USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) FY28 Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) Request for Proposal(s)
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA HQ.NAVSEA HQ · Response deadline: Mon, 09 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Navy is soliciting proposals for a Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) for the USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) in Fiscal Year 2028. This is a major ship maintenance and modernization event for a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.
DSRA work typically involves docking the vessel to perform hull, mechanical, and engineering repairs; system upgrades; and modernization that cannot be accomplished while the ship is waterborne. For an LHD, this generally includes work on propulsion systems, hull coating, tank inspections and repairs, piping systems, electrical distribution, combat systems modifications, and habitability improvements. The "Selected Restricted Availability" designation indicates a scope of work more limited than a full overhaul but still substantial in scale.
Ship repair contracts of this nature are usually performed at private or public shipyards with the dry-docking capability to handle a vessel of approximately 40,000+ tons displacement. The requirement for FY28 scheduling implies long-lead procurement and advanced planning consistent with Navy vessel maintenance cycles.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0002426R4421 |
| NAICS | 336611 – Ship Building and Repairing |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not stated in notice; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no small-business set-aside. Large and small businesses may submit proposals, though the scale and complexity of LHD DSRA work typically favors experienced ship repair contractors.
Small businesses in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing) should note that this work involves specialized capabilities: dry-docking capacity for major amphibious assault ships, nuclear-trained workforce considerations (even for conventional propulsion LHDs, Navy shipyard work involves stringent standards), Navy vessel repair experience, and familiarity with military specifications and security requirements.
Potential bidders should evaluate whether they can perform directly or should pursue subcontracting or teaming arrangements. See the solicitation for any specific experience requirements, past performance criteria, or mandatory submarine items.
How to put together a competitive bid
For Navy ship repair solicitations, focus on these elements:
Technical approach: Detail your dry-docking plan, production scheduling, and workforce availability. The Navy evaluates risk mitigation for schedule-critical path items. Demonstrate understanding of LHD-class systems and DSRA execution.
Past performance: Highlight comparable Navy ship repair contracts, particularly prior LHD, LHA, or aircraft carrier availabilities. Document on-time delivery, quality metrics, and any award fee scores.
Cost realism: Develop bottom-up estimates for labor categories (pipefitters, shipfitters, electricians, painters/blasters, QA inspectors), material, and subcontractor costs. Navy cost analysts scrutinize level-of-effort proposals and compare against historical data.
Small business participation: Even without a set-aside, proposing meaningful small business subcontracting may strengthen your proposal if evaluated under socio-economic factors.
Security and facility clearances: Verify your facility possesses or can obtain the necessary security clearances, pier access, and Navy assessment certifications.
Long-lead materials: Identify any FY28 schedule drivers requiring early procurement commitments.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0002426R4421. The document will contain the statement of work, instructions to offerors, evaluation criteria, pricing structure, and any amendments. Note the firm response deadline of November 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time—late submissions are not accepted in Navy sealed bid or proposal processes.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →