40-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 conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to identify potential sources for a 40-day dry cargo time charter. The MSC Strategic Sealift Program Office is seeking information on the price and availability of U.S. and foreign flag, self-sustaining, ice-class vessels capable of carrying military cargo. This information will aid in developing future requirements.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for a charter period of approximately 40 days, with laydays commencing/canceling on July 5, 2026. The vessel must be capable of transporting annual supply and retrograde military cargo, including 150 containers (20-foot and 40-foot) on deployment and re-deployment voyages, plus 1,000 sqft of breakbulk cargo on re-deployment. Delivery and redelivery ports are specified as Norfolk, VA (USA). Special vessel requirements include a minimum Ice Class (GL-E2, ABS-B0, F-S-1B, or equivalent) and compliance with all IMO Polar Code Classification B regulations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Product/Service Code: V124 - Marine Charter For Things
- NAICS: 483111 (Small Business Size Standard: 1,050 employees)
- Set-Aside: Not a formal set-aside; respondents are asked to indicate small business status for market research purposes.
- Response Due: Prior to 11:00 AM Eastern Time, Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
- Published: April 14, 2026.
Information Requested
Respondents should provide:
- Detailed vessel description, including ice class and Polar Code documentation.
- Daily charter hire rate and any delivery/redelivery bonuses.
- Fuel consumption rates (metric tons, underway and in port).
- Militarily useful square feet of vessel deck space and TEU capacity.
- Confirmation of ability to accommodate a minimum of two supercargo.
- Company information (Name, UEI, phone, email, CAGE code).
- Business size (Small/Large, HUB-Zone status); large businesses should detail subcontracting opportunities.
Submission & Contact
Responses must be submitted via email to the primary point of contact.
- Primary Contact: Tiffany Gallon (tiffany.n.gallon.civ@us.navy.mil, 564-226-8986).
Additional Notes
This is a Request for Information (RFI) only; responses are not offers and will not result in a contract award. The government will not pay for costs incurred in preparing or submitting responses.