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USNS JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO 188) FY27 ROH/DD

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.MSC.MSC HQS.MSCHQ NORFOLK · Response deadline: Thu, 29 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is soliciting bids for work on the USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188), a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler. The contract covers Fiscal Year 2027 regular overhaul and dry-docking (ROH/DD) services. ROH/DD work typically involves comprehensive maintenance, inspection, repair, and modification of naval auxiliary vessels while in dry dock, including hull work, tank maintenance, machinery overhaul, and systems upgrades necessary to maintain operational readiness. The scope specifics, including the full range of repairs and any modernization requirements, see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved for small business concerns under NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing). To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this code and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Eligible bidders should have capabilities in vessel repair, particularly naval auxiliary ship overhaul. Relevant experience includes dry-docking operations, hull repair and preservation, machinery overhaul, electrical system work, and compliance with Navy/MSC technical specifications and safety standards. Your firm must demonstrate the facilities, workforce, and management systems to execute complex shipyard work. If you lack certain capabilities, joint ventures or mentor-protégé arrangements may be viable pathways, provided the small business meets applicable affiliation and control requirements.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand the vessel and workload: The USNS Joshua Humphreys is a 677-foot replenishment oiler commissioned in 1987. Research the ship's configuration, previous overhaul history, and known technical issues. MSC ROH/DD contracts typically require adherence to detailed Naval Ship's Technical Manuals and NAVSEA standards.

Evaluate your dry-dock capacity: Confirm you have access to a dry dock with adequate dimensions, lifting capacity, and geographic proximity considerations. If the place of performance is specified in the solicitation, factor in mobilization and transportation costs.

Assess subcontracting needs: Ship repair often requires specialized trades—marine electricians, pipefitters, welders certified to Navy standards, coating applicators. Identify reliable subcontractors early and secure letters of intent. For a small business set-aside, you must perform the primary percentage of work with your own employees.

Cost realism is critical: ROH/DD contracts are typically fixed-price or combination-type. Develop detailed estimates for labor hours, material, subcontractor costs, and dry-dock rental. Include contingency for discovery work common in older vessels. Past performance on similar Navy ship repair contracts is heavily weighted in source selection.

Compliance and certifications: Ensure your QA program meets ISO 9001 or Navy-equivalent standards. Verify employee security clearance requirements, OSHA maritime safety compliance, and environmental permitting for hazardous material handling.

Next steps

Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N3220526R0022. Review the statement of work, specifications, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria in detail. Note the firm response deadline of October 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time—late submissions will not be considered. Attend any pre-solicitation conferences or site visits if offered, and submit questions through the designated channels well before the deadline.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →