60-day 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, Military Sealift Command (MSC) Headquarters Norfolk, is soliciting proposals for a 60-day Tanker Time Charter. This unrestricted acquisition seeks a firm-fixed-price contract for vessel charter services, specifically for a clean, approved, U.S. Jones Act vessel capable of transporting a minimum of 150,000 barrels of clean product. Proposals are due May 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
This opportunity requires a U.S. Jones Act, ATB/ITB/Non-connected Tug and Barge with an Inert Gas System (IGS) or equivalent and Segregated Ballast Tanks (SBT). The vessel must be capable of carrying at least 150,000 bbls of clean product (JP5/F76/JAA). Specific requirements include SIRE System participation, Q-88 submission, vessel age considerations, maximum LOA (201m), DWT (50,000 MT), beam (32.3m), manifold height (13.00m), and a minimum Speed of Advance of 9-10 knots. Cargo tanks must be compatible with intended products, assessed via MIL-STD-3004-1 and Energy Institute HM 50, and certified clean and gas-free.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price for vessel charter services (Time Charter).
- Period of Performance: Approximately 60 days.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted acquisition, requiring U.S. Jones Act vessels. Preferences exist for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels and Domestic Shipyards. Large businesses may require a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.
- Proposal Due: May 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Published Date: April 30, 2026.
Evaluation
Offers will be evaluated based on the lowest price, technically acceptable approach, considering charter hire rate, fuel price, and other pricing elements. The government reserves the right to limit evaluation to the lowest-priced offers and intends to award without discussions, so initial offers should contain the best terms. A "Category 1" preference for U.S. shipyard work is noted.
Key Attachments & Notes
Key supporting documents include a Wage Determination (No. 2019-0288, Revision No. 25) outlining minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for deep sea vessel services, a Shipyard Data Template for past work experience, and a Fuel Consumption Template detailing estimated fuel costs. Proforma documents are available upon request. Offerors must submit a valid offer including ship name, price, and signature. Imminent danger pay locations are noted.