USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20) Mid-Term Availability (MTA)

Class Justification and Approval (J&A)

This document justifies the use of other than full and open competition for modifications to contract N3220526C1204 with Alabama Shipyard (ASY) for the Mid-Term Availability of the USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20). The modifications are to incorporate work items identified as necessary to comply with regulatory requirements from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and American Bureau of Shipping.

• The original contract was awarded on December 16, 2025, for $16,707,619.00.

• The revised period of performance for these modifications is January 22, 2026, through May 03, 2026.

• Funding will be provided by fiscal year 2026 Operations and Maintenance, Navy (O&M,N) funds.

• The authority cited is 10 U.S.C 3204(a)(2) for unusual and compelling urgency.

• Deficiencies requiring repair were identified by inspectors from the U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and the vessel's crew during an inspection period (January 23, 2026 - February 14, 2026).

• Competitively soliciting these work items is not feasible due to a required procurement action lead time of 381 days, which would delay the vessel's return to mission-readiness.

• The estimated loss to the Government for each day of delay is $85,757.00.

• The current status of the vessel (interferences removed, staging installed, equipment open) presents the most cost-effective opportunity for maintenance and repairs.

• A pre-solicitation notice was posted on SAM.gov on May 28, 2025.

• The award notice was posted on December 16, 2025.

• This requirement is not considered a candidate for full and open competition due to the urgency and circumstances outlined.

• The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to be fair and reasonable per FAR 15.404-1(b)(2).

• The Government intends to develop a technical data package or performance specification to support future competition for similar items.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an enclosure to a Justification and Approval (J&A) and appears to list specific repair items with descriptions and justifications. It is likely intended to support a sole-source procurement or a modification to an existing contract.

• CCO / WI: Codes likely representing work items or contract line items.
• Description/Justification: Details the nature of the repair and the reasons it is necessary, often citing safety, regulatory compliance (ABS, USCG), or operational readiness.
  • 023: Boiler Drain Piping Repair - critical due to high pressure steam, safety, and regulatory requirements (ABS, USCG). A CASREP is in effect, and the Certificate of Inspection (COI) is reduced until repaired.
  • 024: Life Raft Davit Weight Test - required for operational readiness.
  • 042: Main Steam Pipe Repair - essential for mission and safety, must be leak-free per USCG and ABS requirements.
  • 080: Relief Valve Repairs - HP steam leak in the engine room; valves are too large to remove during a Voyage Repair (VR), and the ship needs to be ready for tasking within 5 days.
• Pricing: A column for pricing information, though no specific prices are listed in this enclosure.

This document highlights specific, urgent repair needs that may be part of a larger opportunity. Bidders should review the listed items and their justifications to understand the scope of work and potential urgency, especially for items related to safety and regulatory compliance. The details provided may inform proposal development for related solicitations or modifications.