Vessel Rental for Tactical Training
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. Coast Guard (USCG), under the Department of Homeland Security, intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to Eclipse Group Research Vessel (RV) BOLD HORIZON for vessel rental services for tactical training. This is a Sources Sought notice, inviting other responsible sources to submit capability statements if they believe they can meet all requirements. The procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS 532411.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a US-flagged survey vessel, moored at a secured facility in San Diego, CA, to support pierside shipboard training for MSRT West. Training includes Hook & Climb, Close Quarter Combat Tactics (CQC), Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), and Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive (CBRNE) scenarios. The vessel must be at least 120 feet long, have a 12x12 foot open deck space, 15 feet of freeboard for hook and climb, and multiple internal spaces configurable for training. It must also be capable of transiting 10 nautical miles offshore for underway training. Training dates are scheduled for March 10 and April 08.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (proposed sole-source)
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 532411 (Marine Passenger Service)
- Capability Statement Due: February 28, 2026, 11:00 AM (Pacific Time)
- Published Date: February 25, 2026
Evaluation
The USCG is justifying a sole-source award to RV BOLD HORIZON due to its unique specifications (length, width, open deck space) and experienced crew, which are deemed critical for MSRT WEST's mission-essential training. Market research has reportedly not yielded alternatives. However, all responsible sources who believe they can meet all requirements may submit a capability statement demonstrating clear and convincing evidence of their capability.
Additional Notes
Capability statements must address the points identified in the description. All questions and concerns must be submitted in writing to Contract Specialist Robin Mayfield. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. If no sufficient responses are received, negotiations will proceed with Bold Horizon.