30-day Special 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 (MSCHQ Norfolk), is soliciting proposals for a 30-day Special Time Charter of one U.S. Flag, Jones Act Qualified Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV). This vessel will support Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group Two/Mobile Dive And Salvage (MDS) diving operations and training exercises in the Gulf of Mexico, Key West, Florida, and the Caribbean. The acquisition is under FAR Part 12 Simplified Procedures, contemplating a firm-fixed-price contract. Offers are due March 11, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The required OSV must be capable of supporting diving operations and training, including:
- Operational Capability: Endurance up to 14 days, operate in Sea State 5, launch/recovery in Sea State 3, facilitate operations in 40-1,000 ft water depth, minimum 10 knots transit speed.
- Dynamic Positioning: Operable DP2 system or equivalent, maintaining station within 150 ft radius in up to 30 knots winds and Sea State 5, with two qualified DP Officers.
- Deck & Equipment: Minimum 5,500 sq. ft. contiguous open deck space, crane/a-frame capable of lifting up to 60,000 lbs for Sponsor Mission Equipment (SME) and Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE). SME includes recompression chambers, mixed gas systems, MILVANS, small boats, and explosive lockers. CFE includes fuel tanks, AEDs, and rigging.
- Vessel Services: Four 480 VAC, 100-amp outlets; four 220 VAC, 60-amp outlets; and four 208 VAC, 60-amp outlets. Minimum 2,000 gallons/day potable water for personnel and 1,300 gallons/day for fresh water use.
- Personnel Support: Administrative space (250 sq. ft. for 25 personnel with WIFI), three galley-prepared meals and hotel services for up to 35 embarked personnel, berthing for up to 35 (max six per stateroom), 24-hour laundry.
- Logistics: Contractor to arrange port services, marine VHF and ship's cell phone communications, navigation equipment, climate control.
- Pre-Delivery: Vendor must permit a Pre Delivery Site Survey (PDSS) 15-45 days prior to delivery.
- Documentation: Provide vessel description, COI, COD, photos, and all deliverables per MSC SPECIALTIME proforma.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Charter Period: Approximately 30 days, commencing/cancelling 27 April 2026.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Marine Charter For Things)
- Offer Due Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.
- Published Date: March 4, 2026.
Evaluation
Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose technically acceptable proposal represents the lowest price to the Government. Evaluation factors include Technical and Price. Fuel consumption will be specifically evaluated based on estimated underway and in-port days, utilizing the provided Fuel Consumption Template.
Additional Notes
Proforma documents are available upon request. Offerors should submit proposals as soon as possible due to potential email security delays. Expired offers will be excluded. This is a spot charter; sections addressing extended term charters are not applicable. Wage Determination No. 2019-0288 (Rev. 25), effective January 14, 2026, applies, establishing minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for deep sea vessel services.