57-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) Norfolk, is seeking proposals for a 57-day Dry Cargo Time Charter (Pre-solicitation, Proposed Solicitation Number: N3220526R6076). This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity requires a self-sustaining vessel capable of transporting containerized ammunition. Offers are due by Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for one U.S. or foreign flag, self-sustaining vessel capable of carrying a minimum of 500 TEUs of containerized ammunition. The vessel must satisfy all applicable regulatory HAZMAT compatibility and segregation requirements for Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E), including specific classes (1.1C-1.4S, 2.2S, 4.2G, 9.S). Key specifications include a maximum Length Overall (LOA) of 1,000 feet, a laden draft not exceeding 31.5 feet, and a minimum laden speed of 13 knots. The cargo will include an average TEU/FEU weight of approximately 24,500 lbs (max 41,000 lbs), and the vessel must accommodate four 20 ft flat-racks for the return leg. Operational requirements include a minimum of two supercargo per vessel, lashing gear, and a spreader bar. Bidders must provide the most recent Certificate of Inspection (COI) and Vessel Document of Compliance for Carriage of Dangerous Goods, along with a detailed stow plan.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.
- Charter Period: Approximately 57 days.
- Laydays: Commencing and Cancelling on May 27, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Military Ocean Terminal Concord, California, USA.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (based on responses from a recent sources sought notice).
- Proposed Solicitation Number: N3220526R6076.
- Offer Due Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Published Date: April 9, 2026.
- Product/Service Code: V124 - Marine Charter.
Submission & Evaluation
Submission Requirements: A valid offer must include at least a ship name, price, and signature. Failure to provide these elements may result in the proposal being ineligible for award. Offerors are encouraged to submit proposals as soon as possible to avoid potential email delays; JPEG files are not accepted. Evaluation: Proposal price will be assessed based on the charter hire rate(s) for the entire period, fuel price, and other pricing elements. Fuel calculations will utilize specific underway and in-port days, speeds, consumption rates, and the FY2025 DLA standard fuel price of $1,500.83 per metric ton for Marine Gas Oil (MGO)/Marine Diesel Oil (MDO).
Additional Notes
Proforma documents are available upon request or via the MSC website. The Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden are designated imminent danger pay locations. FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference. Wage Determination No. 2019-0288, Revision No. 25 (issued January 14, 2026), applies to this contract, establishing minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for deep sea vessel services in coastal U.S. regions. Bidders must account for these mandated labor costs, including specific rates for Health & Welfare, vacation, holidays, and uniform allowances, as well as requirements under Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage).
Contact Information: Brandon Page at brandon.a.page.civ@us.navy.mil or 564-226-1239, and Michelle James at michelle.d.james7.civ@us.navy.mil or (564) 230-3323.