Federal Business Opportunities posting Request for Information Assured Access to Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
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 United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has issued a Special Notice / Request for Information (RFI) seeking non-federal partners (industry and academia) for Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). The goal is to study the uses, limitations, and value of emerging Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) technology for Department of War (DoW) materiel distribution needs. This is not a solicitation for a procurement contract. Responses are due by July 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
USTRANSCOM aims to collaborate with industry and academia through CRADAs to produce study results illustrating the uses, limitations, and delivered value of emerging MASS systems. These studies will focus on technical and operational maturity, economics, underlying technologies, and risks/benefits of MASS in supporting DoW materiel distribution across global supply chains. This RFI is for information gathering and potential CRADA formation, not for a future procurement contract.
White Paper Requirements
Interested parties should submit a white paper, limited to 8 pages, demonstrating their system development experience, expertise in operating on-demand MASS systems for cargo delivery, and willingness to collaborate on a non-paid, limited-time research basis. The white paper should address:
- Current state-of-the-practice for MASS, including use cases, maturity, risks, and R&D needs.
- Strategic projections for MASS technology viability (2, 5, 10-year horizons).
- New DoW operational concepts enabled by MASS.
- Port infrastructure integration and interoperability.
- Operational feasibility and limitations across diverse maritime environments.
- Survivability and resilience against various threats.
- Government pre-conditions and regulatory requirements.
- Business case and ROI for surge capability agreements.
- Identification of other government parties engaged in maritime autonomy.
- Additional innovation topics.
Collaboration Details
CRADAs are anticipated to last approximately 2 years. USTRANSCOM may provide access to subject matter experts, facilities, and information on surge sealift needs. Selected white paper respondents will be invited for further discussions and potentially an industry day presentation. No funding is available from the government for white paper preparation or participation costs.
Submission Details & Deadline
White papers must be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format, with a maximum of 8 pages, using Times New Roman 12-point font. Submissions must include company name, approach to RFI topics, capabilities, other government partnerships, proposed collaboration outputs, resources supplied by the collaborator, resources requested from USTRANSCOM (no funding), and points of contact. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. Responses are due by July 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Point of Contact
For inquiries, contact Mr. Mark Surina at transcom.scott.tcj4j5j7.mbx.orta@mail.mil.