THIS SPECIAL NOTICE IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR MARKET RESEARCH AND IS FOR INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. THERE IS NO FUNDING ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
Attachment 1: T-AH(X) Notional Requirements
- Purpose:
Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive (DPAE) Auxiliaries and PMS 385, the Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Office, are seeking information from experienced ship designers and shipbuilders to assist in the refinement and alignment of the Notional Requirements for the Future Hospital Ship (T-AH(X)) to ensure a reasonable and fiscally responsible ship solution. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment by the government to award a contract. Information obtained from this RFI may be used to develop future solicitations.
2. Project Description:
T-AH(X) will replace the USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) upon their retirements, acting as the only afloat Role 3 medical platforms in the fleet. Development of these platforms will prioritize improving vessel port access and patient transfer from legacy systems. Construction of these vessels will occur at one United States shipyard and will be managed by a Vessel Construction Manager (VCM). The VCM contract planned award is in FY27 and will include preliminary design, shipyard selection, VCM oversight, and vessel delivery.
3. Information Requested:
Interested parties are requested to provide the following information:
- Vessel Cost Estimate: Attachment 1 provides the T-AH(X) Notional Requirements. Provide a rough order magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for a ship meeting the requirements.
- Major Requirements Cost Drivers: Provide a summary of the major cost drivers and provide recommendations to reduce costs.
- Perceived Risk of Program: Identify any areas of concern or risks based on the information provided.
- Potential Parent Hulls: Based on both Attachment 1 and the recommendations to reduce cost, identify and provide information on parent hulls or ship concepts that may allow for a more rapid design period for the vessel and decrease programmatic risks.
- Include both general ship performance information and any preliminary design changes to meet notional requirements.
- Include the implications of utilizing the parent hull while maintaining compliance to the Buy American Act and other applicable domestic sourcing restrictions such as 10 USC 4864.
- Backlog and Construction Planning: For shipbuilders only. Provide high-level planning as to where construction of T-AH(X) could fall in your company's backlog. Provide estimated duration (in months) of vessel design and construction; Detail Design to Start of Construction, Start of Construction to Delivery.
4. Submission Instructions:
Please submit responses to this RFI via e-mail to ryan.m.ksanznak.civ@us.navy.mil, hunter.c.rowan.civ@us.navy.mil, and austin.m.soares2.civ@us.navy.mil.
Interested parties are requested to identify themselves by June 15, 2026 to set Government expectations on the range of responses. Completed responses are requested by July 15, 2026.
Interested parties are free to submit any information which may assist the Navy in its market research and understanding of sources available to meet operational needs. There are no page limit constraints to an interested party's response, and a detailed proposal is not requested. However, only electronic responses via email will be accepted. Any email attachments or supplemental information must be compatible with Microsoft. No information may be sent in a .zip file format. No classified material shall be submitted in response to this Special Notice under any circumstance. IMPORTANT Any email containing export-controlled information must be marked CUI and use encryption.
5. Potential Industry Event:
DPAE Auxiliaries and PMS 385 may host an industry engagement event to present the Navy's requirements and to solicit feedback from prospective offerors in prearranged breakout sessions. Should an industry day be held, a separate notice will be posted to provide further details regarding the industry engagement event once they are available.
6. Disclaimer:
This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government reserves the right to use the information received and provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Issuance of this RFI does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with preparing a response to this RFI. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this notice. The information obtained from submitted responses may be used in development of any acquisition strategy and a future solicitation. Submissions will not be returned.
NOTICE REGARDING PROPRIETARY INFORMATION:
All submitted materials will be designated for Government Use Only. Third party support contractors who have executed non-disclosure agreements with the Government may have access to information provided. Submitting a response constitutes consent to allowing support contractors to review data submitted in response to this RFI.
Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.
7. Questions:
Questions regarding this RFI shall be submitted by e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Ryan Ksanznak at ryan.m.ksanznak.civ@us.navy.mil. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. The Government may respond to any specific questions or comments submitted in response to this RFI. Any information submitted by respondents as a result of this RFI is strictly voluntary.
Background
The U.S. Navy is seeking information for the Next Generation Hospital Ship (T-AH(X)), which will replace the aging USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). These hospital ships are critical for providing Role 3 medical capabilities during major combat operations and humanitarian assistance.
The T-AH(X) aims to enhance vessel port access, patient transfer, and modern medical workflows while adhering to regulatory compliance. The Navy is currently refining the notional requirements to align with budget constraints and improve operational effectiveness.
Work Details
The T-AH(X) will be constructed at a U.S. shipyard under the oversight of a Vessel Construction Manager (VCM). Key requirements include:
1. **Vessel Characteristics:**
- Range: 10,000 NM at sustained speed
- Underway Replenishment: One fueling at sea station
- Aviation Capability: Two operating spots for MV-22, CH-53K, and MH-60 aircraft
- Endurance: 45 days without resupply
- Afloat Patient Transfer Capability: Operable through Sea State 4
2. **Medical Treatment Facilities:**
- Operating Rooms: 6 ORs
- ICU Beds: 50 beds; Acute Care Ward: 200 beds
- Total Medical Treatment Facility area: Approximately 149,372.2 SQFT
3. **Accommodations:**
- Crew Capacity: Estimated 72 commercial personnel and 899 Navy personnel.
Period of Performance
The planned award for the VCM contract is in FY27.
Place of Performance
Construction will occur at one United States shipyard.
Bidder Requirements
Bidders must comply with the Buy American Act and other domestic sourcing restrictions as outlined in applicable regulations. Respondents are encouraged to provide information on parent hulls or ship concepts that can expedite design while maintaining compliance.
