UH and Swing Space RFI Q and A 5 August 7 2026.docx

RFI: Temporary Unaccompanied Housing (UH)/Swing Space Solutions for Navy Installations Response to RFI Questions Round 5, August 7, 2026 – August 10, 2026

1. OCCUPANT BASIS FOR THE STATED BED COUNTS

Section 2.1 states bed shortfalls by installation, for example approximately 1,000 beds at Great Lakes and 2,000 beds at Pensacola NATTC. Would the Government confirm whether these figures represent individual sleeping rooms, or total bunks where two or more Sailors may share a room? Would the Government also state the intended room occupancy standard and the minimum area per Sailor for temporary Unaccompanied Housing, and whether the 1+1 module arrangement of UFC 4-721-10 is the benchmark or whether a reduced standard is acceptable for temporary swing space?

Because this is strictly an RFI planning and research phase, the definitive room configurations, physical layouts, and square footage standards for this requirement are not known at this time. All final physical specifications will be formally provided in the future solicitation.

2. SITE PROVISION AND UTILITY RESPONSIBILITY

Section 2.2 addresses commute radius, facility condition standards and local zoning compliance, which suggests respondent provided off installation sites. Would the Government confirm whether it intends to make land available on installation for modular or containerized solutions, and if so at which locations? Where the Government provides land, would it also confirm whether utility service to the site, meaning electrical, water, sanitary sewer and communications, is Government furnished or respondent scope?

Because this is currently an RFI planning and research phase, the Navy has not finalized which specific on-installation parcels will be made available, nor has it locked down the final utility responsibility split. All definitive site locations and utility boundary lines will be formally detailed in a subsequent solicitation.

3. ACQUISITION STRUCTURE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Would the Government indicate whether it anticipates leasing temporary housing capacity, purchasing assets outright, or considering both, and what period of performance it is planning against at each location? The response workbook requests a monthly cost per bed and a Year 1 total, which suggests a lease or service model, while Section 1 invites existing ready to deploy inventory, which suggests acquisition. Confirmation would allow respondents to present the structure the Government intends to procure.

Because this is currently an RFI planning and research phase, the Navy has not finalized its preferred procurement method (leasing versus outright purchase) or locked in the final contract structures. All definitive acquisition strategies and contractual vehicles will be formally detailed in a future solicitation.

However, to provide the Navy with maximum operational flexibility to develop its Courses of Action (COAs), the RFI is designed to evaluate both leasing/service models and direct capital acquisitions. To support this dual-path analysis, the Navy's Excel workbook requests monthly bed rates and Year 1 totals (indicative of a service or lease model), while the RFI text invites direct product delivery and conceptual models (indicative of capital purchases or design-build structures).

4. SCOPE OF THE PENSACOLA SHOWER REQUIREMENT

Section 2.1 notes that the Pensacola NATTC and Main Side requirement includes alternative temporary shower solutions during renovation periods. Would the Government describe the scale of that requirement, meaning the number of shower fixtures or the population to be served, whether it is required independently of a bed solution, and the expected duration?

Because this is currently an RFI planning and research phase, the exact scale, mechanical fixtures, and precise population targets for the temporary shower requirement at Pensacola NATTC are not finalized. All definitive specifications will be formally provided in the future solicitation.

5. MARKET RESEARCH EXPECTATIONS BY RESPONDENT TYPE

Section 4.3 requests market and project financial metrics including capitalization rates, investor internal rate of return expectations, financing costs and debt service coverage ratios. Would the Government confirm that these are requested to the extent applicable to the respondent's business model, and that a manufacturer or supplier without a real estate underwriting portfolio may respond under the industry expertise structure that Section 4.3 permits, without prejudice in the Government's assessment?

Yes, the Government confirms that market and project financial metrics are requested only to the extent applicable to the respondent's business model.

Because this is strictly an RFI planning and research phase, no final evaluation or selectee decisions are being made. Any manufacturer, supplier, or vendor without a real estate underwriting portfolio may respond under the "industry expertise" structure permitted in Section 4.3 without prejudice in the Government's assessment.

6. WORKBOOK STRUCTURE FOR MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS AT ONE INSTALLATION

Section 4.1 states that the workbook should include a separate tab for each installation, while the Government template provides a single Installation Solution tab to be duplicated for each additional solution. Would the Government confirm the preferred structure where a respondent offers more than one solution type at a single installation, and whether the Locations_Master tab should reflect the primary solution only?

Duplicate the tab for each separate solution at a single installation. If you are offering multiple housing types (e.g., both modular and hotel leasing) for one base, create a separate tab for each solution type and name them clearly. Your Locations_Master tab should reflect the primary or combined capacity and total ROM cost to ensure the Navy has an accurate regional summary.

7. APPLICATION OF THE FILE SIZE LIMIT

Section 5 sets a total file size limit of 10 MB. Would the Government confirm whether that limit applies to the combined submission including the Government provided response workbook, and whether drawings or site plans may be submitted as a separate transmission where the limit would otherwise be exceeded?

Yes, the 10 MB limit applies to the combined, single-email submission containing your 5-page Capability Statement, the Installation Solutions Excel Workbook, and the Market Research Excel Document.

However, because this is an RFI planning stage and all innovative solutions are being requested, the Navy highly encourages the submission of detailed drawings, site plans, and technical specifications. If these visual assets cause your files to exceed 10 MB, you are permitted to submit them via a separate, clearly marked transmission, or coordinate a secure file-transfer option.

8. Has the Navy narrowed which installations are most likely to actually receive RV-based or houseboat housing, versus more conventional options like leased apartments or hotels?

The Navy has not yet determined which specific types of temporary housing will be used at individual installations. While we have identified locations with anticipated housing shortfalls and swing space requirements—including Great Lakes, Pensacola, Hampton Roads, and San Diego, as outlined in the RFI itself—we are currently in the initial information-gathering phase. The formal Request for Information (RFI) is designed to solicit a wide variety of practical and flexible solutions from industry to meet the capacity gaps at these specific sites. Once proposals are received and evaluated against the unique needs and local constraints of each identified installation, the Navy will determine the most appropriate and effective housing options for each location.

9. How will the Navy decide which sailors are placed in which type of temporary housing, and will sailors have any input or choice in that placement?

The Navy is currently in the initial RFI phase and cannot make determinations regarding housing assignments or Sailor placement at this time. Decisions on how personnel will be assigned to temporary accommodations will depend on the proposals selected and the contract details finalized for each location. Our priority remains securing safe, high-quality housing that supports the well-being of our Sailors, and we will share specific placement procedures once contracts are finalized.

10. Will sailors housed in commercial or unconventional temporary housing receive Basic Allowance for Housing or another form of compensation, and if so, how would that be calculated?

Determinations regarding BAH or other allowances cannot be made until proposals are selected and contract details are finalized. The Navy will evaluate and establish appropriate compensation structures in accordance with Department of Defense regulations once the specific housing delivery models are decided.

11. What safety, code-compliance and storm-evacuation standards will the Navy require of RV- or houseboat-based housing specifically, given that these are not typical military billeting solutions?

Because this initiative is currently in the RFI phase, specific safety, code-compliance, and evacuation protocols for these potential housing types have not been finalized. All mandatory technical, safety, and regulatory requirements will be formally defined and provided in subsequent contract solicitations to ensure any selected solution meets Navy quality and safety standards.

12. How does the Navy plan to handle transportation, meals, laundry and internet access for sailors placed off traditional installations during this transition period?

The Navy is currently in the initial RFI phase and cannot make specific determinations regarding support services at this time. Plans to address logistics such as transportation, dining, laundry, and internet access will be finalized based on the proposals selected, contract details, and the physical locations of the approved projects.

13. Given the Aug. 24 response deadline, what is the expected timeline for issuing an actual solicitation and beginning to place sailors in temporary housing?

The exact timeline for issuing a formal solicitation and beginning Sailor placement is not yet determined. Because this RFI is for market research, the Navy's immediate focus following the August 24, 2026 deadline is to analyze industry feedback. This data will shape potential Courses of Action (COAs) and define the final acquisition strategy, after which a formal procurement and placement timeline will be established.

14. How does this RFI fit into the Navy's broader $375 million barracks improvement effort announced in December 2025, and the "No Sailor Lives Afloat" initiative?

This RFI is separate and unrelated to the OSW’s Barracks Task Force initiative. However, this effort is directly aligned with the Navy's "No Sailor Lives Afloat" initiative. By seeking alternative, land-based "swing space" through this RFI, the Navy is proactively ensuring that Sailors are not forced to live aboard their ships while their permanent barracks undergo critical renovations and modernizations.

15. Capability Statement: Is there a preferred format or template for the five-page Capability Statement?

There is no template or specific layout style required for the 5-page Capability Statement in the RFI. However, Section 4.2 of the RFI outlines the specific content areas that must be addressed within the 5-page limit. Ensure these sections are included.

16. I noticed some of the cells in the "Responses" column could not contain our response, so I entered and highlighted our responses in the "Submission Format" column instead. Please let me know if there is a preferred method for documenting those responses.

Your method of entering and highlighting your data in the "Submission Format" column is fully acceptable and highly appreciated to circumvent locked-cell issues in the template.

17. Our hotel is approximately 20 minutes from Corry Station and 50 minutes from NATTC. Since we can support both locations, would you prefer that we submit one response covering both installations, or a separate submission for each location?

The preferred method is to submit one combined response package containing separate, individual tabs for each installation within the same Installation Solutions Excel Workbook. To support this, you should create and complete separate tabs for Pensacola - Corry Station and Pensacola - NATTC.

While your 20-minute commute to Corry Station is highly compliant with the preferred 35-minute window, you are strongly encouraged to submit your 50-minute NATTC solution as well, explicitly detailing the estimated commute and highlighting why the site remains viable.

18. For the Monthly Cost per Bed field, I calculated the value by multiplying the average nightly room rate by 31 days based on the applicable seasonal government per diem rates. Is this the preferred methodology, or is there another calculation the Navy would like respondents to use?

Your method of calculating the Monthly Cost per Bed by multiplying the average nightly government per diem rate by 31 days is fully acceptable and highly logical for commercial lodging providers.

Because this is currently a Request for Information (RFI) for market research, there is no single mandated calculation method, and all commercial pricing models are under active consideration. To ensure cost realism, respondents should explicitly state this per-diem-based underwriting assumption in both their Capability Statement and the Installation Solutions Excel Workbook.

19. We can offer up to 30 apartment-style suites, including 20 rooms with two Queen beds and 10 rooms with one King bed and one pull-out sofa bed. I did my best to reflect this in the spreadsheet. Please let me know if there is a preferred way to present this information.

Your method of reflecting your 30 apartment-style suites in the RFI workbook is fully acceptable.

Because this is currently an RFI planning and research phase, no final evaluation or selection decisions have been made, and all proposed solutions are under active consideration. To ensure the Navy can easily and accurately extract your room and bed configuration from the Installation Solutions Excel Workbook, follow the standardized data-entry and notation formats.

20. The RFI references compliance with Dow minimum adequacy standards. Can the Government identify the specific standards or guidance document that respondents should use?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage for market research and planning purposes. Because this phase is strictly for gathering industry capabilities, definitive safety, quality, and physical standards are not finalized and will be officially developed and provided during the formal solicitation process.

21. Does the Government permit multiple occupants to share a bedroom within a dwelling unit? If so, what are the maximum allowable occupancy limits and minimum space requirements per occupant?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final technical specifications or physical requirements have been established. All definitive specifications and technical requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

22. The installation requirements identify both a baseline bed requirement and a surge capacity. Is the surge quantity in addition to the baseline requirement, or does it represent the maximum total capacity required during the period of performance?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements have been established. All definitive requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

23. Installation Excel Workbook Cell B26 - requires a specific address, industry can provide one sample location but offer multiple solutions, how do we note that information? Each location amenities will vary, future state we can provide specific information per property.

This is fully acceptable. To document a single sample address while offering a portfolio of multiple properties, input your primary sample location's address in Cell B26, and use the adjacent fields or the "Notes" section at the bottom of the tab to clearly indicate that multiple alternative properties are available.

Because this is currently an RFI planning stage and all solutions are being requested, the Navy understands that specific hotel, apartment, or land locations will vary. You can formally clarify that detailed property-by-property specifications will be provided in the future formal solicitation

24. What is the anticipated occupancy/lease term for each installation or project phase?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final technical specifications or physical requirements have been established. All definitive specifications and technical requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

25. Please provide a specific address per base to map out the 35-minute commute to base.

For commuting calculations, mileage and travel times should be measured to any major, active entry control point (gate) of the assigned installation.

26. Does the Government anticipate procuring the FY26 requirements separately from the FY27–FY30 requirements, or under a single acquisition strategy?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements have been established. All definitive requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

27. Would you consider apartment buildings that are currently under construction and are expected to become available during future performance periods?

Yes, the Navy will consider apartment buildings that are currently under construction and scheduled to become available during future performance periods.

Because this is currently a Request for Information (RFI) for market research to develop potential Courses of Action (COAs), no active procurement is underway, and all solutions—including not-yet-completed properties—are being requested and evaluated.

Proposing properties under construction is highly viable, provided you detail a credible completion timeline and path to local occupancy compliance in your response.

28. Is air conditioning required at all locations? If so, are permanent HVAC systems acceptable, or are portable air conditioning units required under certain circumstances?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements have been established. All definitive requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

29. Is there a specified threshold for the number of washer/dryers required per occupant in shared laundry facilities?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements have been established. All definitive requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

30. Can you provide insights into the evaluation criteria?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements or evaluation criteria have been established. All definitive requirements and evaluation criteria will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

31. Is the eventual RFP going to be best value or best price?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements or evaluation criteria have been established. All definitive requirements and evaluation criteria will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

32. Can you clarify what is Risk/Mitigation on the spreadsheet?

In the Installation Solutions Excel Workbook, the "Risk/Mitigation" section is designed to capture the primary real-world constraints that could delay your project, and the specific actions your team will take to resolve them.

33. Would Trailer Housing Solutions be plausible to place on base/location in a campus style format - or only external in the city/surrounding area?

Yes, trailer-based housing is highly plausible to place directly on-base in an integrated campus-style format, as well as externally in the surrounding area.

34. What is the sq ft per person in alternative housing accommodations (repurposed warehouse space) - would bunk beds be considered?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements or evaluation criteria have been established. All definitive requirements and evaluation criteria will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

35. Would a hybrid approach with multi-person sleeper trailers, multi-person office trailers, and separate shower trailers be a viable solution for consideration for Pensacola, FL (NATTC/Main Side) with locations to lock items as opposed to separate dwellings for each.

Yes, this is strictly a Request for Information (RFI) requesting all innovative and viable solutions from the industry to be presented

36. Can you clarify the anticipated length of stay for personnel occupying swing space during renovation projects? Please include the expected lease period, estimated project start dates, and whether occupancy will occur as a phased influx or a single mobilization.

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements have been established. All definitive requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

37. What is the expected start dates for the FY26 location requirements?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements have been established. All definitive requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

38. Are there available installation land parcels for temporary facilities? If so, which locations?

Because this is currently an RFI planning and research phase, the Navy has not finalized a list of specific, pre-selected land parcels on federal installations for this requirement. All final site designations and boundaries will be formally detailed in a future solicitation.

39. Is utility infrastructure already available for on-base installations?

Because this is currently an RFI planning and research phase, the Navy has not finalized these details. All technical specifications and details will be made available in a future solicitation.

40. For the swing space (barracks-style) housing requirement, can you provide the minimum facility standards, including required square footage, maximum occupancy per room, bunk configuration (if applicable), and the required toilets/shower per occupant?

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) stage only. Because this phase is strictly for market research and planning, no final requirements have been established. All definitive requirements will be officially published and posted in the future formal solicitation.

41. Does the Navy have a target or preferred maximum number of occupants per sleeping unit, or a minimum square footage per Sailor, for temporary unaccompanied housing?

Because this is currently an RFI planning and research phase, the definitive occupancy limits and precise square footage standards for this requirement are not known at this time. All final physical specifications will be formally provided in the subsequent formal solicitation.

42. Would you be the appropriate person to contact for assistance with the workbook, or is there another point of contact you would recommend?

Yes.