23-day Dry Cargo 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, Military Sealift Command (MSC), is soliciting proposals for a 23-day Dry Cargo Time Charter for a U.S. flag vessel. This unrestricted solicitation seeks transportation services for a minimum of six ISO containers, including HAZMAT, with specific vessel and operational requirements. Proposals are due by February 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
This solicitation requires a U.S. flag vessel for approximately 23 days to transport a minimum of six 20-foot ISO containers, comprising four HAZMAT (Class 7 and 8) and two general cargo containers, with the heaviest not exceeding 20,000 lbs. Tug and barge units are not acceptable. Key Vessel Specifications:
- Overall length not exceeding 568 feet (173 meters).
- Draft not exceeding 35 feet (10.6 meters) when loaded.
- Minimum laden speed of 15 knots.
- Specific requirements for superstructure placement, TEU loading over the port side, maximum vessel height above waterline, and cargo lowering depth.
- Vessel must be fully bunkered for the mission (minimum 20 days at sea, 10 days in port, plus safety margins).
- Compliance with HAZMAT compatibility, segregation (CFR Title 49, Part 176), and security plans (33 CFR parts 6, 109, 110, 125, 126, and 160).
- Provision of stow plan, HAZMAT registration, and crew training certificates.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Charter Party.
- Period of Performance: Approximately 23 days.
- Laydays: Commencing April 8, 2026 / Cancelling April 10, 2026.
- Delivery Location: Berth 13, Yokosuka, Japan.
- Redelivery Location: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, USA.
- Acquisition Type: Unrestricted.
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Marine Charter For Things).
- Proposal Due: February 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Published: January 29, 2026.
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated based on technical capability and price. Price evaluation will consider the charter hire rate, fuel price, and other pricing elements, ensuring the proposed price is fair and reasonable. Fuel calculations should utilize the provided template and DLA standard fuel prices. Preference may be given to Category 1 offers (significant U.S. shipyard work) and VISA priority.
Additional Notes
Offerors must submit at least a ship name, a price, and a signature for a valid submission. The U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2019-0288, Revision 25) applies to this contract, outlining minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for deep sea vessel services. The Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden are designated imminent danger pay locations. Numerous FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference.