Call Out Tugboat Services
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 NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk Contracting Department is conducting market research via a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to identify capable sources for Call Out Tugboat Services. These services will support United States Ship (USS) and United States Naval Ship (USNS) vessels at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle in Leonardo, NJ, and surrounding waters. This SSN is in anticipation of a potential future procurement under NAICS code 488330 ($47M size standard) and PSC V125. Responses are due by February 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for U.S. flag tug services to provide harbor support and ship handling, including:
- Assisting vessels in emergencies, towing, twisting, mooring, berthing, docking, shifting, and escorting various Navy vessel classes.
- Pilot and Government personnel transfer.
- Emergency support (e.g., weather threats, fires, vessels aground, oil spills).
- Line handling and providing personnel for aboard a tow.
- Services must be available 24/7, including holidays.
Performance Standards
- Two-hour notification time for tugs (Type A and B) and standby tugs.
- Tugs must meet specific performance requirements for transit speed, endurance, and operational range.
- Type A tugs require firefighting equipment with 360-degree coverage at 2010 GPM at 125 PSI with AFFF injection.
- Contractor must maintain a Strike Contingency Plan and a Vessel Casualty Plan.
- Incident reports for damage, injury, or death involving contractor tugs are due within 24 hours.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought Notice (SSN)
- NAICS: 488330 (All Other Support Activities for Water Transportation) with a $47M size standard.
- PSC: V125 (Vessel Towing Service)
- Place of Performance: NWS Earle, Leonardo, NJ, and surrounding waters (within 20 nautical miles).
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Five years (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2031), with a six-month option period.
- Response Due: February 26, 2026, 12:00 PM EST.
- Published Date: February 19, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a capability statement, not exceeding five (5) typewritten pages (10-point font minimum), via email to David Vaughn (david.e.vaughn6.civ@us.navy.mil) and Robert Babcock (robert.j.babcock25.civ@us.navy.mil). Submissions must include:
- Cover Sheet: Full business name, address, POC, CAGE Code, and Small Business Category (if applicable).
- Capability Statement: Demonstrate requisite skills, resources, and technical expertise to perform all PWS requirements. Include past performance information from the last five years, detailing contract numbers, prime/subcontractor role, final price, dates, location, and relevance to the PWS.
Additional Notes
This is for market research only and is not a solicitation. The Government is not obligated to answer questions submitted with responses. Feedback on the draft PWS is encouraged. Failure to respond does not preclude participation in future solicitations.