140-day Special Time Charter
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is conducting market research via this Sources Sought Notice (N32205-SS-PM4-26-051) to identify qualified firms capable of providing a 140-day Special Time Charter for a U.S. Flag, Jones Act-compliant tugboat. The vessel will provide contingency towing services for a U.S. Naval Vessel in the Caribbean Sea. Responses are due by February 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor must provide an ocean-going certified towing vessel to support a naval vessel with a 17,033 LT displacement. Key technical requirements include:
- Vessel Type: U.S. Flag, Jones Act compliant, built in 1970 or later.
- Performance: Minimum 100-ton bollard pull; capable of towing at 6 knots in Beaufort 5 conditions.
- Equipment: Calibrated tow line tension meter with bridge monitoring and bridge-to-bridge communications.
- Readiness: Must be able to respond to a casualty and begin towing within 48 hours of notification.
- Personnel: Entire crew must be U.S. Citizens.
- Reporting: Twice daily reports in port and four times daily at sea.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Duration: Approximately 140 days
- Set-Aside: None specified (Market Research stage)
- Laydays: Commencing March 8, 2026
- Delivery/Redelivery: Key West, Florida
- Response Due: February 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET
Evaluation
This notice is for planning purposes. MSC will evaluate responses to determine vessel availability, pricing, and the feasibility of a small business set-aside. Interested parties must provide vessel characteristics, bollard pull certification, and a daily charter hire rate.
Additional Notes
A virtual pre-tow conference and a detailed transit plan (including ports of refuge) will be required from the selected contractor. The U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-10) will govern towing operations.