Conduct testing of aluminum bottled water, to determine the bottles’ suitability as emergency water rations for United States Navy (USN) 25-person (MK-7) and 50-person (MK-8) inflatable life rafts

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is seeking a firm fixed price contract for testing aluminum bottled water to evaluate its suitability as emergency water rations for United States Navy inflatable life rafts. Specifically, the testing will focus on 25-person (MK-7) and 50-person (MK-8) life raft configurations. The procurement is being conducted on a sole source basis through the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, with a focus on professional scientific and technical services related to marine equipment testing. The solicitation was posted on May 14, 2025, with proposals due by May 23, 2025, indicating a relatively short response window for potential contractors. The evaluation will likely center on the technical capabilities to conduct comprehensive water bottle testing and meet the specific requirements for maritime emergency water supply standards.

The contract opportunity is not designated with any specific set-aside status, meaning it is open to a broad range of potential contractors. The place of performance is specified as Fort Story, Virginia, which suggests the testing will be conducted at a naval facility in that location. While specific award values are not detailed in the provided documentation, the contract falls under the NAICS category 541990 for "All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services" and the Product Service Code H220 for "Equipment and Materials Testing - Ship and Marine Equipment". The procurement appears focused on a specific, technical assessment of water bottle suitability for maritime emergency scenarios, indicating a specialized and targeted research and testing objective. The solicitation suggests a precise, mission-critical evaluation of water storage and preservation methods for naval life-saving equipment.