The Navy is issuing a combined RFI/Sources Sought to assess industry interest and identify capable sources for the acquisition of one research vessel to replace the aging R/V Chinook, supporting acoustic testing at Lake Pend Oreille. The vessel must be delivered to the ARD facility in Bayview, ID, and include characteristics such as roughly 80 ft length, marine diesel propulsion, speeds from 2 to 35 kts, 30,000 lb payload, 20,000 lb tow load, specialized acoustic treatments, and a four-point mooring system. Notional planning timelines include issuing the industry RFI in Q4 FY26, an industry day in Q1 FY27, draft and final RFP in Q2 FY27, and anticipated award in Q3 FY27. Interested parties must submit company details and tailored capability statements, and if the effort is set aside for small businesses, the offeror must perform 50% of manufacturing cost. This notice is solely for market research and does not commit the government to issue a future solicitation or contract.