Sources Sought - Stern Tube Maintenance Material - USNS ROBERT F. KENNEDY

The Military Sealift Command is seeking small businesses to provide specialized Stern Tube Seal Maintenance Material for the USNS ROBERT F. KENNEDY (T-AO 208). Specifically, the procurement involves OEM Simplex Americas LLC manufactured components, including two AFT Chrome Split Non-Standard Size 670, two FWD Liner/Cast Iron Split Size 630, two AFT Seal Systems, and two FWD Seal Systems. The agency is targeting small businesses, with a preference for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Certified HUBZone, and Certified 8(a) Small Businesses. Interested firms must submit a comprehensive capabilities package by May 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM EDT, detailing company profile, employee count, office locations, Unique Entity Identifier, CAGE Code, small business status, work facility, and any large business partnerships. The government anticipates issuing the solicitation on June 3, 2025, with an expected contract award date of June 27, 2025.

The contract opportunity falls under NAICS Category 339991 for Gasket, Packing, and Sealing Device Manufacturing and PSC Category 2010 for Ship and Boat Propulsion Components. There are no specific set-aside designations for this procurement, though small businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. The delivery location for the required materials will be the MSC W143 Warehouse in Norfolk, VA. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves precise maritime equipment specifications. The timeline suggests a relatively short procurement cycle, with the entire process from sources sought notice to potential contract award spanning approximately 50 days. Potential contractors should note the specific technical requirements for the stern tube maintenance materials and ensure they can meet the precise manufacturing specifications of Simplex Americas LLC.