Navy Sets August 1 for Next Phase of MUSV Drone-Boat Marketplace
The U.S. Navy will open the next phase of its Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel marketplace on August 1, seeking prototypes for high-capacity containerized logistics platforms as the Pentagon spins up new autonomy oversight.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Navy will open the next phase of its Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) marketplace on August 1, 2026, per a July 7 SAM.gov contract notice, with a request for prototype proposals expected in August.
The new phase targets high-capacity MUSV solutions for logistics support capable of transporting containerized payloads, inviting vendors with expertise in vessel construction, autonomy, and perception systems.
The marketplace model replaced a single prime contract earlier this year; a May down-select chose seven companies, including Saronic Technologies and HII, followed by at-sea prototype trials.
The Navy says MUSV remains a strictly Navy-led program despite the Pentagon standing up a new Direct Reporting Program Manager for unmanned and autonomous systems across all services.
Future recurring marketplaces will be released as fleet demand evolves, part of a broader U.S. maritime autonomy push that includes Saildrone's Spectre and the IMO MASS Code.
Kaan Tınmaz
The U.S. Navy will open the next phase of its Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) marketplace on August 1, 2026, according to a July 7 contract notice on SAM.gov calling on shipbuilders and autonomy vendors to prepare for a request for prototype proposals in August.
What the notice says
The MUSV program "uses modular design principles to create adaptable and resilient solutions that can effectively counter evolving threats," the notice states. It invites parties with expertise in vessel construction, autonomy, perception systems and complex maritime problem-solving to participate, and previews "detailed requirements for high-capacity MUSV solutions used for logistics support and capable of transporting containerized payloads."
Marketplace model builds on May competition
The Navy overhauled its MUSV strategy earlier this year, replacing a single prime contract with a marketplace and running a seven-company down-select in May followed by at-sea prototype trials. Saronic Technologies and HII were among the seven selected. The service says future "recurring marketplaces" will be released "as the fleet demand signal evolves."
Pentagon reshuffle and Navy's exception
The next-phase announcement lands as the Pentagon stands up a Direct Reporting Program Manager for unmanned and autonomous systems across all services. "The MUSV continues to be a strictly Navy-led program," a Navy spokesperson told Defense One, while confirming coordination with the new office on non-MUSV portfolios. The Navy said the goal is to "streamline acquisition, enhance joint interoperability, and accelerate delivery of autonomous capabilities to the warfighter."
When does the next phase of the Navy's MUSV marketplace open?
August 1, 2026, according to a July 7 contract notice posted on SAM.gov, with a request for prototype proposals to follow in August.
What is the Navy looking for in this MUSV phase?
High-capacity Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel solutions for logistics support that can transport containerized payloads, built with modular design principles. It seeks parties with expertise in vessel construction, autonomy, perception systems and complex maritime problem-solving.
Which companies are already in the MUSV marketplace?
The Navy down-selected seven companies in May, including Saronic Technologies and HII, and ran at-sea prototype trials after replacing a single prime contract with the marketplace model.
How does the new Pentagon autonomy office affect the MUSV program?
It doesn't directly: a Navy spokesperson told Defense One MUSV remains a strictly Navy-led program, though the Navy is coordinating with the new Direct Reporting Program Manager for unmanned and autonomous systems on non-MUSV portfolios.
