USNS COMFORT Integrated Bridge System

The Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command is seeking eligible small businesses to design, build, install, and test a commercial grade Integrated Bridge System (IBS) for the USNS COMFORT, a medical and surgical support vessel originally constructed in 1976. The project involves comprehensive modifications to the ship's navigation bridge, including replacement of existing navigation equipment, communications systems, consoles, and electrical systems to meet current regulatory standards. Potential contractors must demonstrate compliance with American Bureau of Shipping, US Coast Guard, International Maritime Organization, and IEEE standards. Responses to the sources sought notice are due by April 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, with submissions to be sent via email to Contract Specialist Shawnda Forbes. Eligible small businesses include Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, and 8(a) Small Businesses, who must provide detailed capabilities packages demonstrating their ability to fulfill the contract requirements.

The procurement is not set aside for any specific designation, though small business participation is encouraged. The contract is structured as a three-phase project with a base period of engineering and design from award to September 31, 2026, followed by two optional periods: procurement and integration from March 31, 2026 to March 31, 2027, and installation and technical support for 120 days between January 1 and December 31, 2027. While specific award values are not disclosed in the documentation, the project involves a comprehensive systems upgrade for a significant naval medical support vessel. Potential contractors will need to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and have demonstrated experience with similar naval vessel systems integration projects. The procurement falls under NAICS category 541330 (Engineering Services) and PSC category R425 (Support- Professional: Engineering/Technical), indicating the technical complexity and specialized nature of the required work.