7th Fleet ADM Barge 7.7.25.docx

U.S. Seventh Fleet - Flag Barge Solicitation Number: N00024-25-R-2214 Agency: Department of the Navy Office: Naval Sea Systems Command Location: NAVSEA HQ

Synopsis:

DISCLOSURE:

This is a Request for Information (RFI) notice only. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and a formal solicitation is not available at this time. This RFI is for informational planning purposes, and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an RFP, contract, or order for any actual procurement of materials, machinery, supply or service. The Government will not pay for any effort expended or any material provided in response to this announcement. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are solely at the responding parties' expense.

This RFI is open to all interested domestic parties. Should an RFP for procurement be issued, boats constructed or located outside the U.S. are not permitted.

Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract or agreement. The Government will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative because of this RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. Specific responses to the approaches will not disqualify or have an impact on participation and evaluation on future solicitations.

PURPOSE:

The overall objective of this RFI is to provide industry and interested parties with information that will assist in the understanding of current technical requirements for a potential Flag Barge. No specific information is required in response to this RFI; however, interested parties may respond and indicate interest as desired.

The Navy plans to award a contract in FY26 for an estimated one (1) boat, to be delivered to Yokosuka, Japan.

The notional schedule listed below is provided for planning purposes only. The Government is not obligated to pursue this schedule or a future solicitation because of this RFI.

1. Release final RFP 3rd QTR FY26.

2. Anticipated award 4th QTR FY26.

DESCRIPTION: Pursuant to policy detailed in OPNAVINST 4780.6G, since 1979, the U.S. Seventh Fleet has operated an Admiral's Barge to support diplomatic and inter-service meetings. This vessel provides a unique platform to showcase the rich history and notable sights of high-interest areas, while also highlighting the United States' resolve, resilience, and determination during both times of adversity and peace. These engagements serve to reinforce the strategic importance of our nation's Navy and help promote international cooperation, partnership, and understanding.

General Characteristics:

· Hull material: Single-skin, glass reinforced plastic and vinylester resin

· Length Overall: 10.0m (32.8ft)

· Beam Overall with fendering: 3.35m (10.9ft) minimum

· Maximum Full Load Draft: 1.25m (4.1ft) Baseline

· Air Draft: 16ft Maximum due to tidal range of 18ft bridge in cruise areas (waterline to highest permanent upright structure)

· Total Installed Fuel Capacity: 90 gal minimum

· Cruising Speed: 15 kts minimum in full load

· Capacity: Comfort and stability to carry a maximum of 21 passengers and (3) crew

· Age: Newly constructed or used

· System Integration: this Barge shall be positioned onboard the port side of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). To ensure proper fitment with USS Blue Ridge’s boat skid and hoisting equipment, the hull and hoisting locations of the Barge must closely resemble those of the 1968 Willard Double Cabin Trawling Boat, which currently serves as the Barge onboard USS Blue Ridge and the Ship Repair Facility Lifting & Handling Engineering Sketch SER NO. LHES-130-FY13 attached in this document. The foredeck shall be generally open, unobstructed, and suitable for small boat operations, including the installation of a single 1-inch shackle with an 8.5-ton capacity for hoisting, utilizing USS Blue Ridge’s gravity davit with a load capacity of 30,000 pounds. Both the forward and aft decks will incorporate similar hoisting locations as the current Admirals' Barge to facilitate ease of rigging.

· The cabin hoisting lift points will feature connection fittings compatible with master links fore and aft. The aft connection points will include two 5-ton capacity master links (Kito), two synthetic round slings with 4-foot legs and 10.6-ton capacity, one synthetic round sling with a 6-foot leg and 10.6-ton capacity, and additional synthetic slings with similar ratings, all to be connected via various shackles to the crane lifting hook. The forward connection point will utilize a 1-inch Crosby master link (24,300 lbs capacity) along with a synthetic round sling with a 6-foot leg and 10.6-ton capacity, and a 10-foot leg synthetic round sling of the same capacity, with appropriate shackles for crane attachment.

· Forward and Aft Deck: both the fore- and aft-deck shall allow easy access, and all metal life railings shall be equipped with quick-connect and disconnect fittings to support removal during launch and recovery operations and facilitate easy installation when the boat is in the water.

· Interior: shall feature traditional nautical decor, utilizing wood and/or brass trim to evoke a classic maritime theme. The furnishings and styling should be tasteful, subdued, and suitable for a professional, business-like environment. The vessel shall not include non-traditional or recreational vessel features such as sport fishers, houseboats, workboats, riverboats, express cruisers, catamarans, sailing vessels, tugs, racing vessels, or similar craft. Opulent or overly decorative elements such as hot tubs, rope or neon lighting, brightly colored or plastic finishes, and excessive decorative fixtures are not acceptable.

· Systems: equipment, systems, fittings, and materials shall be properly installed, fully operational, and maintained in excellent condition. Obsolete or non-functioning equipment—such as Loran-C units—shall be removed or properly disabled with government approval, with all plumbing, electrical, and system connections properly terminated and sealed to prevent leaks or exposure. Any gaps, holes, or cavities left by removed equipment shall be sealed appropriately. Non-essential systems, such as autopilots or water makers, shall be repaired or removed as necessary.

· Surfaces: including hull, decks, bulkheads, overheads, flooring, furnishings, fabrics, and decorative elements shall be in good condition, free of blemishes, gouges, discoloration, or other defects. All exterior doors, windows, and hatches shall be watertight and weatherproof, consistent with original design specifications, with no leaks present. Any equipment, systems, fittings, or materials that do not meet these standards shall be repaired or replaced as required.

· Compliance: the vessel shall comply with all applicable United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations concerning lifesaving equipment, firefighting and detection systems, and other safety requirements pertinent to its size, always ensuring full operational safety.

· Data Package: the contractor shall provide all available original equipment manufacturer (OEM) documentation in the Contractor's possession, including installation, operation, and maintenance manuals, service parts lists, catalog 'cut' sheets, and supplemental data for each piece of equipment or component installed on the craft. The contractor shall also provide any available OEM-supplied warranty information for any components still within their warranty period as well as all available drawings, arrangement plans, docking plans, and any maintenance, repair and overhaul records.

· Public Spaces: the vessel shall include at least two (2) lounge areas capable of accommodating a minimum of 15 passengers. One lounge must be located on the bow, providing seating for at least eight (8) personnel comfortably. The other lounge should be in a partially enclosed area, preferably adjacent to the stern, and designed to be fully enclosed with temporary enclosures to protect against weather conditions, such as a flybridge or similar configuration.

· Pilot House: the pilothouse must be a separate, dedicated space, isolated from other accommodations and operational areas to ensure safety and operational effectiveness.

· Decking: deck surfaces, including lounge areas, shall feature a non-skid herringbone pattern to enhance safety. The main deck area where the coxswain operates shall prominently display a laser engraved Seventh Fleet logo or other design selected by the U.S. Seventh Fleet Commander.

· Propulsion: the vessel shall be equipped with all standard, or upgraded, propulsion and control systems as provided by the original boat builder. The propulsion system shall include, at a minimum, single screw; diesel propulsion engine rated at a minimum of 214 shaft horsepower at 2,500 rpm; hydraulically operated gearbox; and all appropriate auxiliary/support systems. Propulsion systems and equipment shall not be obsolete.

· Electric Plant: the vessel shall be equipped with all standard, or upgraded, electrical systems as provided by the original boat builder. The electric plant shall include, at a minimum, one appropriately sized generator; starting and house batteries; charging; distribution; shore power. Boat electrical components and subcomponents shall be suitable for a marine environment and isolated from the marine environment

· Command & Control: the vessel shall be equipped with all standard, or upgraded, command and control systems as provided by the original boat builder. The command and control systems shall include, at a minimum, a magnetic compass at the console; navigation lights (in accordance with 72 COLREGS, as amended, and USCG approved); a GPS; chart plotter; radar; fixed spotlight; VHF radio system; navigation horn; Tell-Tale light panel for all engineering equipment and lighting systems; and all appropriate auxiliary/supporting systems.

· Auxiliary Systems: shall be equipped with all standard or upgraded auxiliary systems as provided by the original boat builder. These systems shall include, at a minimum, an appropriately sized HVAC system with 115-volt external source (ship or shore) in event of house battery being switched to off position; electric bilge pumps installed fore and aft for automatic operation in each watertight compartment—minimum of 3700 gph—and at least one hand-operated bilge pump mounted on the main deck. The vessel shall also have a reliable fuel system, Fast Lube Oil Change System (FLOCS) and portable fire. Engine shall be equipped with a thermostatically controlled coolant preheater that operates electrically from an external (ship or shore) 115-vold power source. All mechanical components and subcomponents shall be suitable for a marine environment, demonstrating water and corrosion resistance, or shall be adequately protected from exposure to water and corrosive elements to ensure longevity and reliable operation.

· Outfit and Furnishings: shall be equipped with all standard outfit and furnishings as provided by the original boat builder. This shall include, at a minimum, two (2) 30-inch diameter USCG-approved ring buoys with designated stowage brackets; a United States flag mounted on a mast and staff; six appropriately sized mooring lines; at least 24 adult-sized Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) of Type I and one Type IV throwable device; six suitable fenders; a USCG-approved distress signaling device accompanied by a day shape; a manual bilge pump capable of dewatering below-deck spaces; and all other safety equipment and placards required by the USCG for the vessel.

Additionally, the outfit shall include keys for all onboard locks; appropriate railings and lifelines for all open deck areas; seating for at least 15 persons distributed between the two lounge areas; and, if installed, tables in the fore and aft sections—these shall be designed to avoid obstructing passenger seating and must be removable to facilitate maintenance. All other necessary auxiliary and supporting furnishings and equipment shall be provided to ensure full operational capability.

· Miscellaneous: The vessel shall be delivered fully fueled, with all freshwater tanks topped off, and all engine and auxiliary systems serviced with fresh fluids. The hull shall be coated with a fresh layer of bottom paint, and within 30 days of final acceptance, it shall be pressure washed to remove any growth or barnacles. Anodes shall be appropriately sized and installed to provide adequate corrosion protection for the hull, equipment, and components, with no more than 25% of their material worn away. Any anodes exceeding this threshold shall be replaced to maintain optimal protection

Interested parties are free to submit information that may assist the Navy in its market research.

Interested sources are encouraged to submit a capability summary that does not exceed five (5) pages in length. Submission in PDF format is desired. Drawings sized to 8.5”x11” or 11”x17”. All other documentation sized to 8.5”x11”.

The following information is requested (Please use as a checklist):

1. Provide company contact information.

a. Name

b. Position/Title

c. Email Address

d. Telephone Number

2. Please identify if boat is certified to carry passengers, (Subchapter T, etc.). Please list certifications.

3. Provide any significant maintenance history (replacement/overhaul of major equipment, hull, electrical, etc.) of candidate boat.

4. If proposing a new vessel, provide information on similar vessels built, and if the proposal is for a custom or production vessel.

5. State any known maintenance required.

6. Please state location of vessel and expected cost to provide “as-is” and cost of any required upgrades/maintenance to meet the requirements of this Request.

7. Please state boat construction location.

8. State the age of the vessel.

9. Indicate if the boat has ever been used in official government service in any capacity.

10. Please indicate the last approximate date of the last known survey or United States Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (USCG COI).

11. Provide the approximate price for:

a. Candidate vessel.

b. Shipping to Yokosuka Japan

12. General description of the company

a. Small Business (Y/N)

b. HUB Zone small business (Y/N)

c. Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (Y/N)

d. Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) (Y/N)

e. Women-owned small business (WOSB) concerns eligible (Y/N)

Respondents are responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government will not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified. Information provided shall be treated as Business Sensitive and will not be shared outside of Government activities and agencies without the permission of the provider. Please do not provide classified information or use the marking “CONFIDENTIAL” as this marking is considered classified by the Government which would require special handling of the information.

Defense and commercial contractors, including small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, HUB zone small businesses, and woman-owned small businesses are encouraged to monitor FBO for updates and to participate in any future solicitation, if one is issued.

This RFI is the continuation of market research under Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and is not a RFP. Questions or comments regarding the intended procurement plan or the draft requirements may be directed to: Joe Saponaro, Contracting Officer – NAVSEA 02 (joseph.f.saponaro.civ@us.navy.mil), Michael Goldberg, Contracting Specialist – NAVSEA 02 (michael.s.goldberg9.civ@Us.navy.mil) and Matthew Warncke, Assistant Program Manager – PEO USC/PMS 300G (matthew.j.warncke.civ@us.navy.mil).

Responses are requested by 2:00 PM (EST) on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025.