Cable repair ship (t-ARC(x)) request for information notice

INTRODUCTION  

This Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought Notice is being issued by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), on behalf of the Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office (PMS325) for the Cable Repair Ship (T-ARC(X)). PMS325 is (1) conducting general market research, (2) assessing the industrial base capability, and (3) requesting feedback on the revised notional T-ARC(X) Acquisition Strategy via this Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought Notice. All interested parties, including but not limited to capable small businesses are encouraged to respond to this RFI. Lack of response by capable small businesses may influence the Government’s determination regarding whether the potential for a small business set aside exists.  

This RFI/Sources Sought Notice is for planning purposes only.  

DISCLAIMER  

This is a Request for Information (RFI) notice only. This RFI is for informational planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government for any actual procurement of supplies or services. This notice does not constitute a solicitation or a promise of a solicitation in the future, nor does it commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in responding to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are solely at the responding parties’ expense. It is desirable that data be received with unlimited rights to the Government. Nevertheless, we recognize that proprietary data may be included with the information provided. If so, clearly mark such proprietary information and clearly separate it from the unrestricted information as an addendum. Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government will not be liable, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified. Proprietary information received in response to this RFI will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations. 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. Although the Government may ask for clarifications pertaining to submitted information, 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.  

WORK REQUIREMENTS  

T-ARC(X) will replace the existing ship capability of USNS Zeus (T-ARC 7), the Navy’s only cable repair ship. T-ARC(X) will be built to commercial standards, ABS Class MVR, comply with SOLAS Regulations, and obtain an USCG Certification.  

Release of the T-ARC(X) RFP has been delayed from early FY25 to revise the Acquisition Strategy to better comply with congressional intent of anticipated changes in the 2025 NDAA, and the overall objective of obtaining higher confidence cost estimates in response to government request for proposal for Detail Design and Construction. Estimate RFP release near the beginning of FY26. The primary objective of the revised Acquisition Strategy is to mature designs in the initial phase(s) to obtain greater fidelity in cost estimates supporting DD&C proposals from industry. The previously circulated strategy is being revised to increase design maturity in the initial phase(s). Multiple contracting strategies are being considered, but the overall construct is similar to the previous strategy. 

1. Initial phase(s) (Phase I) for design of the vessel

   a. Offerors will submit proposals for the initial design phase(s) of the vessel

   b. Multiple award for design efforts to up to two (2) prime contractors 

   c. The design product of the initial phase(s) will include enough detail to allow industry participants to accurately price the construction of the vessel in the follow-on phase. 

2. Follow-on phase(s) (Phase II) for detail design and construction of the vessel 

   a. Offerors will submit a proposal that reflects the design maturity achieved in the initial phase(s) and an accurate price for DD&C for the government to evaluate.  

   b. Single award 

         i. Award for transitioning the Phase I design to the detail design required for ship construction; 

         ii. Option for first ship construction; 

         iii. Option for second ship construction. 

Prime offerors on this effort would be shipyards. Offerors would be required to subcontract/partner with a Design Agent. The ships will be procured and built in the U.S. Funding for the lead ship and second ship are currently programmed for FY27 and FY29, respectively. This is subject to change depending upon the final acquisition strategy. 

INSTRUCTIONS TO INTERESTED PARTIES  

NAVSEA is establishing the acquisition strategy for the T-ARC(X) program, and requests industry inputs as to its advantageousness. The previously circulated strategy is being revised to increase design maturity in the initial phase(s).  Contract structures are still being evaluated. 

Initial phase(s) (Phase I) would consist of an FY26 or FY27 multiple award contract (MAC) to up to two (2) shipbuilders, resulting in functional-level designs from each MAC awardee. A key element of this approach is that each Shipbuilder will partner with a Design Agent to develop a ship design tailored to the Shipbuilder’s design and manufacturing processes, while still meeting the overall T-ARC(X) Program requirements. 

Follow-on phase(s) (Phase II) would start after the completion of Phase I and source selection period, as a single award contract action for Detail Design & Construction (DD&C), transitioning the functional design (FD) from Phase I into the detail design, and then constructing the ship(s) accordingly. The government may structure the Phase II RFP and source selection as a downselect contract option, or a full and open competition. Phase I awardees (or other interested parties, if an open competition) would each submit a Phase II price and technical proposal. The proposals would be evaluated by the Government and awarded to a single DD&C shipbuilder. At the Phase II design readiness junction, the Government would at its unilateral option, authorize/exercise Ship 1 Construction. Ship 2 Construction will be available as an option for unilateral exercise by the Government. The award of Ship 2 Construction could occur at the same time as Ship 1 Construction, or in a later fiscal year. The government is requesting feedback to the scope of engineering work and associated design development that is sufficient for developing a high confidence cost estimate for DD&C.  Feedback on the phases and this type of acquisition strategy is also requested. Exercise of any/all option CLINs would be subject to the availability of funds. 

Please respond to the entirety of the Enclosure 1: Market Research Questionnaire items. If responses have been previously provided to NAVSEA via earlier market research engagements, and no changes or updates have occurred since submission, please identify that the information previously provided (with reference) still stands. Enclosure 2: T-ARC(X) Functional Design DI Matrix is provided to seek feedback on the Data Item deliverables proposed for Phase 1 of the effort and ensure the scope sufficiently increases the design development for DD&C cost estimates. Titles, previous J-2 version origin, and an estimated level of completion are provided for the Phase 1 effort.  

Respondents shall indicate the extent to which incorporation of their feedback will influence their ability and/or interest in pursuing this opportunity.  

All small businesses interested in this acquisition MUST complete the questionnaire to demonstrate responsibility for the requirement. Please note that failure to respond to this RFI may affect the Government’s small business set aside decision.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

This RFI announcement is not a contract, a request for proposal, a promise to contract, or a commitment of any kind on the part of the Government. Please note that the Government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with this RFI. The Navy will not assume liability for any costs incurred, therefore, any costs incurred in response to this notice are not considered an allowable direct charge to the Government. Not responding to these events will not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. This procurement requires the ability to safeguard classified materials during DD&C phase.  

Respondents should submit responses in electronic format via e-mail by 28 January 2025 to Mr. Tim Ross, PEO SHIPS (PMS 325), at timothy.b.ross2.civ@us.navy.mil with a copy to Mr. Steven Noel NAVSEA 02, at steven.w.noel.civ@us.navy.mil and Ms. Kate Wisniewski at kate.l.wisniewski.civ@us.navy.mil.  

RFI response files shall be in PDF format, with file name including the reference number and your company name. Enclosure 2 feedback shall also be returned as an Excel spreadsheet, or similar file format. Submissions may be accepted after this date, but feedback may be less likely to contribute to NAVSEA’s strategic planning.