28-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, specifically the Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk, has issued a Sources Sought Notice for market research to identify potential sources for a 28-day dry cargo time charter. MSC is seeking information on the price and availability of U.S. and foreign flag, Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) vessels capable of transporting approximately 500,000 square feet of military cargo. This information will aid MSC in developing future requirements. Responses are due by 11:00 AM ET on June 11, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is for market research purposes only, aiming to identify qualified sources for a short-term dry cargo time charter. The requirement is for a vessel to transport military cargo, including tracked and wheeled vehicles and breakbulk, from Beaumont, Texas (USA) to Gdynia, Poland. The charter period is approximately 28 days, with laydays commencing/canceling on September 16, 2026.
Key Vessel Requirements
The required vessels must be RO/RO capable of carrying diverse military cargo, including specific vehicles like STLR LOWBED, BRIDG ARMD VEH, JOINT ASSAULT BRIDGE, M88A2, M1A1, M1A2, M88A1, and BRADLEY M2A3, with specified dimensions and weights. A special requirement includes a 20 ft door. Vessels must offer militarily useful square feet of deck space, defined as cargo capacity useful through MARAD coordination, with a minimum deck height of 7'5".
Submission Requirements
Interested parties are requested to provide comprehensive details including:
- Vessel name and complete description.
- Daily charter hire rate and any delivery/redelivery bonuses.
- Fuel consumption rates (underway and inport).
- Total militarily useful square feet of vessel deck space.
- Number of supercargo vessels that can be accommodated.
- Business size (e.g., small business).
- Large businesses should also detail possible sub-contracting opportunities.
Eligibility & NAICS
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this service is 483111 (Water Transportation), with a small business size standard of 1050 employees. Respondents must indicate if they qualify as a small business.
Deadlines & Contact
Responses must be submitted via email prior to 11:00 AM Eastern Time on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The point of contact is Eric Hatcher at ERIC.N.HATCHER2.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL or (564) 230-3114.
Additional Notes
This is a Request for Information (RFI) only and does not constitute a solicitation or an offer by the government. The government will not reimburse costs incurred in preparing or submitting responses.