USCGC ALDER DD FY27
HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF.US COAST GUARD.CG-SEA-CA3 · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a contractor for the USCGC ALDER DD FY27 procurement. USCGC ALDER is a Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender, and "DD" in Coast Guard terminology typically refers to a drydock availability—a period when the vessel is taken out of the water for hull maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
Ship repair and maintenance work under drydock contracts generally includes hull cleaning and painting, underwater body inspections, propeller and shaft work, sea valve maintenance, and related structural repairs. Juniper-class buoy tenders are 225-foot vessels that support aids-to-navigation missions on the Great Lakes and in coastal waters. The "FY27" designation indicates this work is planned for Fiscal Year 2027.
Because this is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, the Coast Guard is combining its market research announcement with the formal solicitation, streamlining the procurement process without a separate request for information phase.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard (CG-SEA-CA3) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 70Z08526QIBCT0051 |
| NAICS | 336611 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set-Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | see the solicitation |
NAICS 336611 covers "Ship Building and Repairing" for commercial and government vessels. This classification includes facilities capable of drydocking, hull work, and complex ship repairs.
Who can bid
This procurement is a total small business set-aside, meaning only small business concerns may submit offers. To qualify, your business must meet the SBA size standard for NAICS 336611. The primary criterion is typically average annual receipts over a trailing period—see the solicitation for the current threshold and any specific certification requirements.
Beyond size status, prospective bidders will likely need:
- Experience with vessel repair, preferably Coast Guard or military ships
- A facility capable of drydocking a 225-foot vessel or subcontract arrangements for drydock services
- Appropriate marine repair certifications and qualified welders
- Security clearances or facility clearance if work involves controlled areas
How to put together a competitive bid
Ship repair solicitations are typically firm fixed-price with detailed specifications and drawings. To compete effectively:
Review the technical package carefully. Drydock availabilities are specification-driven. The solicitation likely includes itemized work items, inspection requirements, and acceptable materials. Missing a critical specification item is a common reason for rejection.
Assess your drydock capacity. Confirm your facility can accommodate USCGC ALDER's dimensions and draft, or secure a subcontract with a suitable drydock operator. The Coast Guard evaluates both technical approach and price.
Understand the scheduling constraints. Great Lakes buoy tenders have seasonally constrained operating windows. Delayed completion can carry significant liquidated damages. Build realistic timelines with contingency for weather and discovery work.
Price labor and materials precisely. Ship repair involves unpredictable discovery items, but firm fixed-price contracts transfer that risk to the contractor. Review whether the solicitation includes provisions for growth work or requires detailed not-to-exceed pricing for potential additional items.
Highlight past performance. The Coast Guard values demonstrated success with similar vessel classes. Prepare relevant contract references with performance ratings and point-of-contact information.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number 70Z08526QIBCT0051. The synopsis provides only summary information; the complete technical specifications, drawings, and terms are in the full solicitation package.
Note the deadline: All offers must be received by October 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions will not be considered.
Register in SAM.gov if you haven't already, and ensure your small business representation is current before submitting your offer.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →