritime capabilities should not be discouraged by the lack of set-aside; the pool of qualified competitors in this niche is typically limited.
How to put together a competitive bid
Given the extremely tight turnaround—posted November 2, due November 5, 2026—prospective bidders must act immediately.
Verify your qualifications: Confirm your firm can mobilize to Guam and that your diving crews hold current certifications for the depth and conditions required. See the solicitation for specific hull dimensions, draft requirements, and fouling assessment standards.
Understand UWILD scope: Navy UWILD requirements typically include hull gauging, weld inspection, sea chest examinations, and photographic documentation to ABS or equivalent standards. Clarify whether the contract requires classification society attendance or if the contractor provides certified survey reports independently.
Price strategically: Hull cleaning and UWILD are often priced per vessel or by linear foot of hull. Factor in Guam logistics costs—barge support, crew travel, equipment shipping, and potential local permitting. See the solicitation for any government-furnished equipment or pier access arrangements.
Address responsiveness: With only three days to respond, focus on complete compliance. Missing signatures, expired representations, or incomplete cost proposals are common elimination factors under time pressure.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number N3220527Q7018. Given the November 5, 2026, 5:00 PM ET deadline, there is minimal time to seek clarifications or assemble teaming arrangements. Download all attachments, confirm any pre-bid site visit requirements, and submit before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →