66-day Dry Cargo Time Charter

Quick Summary

The Department of the Navy, Military Sealift Command (MSC), is soliciting proposals for a 66-day Dry Cargo Time Charter for up to two U.S. or foreign flag, self-sustaining Roll-on/Roll-off vessels. This requirement is for the transportation of military cargo from Charleston, South Carolina (USA) to Melbourne, Australia. This is an Unrestricted acquisition. Proposals are due Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.

Scope of Work

The requirement is for vessel(s) capable of carrying a minimum of 105,000 SQFT of military cargo (wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles, and breakbulk) out of a total 165,000 SQFT. Key vessel requirements include:

• Minimum laden speed of 15 knots.
• Vessels must be fully bunkered.
• Provision of a detailed stow plan, including vessel trim and stability values.
• Ability to meet specific laydays between July 25-30, 2026.
• Minimum of two supercargo per vessel.
• Provision of Certificate of Inspection (COI) and outstanding USCG 835 and class society deficiencies.
• Extensive details on vessel specifications, fuel consumption, operational status, crew, safety, regulatory compliance, war risk insurance, security clearance, and secure communications equipment are required in the "DRYTIME BOXES" of the RFP.

Contract Details

• Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Time Charter Party, awarded under FAR Part 12 and FAR 15 Contracting by Negotiation.
• Duration: Approximately 66 days for each chartered vessel.
• Set-Aside: Unrestricted. The decision was made based on responses to a recent sources sought notice, with concurrence from the Small Business Administration's Procurement Center Representative.
• Place of Performance: Delivery in Charleston, SC (USA); Redelivery in Melbourne, Australia.
• Relevant Documents: Bidders must consider the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (Revision No. 26) for deep sea vessel services and utilize the provided Fuel Consumption Template for cost calculations, which specifies standard fuel prices.

Submission & Evaluation

• Proposal Due: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time. Early submission is encouraged due to potential email security delays.
• Minimum Submission: A valid submission requires at least a ship name, a price, and a signature. Offers can be submitted on SF 1449, letterhead, or as specified.
• Evaluation: Award will be based on the lowest price to the Government among technically acceptable proposals. Price evaluation will consider charter hire rate, fuel price (using DLA-E standard prices), and other pricing elements. Technical capability (Boxes 1-6) will also be evaluated.
• Compliance: Failure to meet submission requirements may result in ineligibility. A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required for large business offerors.
• Considerations: The evaluation will also consider VISA (Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement) priority and domestic shipyard usage (DFARS 252.247-7026).

Key Considerations

• The Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden are designated imminent danger pay locations.
• Numerous FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference or amended.
• No JPEG files are accepted in submissions.