180-day Dry Cargo Time Charter w/ 180-day Option
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's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is soliciting proposals (RFP N3220526R6063) for a 180-day Dry Cargo Time Charter with a 180-day option period. This unrestricted acquisition seeks four to six U.S. flag, roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) bow ramp equipped vessels for operations with delivery and redelivery in Naha, Japan. Proposals are due by April 16, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for "landing craft like" vessels with bow ramps deployable to piers, floating barges, or unimproved shorelines. Key specifications include:
- Capacity: Minimum 2,100 square feet per vessel, with a combined capacity of 12,600 square feet across all vessels.
- Availability: At least four vessels must be available for tasking at all times.
- Cargo: Capable of carrying 350-450 short tons, including heavy tracked vehicles, ISO containers, breakbulk, and bulk liquids.
- Endurance: Unrefueled range of at least 5,000 nautical miles and 20 days self-sustained endurance.
- Operational Capability: Capable of transiting open ocean up to sea state 4, with a laden draft of nine (9) feet six (6) inches or less.
- Personnel Support: Provide berthing, messing, and sanitation for a minimum of two embarked sponsor personnel and two supercargo per vessel.
- IT/Communications: Integrate sponsor communications and logistics IT systems via VSAT, Nexuswave, or Starlink, with 24/7 onboard IT service.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price, resulting from a FAR Part 12 acquisition conducted under FAR 15 Contracting by Negotiation.
- Charter Period: One 180-day base period and one 180-day option period, totaling 360 days.
- Layday: Commencing 0800 15 June 2026, Cancelling 30 July 2026.
- Place of Delivery/Redelivery: Naha, Japan.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted acquisition.
- NAICS Code: 483111.
- Product Service Code: V124 (Marine Charter For Things).
- Proposal Due: Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.
- Published: April 2, 2026.
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated based on the lowest price to the Government, considering the charter hire rate, fuel price, and other pricing elements. Fuel calculations will be based on specific underway and in-port idle days and consumption rates, as detailed in the provided fuel consumption template. A valid submission requires at least a ship name, a price, and a signature. Offerors must confirm their ability to meet all requirements and submit vessel descriptions, Certificates of Inspection (COI), photos, specification sheets, and breakover angle data. Evaluation will also consider VISA priority and domestic shipyard usage.
Additional Notes
Offerors are encouraged to submit proposals early due to potential email delays. Proforma documents are available upon request or via the MSC website. The Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden are designated imminent danger pay locations. Expired offers will be excluded from competition, and the solicitation may re-open if the government's need is not met.
Primary Contact: Matthew Price (matthew.r.price40.civ@us.navy.mil, 757-341-3348).