NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow: Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) Services
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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing a presolicitation for Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) repairs to the NOAA Ship HENRY B. BIGELOW. This will be a Firm Fixed-Price contract awarded through Full and Open Competition. The industrial repair phase is estimated from February 15, 2028, to April 14, 2029. Proposals are anticipated to be due February 26, 2026 (subject to change).
Purpose
NOAA's Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD), on behalf of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), is soliciting for comprehensive Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) repairs to the NOAA Ship HENRY B. BIGELOW, a 209-foot vessel homeported in Newport, RI. This notice is a synopsis only; a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued later.
Scope of Work
The extensive repairs and upgrades include, but are not limited to:
- Structural Repairs: Hull and house, drainage modifications.
- Propulsion & Mechanical: Vessel repowering, tail shaft removal/replacement, propeller blades/hub replacement, bow thruster overhaul, overhaul of emergency generator, service/inspection of transformers, control center, emergency switchboard, conversion of auxiliary electric motors to 480V.
- Systems & Equipment: Replacement of Dynamic Positioning System, Fire & Alarm Detection System (FAD), Furuno S/X Band Radars, ship service pumps, through hull piping penetrations, flexible couplings/hoses, tank/void vents, ventilation ducting/fans, AC plants, refrigeration systems. Installation of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (Urea) Tank & Delivery System, Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Makers.
- Preservation: Underwater hull, exterior decks, freeboard, deck house, stack, mast, deck machinery, chain locker, ballast tanks, miscellaneous tanks.
- Optional Work Items: Miscellaneous steel repair, winch room repairs, crane replacement/maintenance, piping repair, insulation/lagging repairs, and interior painting.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition
- Performance Period: Total contract from date of award through April 14, 2029. The industrial repair phase is estimated for 14 months, from February 15, 2028, to April 14, 2029. Procurement of long lead time materials will begin immediately after award.
- Place of Performance: Norfolk, VA 23510, United States.
- Estimated Value: To be determined (TBD).
- Proposal Due: February 26, 2026 (subject to change).
- Published Date: December 5, 2025.
Evaluation
Award will be made to the contractor whose proposal represents the best value to the government, considering both price and non-price factors.
Submission & Eligibility
- The formal RFP will be issued via electronic posting on SAM.gov under "Contract Opportunities." Hard copies will not be issued.
- Contractors must monitor SAM.gov for the RFP release, specifications, drawings, and any amendments.
- Interested parties must submit a request for access to reference documents via email to the Contract Specialist.
- Contractors must be registered with an active Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
This is a synopsis only and not a solicitation. Information regarding a site visit will be addressed at the time of solicitation and is not guaranteed. The solicitation will include a liquidated damages clause. Ship's transit time to and from the place of performance is not included in the specified repair period.
Primary Contact: Tamara Horton (Tamara.Horton@noaa.gov, 757-364-6909) Secondary Contact: Andrew Northcutt (andrew.northcutt@noaa.gov, 757-441-6457)