***UPDATED** Sources Sought for US Naval Academy Sailboats

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is for informational planning purposes to gather industry data for the potential replacement of the U.S. Naval Academy's (USNA) 44' MKII Sail Training Craft (STC). The Navy is seeking detailed descriptions of hull layup and construction for commercially available sailboat models that meet specific size, performance, and arrangement characteristics. The goal is to assess how these commercial models compare to the USNA 44' MKII STC in terms of hull mechanical properties, laminate lay-up, and resiliency to impacts and groundings.

• Hull Construction: Detailed descriptions of lamination schedules, materials, core, lamination methods, scantling geometry/spacing, bonding methods, and objective quality evidence (OQE).
• Testing & Certification: Calculation results and test results for hull strength, resiliency, scantling determination, and stability, referencing standards like ISO 12215-5 and ISO 12217-2. Any existing hull certifications (e.g., World Sailing OSR Category 1) are also requested.
• Design Basis: Confirmation if the design is based on a current commercially produced boat, including model name and any modifications needed for sail training use.
• Sailboat Information: Details on vessel size (42-46 ft length, 12.75-14 ft beam, < 8 ft draft), tankage, propulsion, and berthing (10 single berths).
• Desired Features: Specific requirements for hull (optimized waterline, robust construction, accessibility for repairs, crash bulkhead), deck (headroom, wide side decks, cockpit size, removable prod, anchor roller), rig (carbon spar, fractional sloop), appendages (fin keel, robust rudder), and cabin layout (berths, galley, navigation station, storage).
• Company Information: Contact details, company description (size, socio-economic status, ownership, facilities), capability narrative, and experience with similar projects.
• Candidate Vessel Information: Principal characteristics, photos/drawings, design/construction standards, and approximate unit price.

This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP), contract, or order. No costs incurred in responding will be reimbursed.

• Responses are requested by 2:00 PM (EST) on February 13, 2026.
• Questions may be submitted up to January 23, 2026.
• Submissions should not exceed ten (10) pages in length, in PDF format.
• Drawings should be sized to 8.5"x11" or 11"x17".

Open to all interested parties, foreign and domestic, based on criteria in the Buy America Act. If an RFP is issued, domestic manufacturing and solicitation requirements must be met. Small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, HUBZone small businesses, and woman-owned small businesses are encouraged to monitor FedBizOpps for updates.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked. Information provided will be treated as Business Sensitive.
• The USNA 44' MKII Hull Construction Laminate drawing can be provided upon request for comparison purposes.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is for informational planning purposes to gather industry input for the potential replacement of the U.S. Naval Academy's (USNA) 44' MKII Sail Training Craft (STC). The Navy is seeking detailed descriptions of hull layup and construction for commercially available sailboat models that can match the USNA's draft requirements. The goal is to assess how these models compare to the current STC in terms of hull mechanical properties and laminate durability for midshipmen training.

• Hull Construction: Detailed descriptions of lamination schedule, materials, core, method, scantling geometry/spacing, bonding methods, and objective quality evidence (OQE).

• Technical Data: Calculation results and test results for hull strength, resiliency, scantling determination (e.g., ISO 12215-5), and stability (e.g., ISO 12217-2).

• Certifications: Any hull certifications (e.g., World Sailing OSR Category 1, DNV, Lloyds, ISO Category A).

• Existing Designs: Confirmation if the design is based on a commercially produced boat, including model name and any modifications needed for sail training use.

• Comparison: A description comparing the robustness of commercially available sailboat hulls to the USNA 44' MKII STC.

• Vessel Size: Capable of accommodating ten personnel (Skipper, XO, 8 crew).

• Dimensions: Length 42-46 ft, Max Beam 12.75-14 ft, Draft < 8 ft, Air Draft Max 70 ft.

• Tankage: Minimums of 140 gal Fuel, 80 gal Water, 60 gal Blackwater.

• Propulsion: ~50 hp.

• Berthing: 10 single berths.

• Hull Features: Optimized waterline/stem, robust/repairable, strengthened for collision/grounding, accessible systems, crash bulkhead (World Sailing OSR Cat 1), bilge pump sump.

• Deck Features: 6'5" headroom, wide side decks, large cockpit, removable prod for spinnakers, removable anchor roller, cockpit seats/lockers, open transom for life raft, dual steering wheels, jib tracks, large foredeck hatch, lazarettes, radar/antenna mast.

• Rig: Carbon spar, aluminum boom, rod rigging, storm trysail track, fractional sloop rig, multiple halyards, hank-on fore sails.

• Appendages: Fin keel, robust composite rudder.

• Cabin Layout: 10 single berths (2 for storage), U-shaped galley with refrigeration, stove, 5-day food storage, aft head, navigation station, personal gear storage, engine soundproofing.

• Format: PDF, not exceeding ten (10) pages.

• Drawings: 8.5"x11" or 11"x17".

• Other Documentation: 8.5"x11".

• Company Information: Name, address, POC, email, phone.

• Company Description: Size (NAICS 336612), socio-economic status, ownership structure, production facilities.

• Capability Narrative: Description of similar projects/experience.

• Candidate Vessel Information: Characteristics, capabilities, photos/renderings, design/construction/regulatory standards.

• Pricing: Approximate unit price including logistics, manuals, and test certifications.

• Questions Due: January 23, 2026

• Responses Due: February 13, 2026, 2:00 PM (EST)

• This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a commitment to issue an RFP or contract.

• No costs incurred in responding will be reimbursed.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

• The Government will not be obligated to pursue any acquisition alternative based on this RFI.

• Responses will not be returned and will not be used to disqualify participation in future solicitations.