90-DAY DRY CARGO TIME CHARTER WITH ONE 90-DAY OPTION PERIOD
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 / MSCHQ NORFOLK is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for a 90-day dry cargo time charter with one 90-day option period. The government seeks to identify potential sources for a self-sustaining combination container/breakbulk vessel. Responses are due by March 6, 2026, 11:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
This opportunity requires a U.S. or foreign-flag vessel capable of transporting dry cargo, containers, and breakbulk. Key vessel requirements include:
- Capacity: Minimum 250 TEUs or 150,000 cubic feet of cargo (exclusive). Must accommodate various container sizes (e.g., 80x40ft, 70x20ft) and heavy loads (14-22 metric tons/container).
- Performance: Minimum speed of 15 knots (laden) and an operating range of 8,000 nautical miles. Maximum draft not to exceed 35 feet.
- Specialized Cargo: Ability to accommodate at least 50 refrigerated containers with ship-supplied electrical outlets (200-440 VAC, 3-phase). Must be capable of carrying ammunition and all types of hazardous cargo with proper segregation.
- Cargo Handling: Vessel must be self-sustaining with at least two booms/cranes (minimum 30 LT SWL, 50 LT in tandem) and certified 20/40-foot spreader bars. Sufficient lashing/securing gear is required.
- Deck Loading: Tank tops designed for heavy vehicles (e.g., M-1 tank) with a uniformly distributed load of minimum 525 PSF.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (RFI)
- Charter Period: One 90-day time charter with one 90-day option period.
- Delivery/Redelivery: Singapore, Singapore.
- Laydays: Prompt (respondents to provide earliest availability).
- Response Due: March 6, 2026, 11:00 AM ET.
- Published: March 4, 2026.
Submission & Information Requested
Interested parties should submit responses via email to Tiffany.N.Gallon.civ@us.navy.mil. Submissions must include:
- Vessel name and detailed description.
- Proposed laydays.
- Daily charter hire rate.
- Company name, UEI, and business size.
- Fuel consumption rates.
- A statement affirming the vessel meets all specified requirements.
- Any questions regarding the notice.
Eligibility & Notes
The applicable NAICS code is 483111 (Water Transportation), with a small business size standard of 1,050 employees. Respondents are requested to indicate their business size. This is solely a Request for Information for market research purposes and does not constitute an offer or commitment to contract. Responses will not be considered offers, and the government will not pay for response preparation costs. Large businesses are encouraged to provide details on potential subcontracting opportunities.