180-DAY DRY CARGO TIME CHARTER

SOL #: N32205-SS-PM4-26-059Sources Sought

Overview

Buyer

Dept Of Defense

Dept Of The Navy

MSCHQ NORFOLK

NORFOLK, VA, 23511-2313, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Deep Sea Freight Transportation (483111)

PSC

Marine Charter For Things (V124)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/79dc677a246e43569e0b970c762ce10e/view

Timeline

Posted

Feb 18, 2026

Last Updated

Feb 24, 2026

Response Deadline

Feb 25, 2026, 4:00 PM

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's Military Sealift Command (MSC) Strategic Sealift Program Office is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for a 180-day Dry Cargo Time Charter. This request aims to gather information on the price and availability of U.S. and foreign flag Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) vessels capable of transporting rolling stock and general cargo. Responses are due by 1100 ET on February 25, 2026.

Scope of Work

MSC is seeking information on vessels for a special time spot charter with the following key requirements:

Vessel Type: U.S. and foreign flag RO/RO vessels, with interest in Jones Act capable vessels.
Capacity: Capable of transporting up to 40,000 square feet of rolling stock and general cargo. Minimum capacity of 6,000 square feet per vessel, with a total of 40,000 square feet if multiple vessels are proposed.
Cargo: Rolling stock and general cargo (specific list attached in original document).
Delivery Port: Okinawa, Japan.
Redelivery Ports: Japan, Philippine Islands, Australia, and other Far East charter options.
Charter Period: Approximately 180 days, plus one 180-day option.
Laydays: Commencing 0800 on June 4, 2026; Cancelling 1600 on June 6, 2026. Respondents must provide their available date for cargo pickup.
Special Requirement: Vessel must have a ramp deployable to land, piers, or a floating barge at approximately the waterline.
Responsibilities: Vessel owner is responsible for operating and maintaining all equipment aboard.

Information Requested from Interested Parties

Respondents should provide:

Vessel name, description, characteristics (COI, COD, photos, specification sheet).
Breakover angle for ramp when deployed to a barge or waterline.
Confirmation of ability to accommodate a minimum of two supercargo (with berthing details if more available).
Daily charter rate and delivery/redelivery bonus (if applicable).
Earliest availability for layday.
Fuel consumption rate (metric tons, underway and inport working).
Company information: Name, telephone, email, CAGE code, small business standing (including HUBZone status), Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Large businesses should detail possible sub-contracting opportunities.

Contract & Timeline

Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
Product Service Code: V124 (Marine Charter For Things)
NAICS Code: 483111 (Water Transportation) with a small business size standard of 1,050 employees.
Set-Aside: None specified (market research for potential small business participation).
Response Due: February 25, 2026, by 1100 Eastern Time.
Published: February 18, 2026.

Submission & Contact

Responses must be submitted via email to the Point of Contact. This notice is for information only and does not constitute an offer or commitment by the government.