The U.S. Navy has unveiled a $3.5 billion Service Craft and Boats Multiple Award Contract (MAC) aimed at acquiring roughly 2,800 small boats, targets, and service craft between FY26 and FY36. The initiative seeks to strengthen fleet readiness, increase competition among suppliers, and sustain America’s small-craft industrial base.
The procurement plan covers a diverse mix of platforms, including aluminum oil-spill response boats, 8-meter and 11-meter Naval Special Warfare support craft, force-protection boats, dive support craft, high-speed maneuvering targets, steel workboats, harbor tugs, fuel and cargo barges, floating cranes, and floating dry docks. Deliveries will primarily be routed through San Diego and Williamsburg distribution points, with options for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) variants and training packages.
Technical specifications are highly detailed: steel workboats ranging from 25 to 40 feet will feature diesel inboards, high bollard pull, and precise maneuverability for barrier and mooring operations. Aluminum spill-response boats will measure around 27–30 feet, achieve up to 25 knots, and incorporate integrated filter-belt recovery systems. NSW craft will deliver 35-knot performance, shock-mitigating seats, dive ladders, tank storage, and full electronic navigation suites.
The contract structure includes a five-year base period with five option years and rolling admissions for additional vendors, enabling flexible procurement as funding and operational needs evolve. Officials emphasize that this approach will reduce lead times, keep pricing aligned with current labor and material costs, and provide a steady workflow for U.S. boatyards.
By expanding its small-boat fleet, the Navy aims to bolster harbor security, fleet sustainment, environmental response, and special operations training — ensuring reliable waterfront support for an increasingly active and globally deployed fleet.
