90-Day Tank Time Charter Shallow Draft
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 conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for a 90-Day Tank Time Charter for Shallow Draft Tankers. This effort seeks information on the price and availability of suitable vessels to transport clean petroleum products (JP8, JP5 MUR, or F76) in the Western Pacific / Sea of Japan region. Responses are due by February 10, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is issued by MSC Norfolk's Strategic Sealift Program Support Office to gather market intelligence. It is a request for information only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. The primary goal is to identify potential sources capable of providing shallow draft tankers for a 90-day charter to support the Defense Logistics Agency - Energy's requirements for clean petroleum product transportation.
Key Requirements
- Vessel Type: Clean, U.S. or Foreign-flagged, Double Hull, Shallow Draft Tankers with segregated ballast tanks.
- Cargo Capacity: Capable of carrying 40,000 BBLS of JP8, JP5 MUR, or F76 within natural segregation in designated cargo tanks with double-valve isolation.
- Charter Period: 90 days.
- Delivery/Redelivery: Western Pacific / Sea of Japan, with intentions for Hakozaki, Japan.
- Laydays: Commencing March 24, 2026; Cancelling March 25, 2026.
- Minimum Vessel Characteristics:
- Age: Less than 20 years; vessels over 15 years must be enrolled in Classification Society's Condition Assessment Program (rated 2 or better).
- Dimensions: Maximum 108 meters LOA, Maximum 8,000 MT DWT, Maximum 10 meters draft (with 40,000 BBLS JP8).
- Equipment: Minimum 3 segregations with double-valve isolation, 3-ton boom/crane, cruciform bits, minimum eight mooring lines on power drums.
- Speed: Minimum Sea of 12 knots in moderate weather.
Submission Details
Interested parties should submit the following information:
- Company Information: Name, contact details, small business standing, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and sub-contracting details for large businesses.
- Vessel/Rate Information: Vessel name, Q88, detailed description, daily charter hire rate, delivery/redelivery bonuses, fuel consumption rates, and any alternative indications or ship features.
- Submission Deadline: Prior to 11:00 AM Eastern Time, Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
- Submission Method: Via email to DAVID.C.ANAYA.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL.
Eligibility & Notes
The Federal Acquisition Regulation 19.102 establishes the small business size standard for water transportation services (NAICS 483111) as 1,050 employees. This notice is for market research purposes only. Primary Point of Contact: David Anaya, (564) 226-8419, david.c.anaya.civ@us.navy.mil. Secondary Point of Contact: Christopher Tomlin, christopher.a.tomlin5.civ@us.navy.mil.