LIFERAFT INSPECTIONS
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Wilmington District, is conducting a Sources Sought / Request for Information to identify qualified contractors for annual inspection, testing, and certification of Government-owned VIKING liferafts. This requirement covers six USACE Wilmington District Floating Plant & Survey vessels. Responses are due by April 6, 2026, at 1500 ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will perform annual inspections, testing, and certification of VIKING liferafts in accordance with 46 CFR 160.151-57. This includes:
- Unpacking and inflating each liferaft for visual inspection.
- Pressure testing inflatable chambers.
- Inspecting and testing all inflation system components.
- Inspecting and replacing emergency pack equipment as needed.
- Repacking the liferaft. The contractor must be a USCG-approved servicing facility for VIKING liferafts, and all work must be performed by Viking Certified Technicians.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (anticipates a FIRM FIXED PRICE contract).
- NAICS: 488390 (Inspection And Laboratory Services (Except Medical/Dental): Ships, Small Craft, Pontoons, And Floating Docks).
- Duration: Anticipated one (1) base year and four (4) twelve-month option years. The base year is expected from the date of award through April 30, 2027.
- Set-Aside: None specified for this RFI; market research to determine acquisition strategy.
- Response Due: April 6, 2026, at 1500 ET.
- Published: March 27, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Interested firms must submit the following information, with narratives not exceeding 30 pages:
- Firm's Name & Address, Point of Contact (Name/Phone/E-mail).
- Current SAM registration.
- Business Size and socio-economic status (HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, SDB, Woman-Owned, Large Business) with supporting documentation.
- Evidence of capabilities to perform comparable liferaft inspection work on two (2) recent projects (not more than five years old), including project details, contract value, company's involvement, and a point of contact for validation.
- Evidence of Viking Inspection Certification.
- Firm's capability, including geographic span and project size.
- Information on Teaming Arrangements (if applicable), detailing roles and socio-economic status of the team. If a mentor/protégé or JV with a large business, 40% of labor must be performed by the 8(a) firm.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or obligate the Government to any contract award. Responses will inform future acquisition decisions.