NAICS 336611 Pulse: USCG mooring lines buy vs. USCG thruster field service (sole source) vs. DLA NSN modification kit

Executive takeaway

Even though all three notices carry NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), they behave like three separate markets. The most “bid-friendly” item here is the USCGC MUNRO mooring lines buy (made-to-order manufacturing + delivery, with a requested 30-day lead time). The Coast Guard thruster system field service notice is explicitly a notice of intent to sole source and will only move if you can provide compelling evidence that competition benefits the government. The DLA NSN modification kit RFQ is technically open to quotes, but it also calls out an approved source, which usually means eligibility hinges on source approval or an acceptable alternate pathway (verify in the RFQ).

What the buyer is trying to do

USCGC MUNRO MOORING LINES

The Coast Guard wants to replace USCGC MUNRO’s mooring lines by purchasing a specific made-to-order line configuration and getting it delivered. The description is highly prescriptive—brand/spec style, construction method, dimensions, and other characteristics are spelled out—suggesting the buyer is prioritizing exact fit/performance and rapid replacement.

CGC Maple Thruster System Field Service (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)

USCG SFLC is signaling intent to award a firm-fixed-price action using FAR Part 12/13 procedures to a single identified source for field service tied to WLB bow and stern thruster drive equipment and thruster generator exciter equipment/system. The notice is mainly to inform the market and to test whether any party can credibly justify competition.

DLA NSN Modification Kit RFQ

DLA Troop Support is soliciting quotes for an NSN line item: MODIFICATION KIT,TR (NSN 6930016001187), quantity 13. It’s positioned as a standard supply buy with electronic quoting and shipment to a DLA distribution site by a stated delivery window (details in the RFQ link).

What work is implied (bullets)

USCGC MUNRO mooring lines

• Manufacture made-to-order mooring lines to the stated specifications (e.g., stable braid uncoated, 1-1/2 inch diameter, 600 feet overall length).
• Provide specified end terminations: covered eye each end and splice method: double braid class I.
• Meet stated performance/material attributes such as minimum break strength and fiber type (polyester/polyester).
• Deliver quantity 6 lines; plan for packaging/handling consistent with the stated estimated weight and dimensions per unit.
• Support a requested 30-day lead time from contract order.

CGC Maple thruster system field service (NOI)

• Provide field service support for thruster-related equipment/systems identified in the notice (WLB bow/stern thruster drive and thruster generator exciter equipment/system).
• Operate within a commercial item procurement approach (FAR 12) and simplified procedures (FAR 13) as stated.
• If attempting to challenge the sole source intent, prepare a written submission that demonstrates clear, compelling, and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous.

DLA NSN modification kit

• Quote supply of NSN 6930016001187 modification kit(s), qty 13, unit of issue EA.
• Plan logistics to ship to the listed DLA distribution destination by the required delivery timeline (verify exact delivery requirement in the RFQ).
• Address approved source constraints (and any alternate product/source approval provisions—verify in the RFQ).

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

Bid if…

• You can manufacture and deliver mooring lines matching the MUNRO spec exactly (including splice method, covered eyes, and stated break strength/fiber type), and can support the requested 30-day lead time.
• You are the approved source (or can meet any stated alternate source requirements) for the DLA NSN modification kit and can perform electronic quoting and delivery.
• For the thruster field service notice, you can credibly demonstrate you can support the identified equipment/system and can assemble an evidence-based argument for why competition should be opened.

Pass if…

• You can’t meet the MUNRO line construction/termination requirements as written (or can’t reliably manufacture to order at the specified size/length).
• You are not positioned for approved-source supply on the DLA NSN item (and the RFQ doesn’t provide a workable path for alternates).
• You were hoping the thruster field service action is a typical competed services solicitation—this notice states no solicitation is available and that it is not a request for competitive proposals.

Response package checklist (bullets; if unknown say “verify in attachments”)

• MUNRO mooring lines: a quote covering quantity, manufacturing lead time, and delivery details; include confirmation that your product meets each stated specification (verify any required forms/clauses in attachments).
• MUNRO mooring lines: product description matching the stated requirements (diameter, length, construction, splice method, end eyes, fiber type, minimum break strength, etc.).
• Thruster field service (NOI): a written capability/evidence package showing “clear, compelling and convincing” rationale for competition (verify format expectations in the notice/any referenced guidance).
• DLA RFQ: completed electronic quote submission via the RFQ link; include any representations required by the RFQ (verify in attachments).
• DLA RFQ: documentation addressing approved source status or compliance with any alternate source provisions (verify in the RFQ).

Pricing & strategy notes (how to research pricing; do not invent pricing numbers)

• Anchor on comparables: For mooring lines, research recent commercial and maritime/government buys of similar diameter/length polyester double-braid lines with comparable break strength. Use that to sanity-check material + labor + splicing/termination costs, plus freight for large/heavy items.
• Quote structure: Consider separating line item pricing for manufacturing vs. delivery if the buyer allows it (verify in the solicitation/attachments).
• Lead-time realism: The MUNRO notice requests a 30-day lead time from order. Treat lead time as a competitive lever only if you can support it without quality risk.
• Sole source reality: For the thruster notice, “pricing” is secondary unless you can first clear the evidentiary bar to make competition plausible. Focus on capability proof and why an alternate source benefits the government under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) context as stated.
• DLA NSN dynamics: For the NSN kit, pricing strategy depends heavily on whether you’re an approved source. If you are, benchmark against prior internal sales history and typical DLA fulfillment costs; if not, first confirm whether the RFQ permits alternates and what proof is required.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• For the MUNRO mooring lines, team a rope manufacturer with a maritime logistics/packaging partner experienced handling large, heavy coils and delivery coordination.
• For the thruster field service notice, if you intend to challenge the sole source, consider teaming with a specialist that has direct experience servicing the referenced thruster drive/exciter equipment (capability evidence will matter most).
• For the DLA NSN kit, if approved-source limitations exist, explore partnering with the approved source for distribution/fulfillment roles (if they allow) rather than bidding as an alternate without a clear approval path.

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Spec compliance risk (MUNRO): The line requirements are detailed (construction, splice method, covered eyes, fiber type, minimum break strength). Nonconforming substitutes risk rejection.
• Schedule risk (MUNRO): A requested 30-day lead time can stress procurement of materials and production capacity—don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
• Competition risk (Thruster NOI): The notice states it is not a solicitation and that unsolicited offers won’t form the basis of award; your only viable move is an evidence-based case for competition.
• Approved source constraint (DLA): The RFQ mentions an approved source. If you are not approved, verify whether and how alternates can be considered before investing proposal time.
• Documentation gaps: The DLA notice states specifications/plans/drawings are not available; ensure you can still quote accurately based on what is provided in the RFQ.

Related opportunities

• USCGC MUNRO MOORING LINES
• CGC Maple Thruster System Field Service
• 69--MODIFICATION KIT,TR

How to act on this

1. Pick your lane: mooring line manufacturing/delivery, approved-source NSN supply, or (less likely) an evidence-based challenge to the thruster sole source intent.
2. Open the linked notice/RFQ and confirm submission instructions, required clauses, and any attachments you must acknowledge (verify in attachments where applicable).
3. For the MUNRO lines, map each spec line to your product build sheet and confirm you can meet the requested lead time before quoting.
4. For the DLA RFQ, confirm approved source requirements and only proceed if you can comply.
5. If you want an outside review of bid/no-bid and response strategy, contact Federal Bid Partners LLC for hands-on capture and proposal support.