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 Department of the Navy / MSCHQ NORFOLK is issuing a Pre-solicitation for a 140-day Special Time Charter for a U.S. flagged, Jones Act, ocean-going certified tug capable of towing a U.S. naval vessel. This requirement is designated as a Total Small Business Set-aside and will serve as a contingency towing asset in the Caribbean Sea. The proposed solicitation number is N3220526R6050.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a U.S. flagged, Jones Act, ocean-going certified tug. This vessel will operate as a contingency towing asset in the Caribbean Sea, ready to respond to a vessel casualty and take it under tow within 48 hours of notification. The tug will remain at anchor or in-port within the designated response range until needed. The charter period is approximately 140 days.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Pre-solicitation for a Special Time Charter
- Duration: Approximately 140 days
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-aside
- Proposed Solicitation Number: N3220526R6050
- Layday Commencement/Cancellation: March 8, 2026
- Response Date: February 18, 2026
- Published: February 12, 2026
Place of Performance
The place of delivery and redelivery for the vessel is Key West, Florida. The vessel will operate within the Caribbean Sea.
Set-aside Justification
The decision to release this as a Total Small Business Set-aside is based on responses received from a recent sources sought notice for this service, with concurrence from MSC’s Deputy Associate Director of Small Business Programs.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Matthew Price at matthew.r.price40.civ@us.navy.mil or 564-230-3782.