42-Day Special Time Charter Cable Vessel
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 to identify potential sources for a 42-day special time charter of a Jones Act qualified cable laying vessel. This Sources Sought notice (N32205-SS-PM4-26-047) aims to determine industry capability, price, and availability for complex cable operations scheduled for early 2027. Responses are due February 10, 2026.
Scope of Work
The chartered vessel will perform complex cable laying operations, including landing and laying telecom cable and performing over-boarding operations with accurate seafloor placements. Key tasks include:
- Loading trunk and cathode cable at Newington, NH.
- Transiting to Port Canaveral, FL, and Andros Island, Bahamas.
- Deploying trunk cable, two umbilical systems, and temporary arrays.
- Providing berthing and victuals (four meals per day) for eight government/non-crew personnel.
Vessel Requirements
- Status: Must be Jones Act qualified and U.S.-flagged.
- Performance: Minimum 10 knots transit speed and 42-day sustained underway capability.
- Propulsion: DP1 required (DP2 preferred).
- Deck Space: Minimum 11,000 sq. ft. of deck storage.
- Mission Gear: 10-ton ship's crane, two 20-ton tugger winches, and a linear cable engine with 20-ton lift capability.
- Communications: Satellite phone and internet-based maritime network with specified bandwidth.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Charter Period: 42 days (February 15, 2027 – March 29, 2027).
- Delivery Port: Newington, NH.
- Redelivery Port: Port Canaveral, FL.
- Response Due: February 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
Evaluation
Responses will be used to determine the availability of qualified vessels and the potential for a small business set-aside. The NAICS code is 483111 (Water Transportation) with a size standard of 1,050 employees.
Additional Notes
This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. The government is also seeking feedback on the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) specifications.