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, Military Sealift Command Headquarters (MSCHQ) Norfolk, is soliciting proposals for a 180-day Dry Cargo Time Charter with a 180-day option period. This unrestricted acquisition seeks four (4) to six (6) U.S. flag, roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) bow ramp equipped vessels. Proposals are due Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 1300 Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
This solicitation, RFP N3220526R6063, requires "landing craft like" vessels capable of deploying bow ramps to piers, floating barges, or unimproved shorelines. Each vessel must transport a minimum of 2,100 square feet, with a combined capacity of 12,600 square feet across all vessels. A minimum of four vessels must be available for tasking at all times.
Vessels must carry 350-450 short tons, including heavy tracked vehicles, ISO containers, breakbulk, and bulk liquids. Key operational requirements include an unrefueled range of at least 5,000 nautical miles, 20 days self-sustained endurance, capability to transit open ocean up to sea state 4, and a laden draft of nine (9) feet six (6) inches or less.
Additionally, vessels must provide berthing, messing, and sanitation for a minimum of two embarked sponsor personnel and two supercargo per vessel. Integration of sponsor communications and logistics IT systems (VSAT, Nexuswave, or Starlink) with 24/7 onboard IT service is mandatory. The place of delivery and redelivery is Naha, Japan, with a layday commencing 0800 15 June 2026 and cancelling 30 July 2026.
Contract Details
This is a Firm-Fixed-Price contract for a 180-day base period and one 180-day option period, totaling 360 days. The acquisition is unrestricted, under NAICS Code 483111 (Marine Charter For Things).
Submission & Evaluation
A valid submission requires at least a ship name, a price, and a signature. Proposals will be evaluated based on the lowest price to the Government, considering charter hire rate, fuel price, and other pricing elements. Fuel calculations will utilize specific underway and in-port idle days and consumption rates, with Fiscal Year 2025 DLA Standard Fuel Prices for MGO at $1,500.83 per metric ton. Offerors must confirm ability to meet all requirements and submit vessel descriptions, COI, photos, specification sheets, and breakover angle data. Preference may be given to offers meeting specific shipyard usage criteria and VISA priority.
Key Clarifications & Notes
There is no maximum age requirement for vessels. The procurement will not be suspended due to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reflagging issues, and the lay/can window will not be adjusted, despite potential reflagging timelines. Offerors are advised to review USCG guidance for expediting reflagging. Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden are designated imminent danger pay locations.