Intent to Sole Source – Small Boat Trainer Simulators for USCG TRACEN Yorktown

The U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown intends to award a sole source contract to Virtual Marine for the procurement, assembly, and operational verification of thirty-five (35) custom-built small boat desktop simulators. These simulators are required to support Boatswain Mate “A” School student throughput and must match the existing Coast Guard Small Boat Trainer (SBT) systems currently in use at TRACEN Yorktown.

Technical Requirements: Simulators must be custom-built to Coast Guard specifications, accurately replicating the handling characteristics of the CG 26’ RB-S II and 47’ Motor Life Boat (MLB), as well as the new CG 29’ RB-S II model. Each simulator must include a force-feedback helm console, twin engine controls, ignition keys with ‘dead-man’ cutoff, joystick for viewpoint control, spotlight switch, VHF radio mic, and VR controller charging port.

Simulators must utilize proprietary Mission Quest maritime simulation software, which is already in use at TRACEN Yorktown and must be fully compatible with existing SBT units. VR displays must include magnetic compass, engine RPM, and rudder angle indicators, with immersive simulation scenarios for Navigation Rules of the Road (NAVRULES), both Inland and International.

The Hampton Roads, Virginia harbor database must be included, covering James and York rivers from Portsmouth to New Kent, with high visual fidelity, accurate hydrographic data, radar databases, bathymetry, and light mapping for nighttime operations. Modeling must include CG Station Portsmouth, Norfolk Navy Piers, and CG Training Center Yorktown docks. Simulators must be stand-alone units with no network, WiFi, or CG-ONE connectivity.

Delivery and Quality Requirements: Delivery of 20 units within 19 weeks, and 15 units within an additional 19 weeks. All simulators must be inspected and verified for proper operation to accomplish Boatswain Mate “A” School curriculum training performance objectives (TPOs). Quality standards of Virtual Marine’s products have been previously verified as acceptable.

Sole Source Justification: Virtual Marine is the only manufacturer capable of providing simulators built to Coast Guard specifications, with proprietary Mission Quest software and custom hardware matching current SBTs. No other vendor has demonstrated the ability to deliver fully compatible systems, accurate boat handling models, or the required harbor database.

Interested parties must provide detailed documentation demonstrating their ability to meet all technical, software, and modeling requirements as outlined above, including compatibility with existing Coast Guard SBTs and Mission Quest software. Interested parties must submit capability statements by July 3, 2026, demonstrating their ability to provide simulators meeting all requirements.

Submissions must include evidence of proprietary software compatibility, custom hardware manufacturing to Coast Guard specifications, and detailed harbor modeling as described.