60-DAY JONES ACT TANKER 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's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify U.S. Jones Act-compliant, clean petroleum tankers. The primary mission is to transport clean petroleum (JP5/F76/JAA) for the Defense Logistics Agency-Energy. Vessels are required for a 150-day charter, with delivery in Long Beach, CA, and redelivery in Puget Sound, WA. Responses are due by April 15, 2026.
Scope of Work
MSC seeks information on MR Tankers, Integrated Tug Barges (ITB), or other non-connected tug and barge combinations. Key vessel requirements include:
- Compliance: U.S. Jones Act compliant, inert gas system (or equivalent), segregated ballast tanks.
- Capacity: Minimum 230,000 bbls for MR Tankers; 150,000 bbls for ITB/ATB or non-connected tug/barge.
- Age: Less than 20 years for charter duration. Vessels over 15 years require a Classification Society's Condition Assessment Program (CAP) rating of 2 or better, or terminal acceptance records.
- Dimensions: Max LOA 675 ft (206m), Max DWT 50,000 MT, Max Beam 106 ft (32.3m), Max Draft 36.0 ft (11.00m).
- Performance: Minimum Sea Speed (SOA) of 13 knots for MR Tankers; 9-10 knots for others.
- Features: Minimum two cargo segregation capability (min 50,000 bbls per segregation), capability to lift cargo hoses with cruciform bits to manifold on both port and starboard.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI).
- Charter Period: 150 days.
- Laydays: Commencing May 22, 2026, Cancelling May 26, 2026.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage); small business status for NAICS 483111 (1,050 employees) is requested.
- Response Due: April 15, 2026, by 1400 hours Eastern Time.
- Published: April 13, 2026 (Amended Notice).
Submission & Evaluation
This is an RFI only; responses are not considered offers. Interested parties must provide:
- Company Information: Name, contact details, small business status, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
- Vessel/Rate Information: Vessel name, Q88, description, charter hire rate, fuel consumption, availability, and alternative indications. Responses should be submitted via email to Brandon Page. Information gathered will inform potential future solicitations and assess industry capabilities.
Additional Notes
The government will not reimburse costs incurred for response preparation.