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 seeking proposals for a 40-day Dry Cargo Time Charter (Solicitation N3220526R6091) to provide a specialized vessel for re-supply and retrograde cargo operations at Pituffik Space Base, Pituffik, Greenland. This is an Unrestricted procurement, open to all responsible sources, a decision concurred with by the Small Business Administration's Procurement Center Representative. Proposals are due by Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for one, U.S. or foreign-flagged, ice class, self-sustaining, lift-on/lift-off, breakbulk vessel. The vessel will transport a mix of breakbulk, containers, machinery, and military cargo, including Intended Hazardous Material (Hazard classes 1.1D through 1.4S and 4.2G). The place of delivery/redelivery is Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA, USA, with laydays commencing on July 12, 2026.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (RFP)
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Period of Performance: Approximately 40 days
- Solicitation Number: N3220526R6091
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (NAICS Code: 483111)
- Response Due: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time
- Published Date: May 18, 2026
- Points of Contact: LCDR Amy Hutchings (amy.r.hutchings.mil@us.navy.mil, (564) 226-5666) and Michelle James (michelle.d.james7.civ@us.navy.mil, (564) 230-3323)
Key Vessel Requirements
The vessel must meet stringent specifications:
- Capacity: Minimum 200 TEUs, 15 refrigerated container outlets, 125,000 cubic feet below-deck breakbulk.
- Dimensions: Maximum LOA 524.9 feet / 160 meters (or 550 feet), laden draft not exceeding 28 feet.
- Equipment: Minimum two cranes (45 LT each, one or twin capacity 75 LT), two gyrocompasses or one with spares.
- Performance: Minimum laden speed of 15 knots, 10,000 nautical mile range without refueling.
- Classification: Minimum ice class GL-E2, ABS-B0, F-S-1B, or equivalent, and IMO polar code classification "C".
- Holds: Minimum tween deck height of 9-feet and tank top deck height of 13-feet.
Submission & Evaluation
Offers must be submitted signed and dated, including a ship name, price, and confirmation of agreement with solicitation terms and the MSC Drytime Proforma charter form. Evaluation will consider technical capability and price, aiming for the lowest price technically acceptable offer. Fuel calculations are based on specific underway and in-port days, with Marine Gas Oil (MGO/MDO) priced at $1,500.83 per metric ton. Bidders must incorporate the provided U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2019-0288, Revision No. 25) into their proposals.
Additional Notes
Proforma documents are available on the MSC website. Offerors should allow extra time for email delivery of submissions. The solicitation incorporates various FAR and DFARS clauses, including those related to business ethics, whistleblower rights, and labor standards. An option to extend services for up to 6 months is included.