Opportunities / TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF

A Study on Vessel Design Challenge

Notice typeSolicitation
Solicitation #693JF726R000016
DepartmentTRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF
Sub-tier / officeMARITIME ADMINISTRATION / 693JF7 DOT MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
NAICS541720 — Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
PSCR405
Set-asideNone
PostedSep 25, 2026
Response deadlineJan 10, 2027 (2027-01-10T12:00:00-05:00)
Place of performance—
Primary contactChristian Onwudiegwu · christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov · 2023661676

Description (excerpt)

The purpose of amendment no. 3 is to respond to the following questions. Question-9. Is MARAD primarily looking for design-stage studies in which fuel efficiency and URN are predicted through fluid dynamic modeling? Response-9. Yes. The goal is to demonstrate, through modeling, the benefits that can be realized through a systematic design approach integrating technologies with input from naval architects, shipyards, and technology suppliers on the efficacy of these approaches. There is no limitation on the type of modeling - approaches should be used as needed. Question-10. Is there any room for measurements within the Challenge? Response-10. This is a design stage challenge and does not include an expectation of direct measurement. ================================================== The purpose of amendment no. 2 is to respond to the following questions. Question-4. Is MARAD open to all forms of propulsion to gain fuel efficiencies - for example, hybrid diesel-electric equipment with electric motors and batteries? Response-4. There are no limits or specific requirements for the type of propulsion or fuel. Technologies, including fuels and propulsion, should be centered around performance and demonstrating the feasibility and economic achievability of these combined approaches and should be dictated by capacity needs set by industry requirements (tug capacity, crew capacity, operations support, range, TEU, cargo etc.). Designs should note specifically the technology readiness level and the commercial availability of any technologies used. Question-5. Under the Eligibility Information section of the subject notice, it states that the opportunity is "open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals." In reviewing the statutory definition of a “domestic source” under 50 U.S.C. § 4555(7), “the term “domestic source” means a business concern— (A) that performs in the United States or Canada substantially all of the research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and production activities required of such business concern under a contract with the United States relating to a critical component or a critical technology item.” Based on this definition, which appears to include qualifying Canadian businesses as domestic sources for certain USG Response-5. For the purposes of this RFP a domestic applicant is considered to be a contractor organized or existing under the laws of the United States. Keep in mind that the RFP states preference will be …

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