Navy publishes RFP for Next-gen Logistics Ship design work

The Navy is accepting bids for design work on its Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) and plans to award up to three concept refinement contracts in the near future, according to a Sept. 10 request for proposals.

Also known as the Light Replenishment Oiler, the NGLS is intended to augment the Combat Logistics Force as a relatively small and inexpensive logistics craft capable of refueling, rearming and resupplying Navy and Marine Corps platforms and installations.

According to the RFP, selected contractors will be tasked with delivering “cost effective ship designs and approaches” to the Navy. Responses to the notice are due Oct. 10.

The contractors will “conduct a global market survey for replenishment ships that could be built in United States shipyards, assess feasibility and affordability of current NGLS requirements by performing design development and provide information regarding compliance with 2025 [National Defense Authorization Act] basic and functional design requirements,” the notice continues.

Last month, the Navy published a presolicitation indicating it would soon award multiple contracts to industry members to perform “concept refinement studies” for the program, which was initiated in the fiscal year 2021 budget cycle.

A detailed design and construction award is now expected in FY-28, according to budget documents, marking a multiyear delay compared to earlier estimates that once projected procurement to begin in FY-26.

The Navy’s budget request seeks about $1.1 million in research and development funding in FY-26 to support the ship’s preliminary design development after receiving about $7.7 million in FY-25.