Operation, Maintenance, and Repair of Motor Vessel Independence (M/V Independence Support)

Quick Summary

The Department of the Navy, specifically NAVFAC SYSTEMS AND EXP WARFARE CTR, is soliciting proposals for the Operation, Maintenance, and Repair of the Motor Vessel INDEPENDENCE (M/V Independence Support). This contract is a Total Small Business Set-Aside and aims to secure crewing and engineering services for the MVI, which supports the Naval Facilities Command Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC)'s research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) missions. Proposals are due by July 14, 2026.

Scope of Work

This effort requires providing a properly credentialed 11-person crew, support personnel, facilities, and supervision for the M/V INDEPENDENCE. Key responsibilities include:

• Vessel Operation & Maintenance: Ensuring mission readiness through comprehensive operation and maintenance.
• Mission Support: Supporting NAVFAC EXWC's offshore missions, including oceanographic surveys, environmental data collection, naval exercises, and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations.
• Crewing: Furnishing complete or partial operating crews experienced in technically complex RDT&E experiments at sea.
• Maintenance: Performing predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance in accordance with USCG regulations, ABS standards, and OEM requirements, utilizing an on-board PM database.
• Engineering Services: Providing services for vessel alterations to accommodate project equipment, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems, with analysis for large or heavy equipment.
• Logistics: Arranging all logistic services for at-sea and port operations, including expendables, consumables, and hardware.
• Dry-docking: Performing dry-docking and maintenance to maintain ABS certification.
• Security: Maintaining security aboard the M/V INDEPENDENCE, including watch-standing, with potential requirements for security clearances up to Top Secret with SCI Eligibility.
• Additional Services: May include GFE operation, data acquisition, equipment field maintenance, parts replacement, vessel alterations, design/fabrication of project equipment, and provision of commercial vessels via charter.

Performance Standards & Special Requirements

• Operational Readiness: MVI must be ready to sail within 48 hours' notice for short cruises and five days' notice for longer cruises.
• Reporting: Monthly progress reports (financial, maintenance) and situational/special reports are required.
• Manning: An 11-person crew with specific qualifications (Master, Mates, Engineers, Able Seamen, Cook) is mandated.
• Security Clearances: Contractor personnel may require Top Secret Facility Clearance (FCL), and specific crew members must hold in-scope TOP SECRET security clearances with SCI Eligibility.
• Weight Handling Equipment (WHE): Compliance with NAVFAC EXWC Instruction 11260.1 for WHE onboard.
• Berthing and Messing: Provision of meals for crew and project personnel during in-port and at-sea days.

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Solicitation
• Duration: 5-year period (1825 days)
• Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
• Product Service Code: J019 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Ships, Small Craft, Pontoons, And Floating Docks)
• Response Due: July 14, 2026, 01:00 AM UTC
• Published: June 11, 2026, 09:47 PM UTC

Place of Performance

Primarily coastal waters of California, Oregon, and Washington, but may include domestic and foreign ports. The vessel is typically berthed at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, CA 93043.

Contact Information

• Primary Contact: Jadon Honour
• Email: jadon.g.honour.civ@us.navy.mil
• Phone: 8059824807