Dry Cargo Charter Voyage
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 Military Sealift Command (MSC) Strategic Sealift Program Support Office is soliciting proposals for a Firm-Fixed-Price Dry Cargo Voyage Charter (Solicitation N3220526R6044). This Full and Open competition seeks one U.S. flag, roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) vessel to transport general cargo from Tacoma, Washington, to Okinawa, Japan, and Guam. Proposals are due February 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a single U.S. flag RO-RO vessel equipped with an articulating ramp, capable of carrying a minimum of 30 TEUs and 19,000 SQFT of general cargo (wheeled vehicles and breakbulk).
- Load Port: Tacoma, Washington (USA), with an available load date of April 27, 2026.
- Discharge Ports: White Beach, Okinawa, Japan (latest arrival May 19, 2026); Apra Harbor, Guam (latest arrival May 26, 2026); and White Beach, Okinawa, Japan (latest arrival June 01, 2026).
- Layday: Commences and cancels on April 26, 2026.
- Period of Performance: One voyage.
- Cargo Handling: Load Terms: F.I.O.S.S. (Free In, Out, Stowed, and Stevedored); Discharge Terms: LINER TERMS.
- Laytime: SSHEX (Sundays, Holidays, Exceptions excluded), 3 days total for the mission.
- Vessel Requirements: Must be fully bunkered, equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver, and have sufficient lashing gear. Carrier is responsible for disconnecting and reconnecting vehicle battery cables.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price Charter Party.
- NAICS Code: 483111.
- Product Service Code: V124 - Marine Charter For Things.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open competition (Unrestricted).
- Wage Determination: A U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (SCA) applies, which bidders must use for labor cost calculations.
Submission & Evaluation
- Offer Due Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Submission Requirements: Offers must be submitted on SF 1449 or letterhead, including solicitation number, offeror's name, address, UEI, and EFT indicator. A valid submission requires at least a ship name, price, and signature. No JPEG files.
- Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on technical capability and price, with specific consideration for VISA priority and domestic shipyard usage. Award will be made to the responsible offeror with the technically acceptable proposal representing the lowest price.
- Small Business Subcontracting Plan: Required for large businesses.
Key Dates
- Presolicitation Published: February 5, 2026.
- Offers Due: February 12, 2026, 10:00 AM ET.
- Load Date: April 27, 2026 (Tacoma, WA).
- Latest Arrival Dates: May 19, 2026 (Okinawa), May 26, 2026 (Guam), June 1, 2026 (Okinawa).
Additional Notes
Proforma documents are available upon request or via the MSC website. The Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden are designated imminent danger pay locations. Contact Jordan Morrison at jordan.a.morrison5.civ@us.navy.mil for inquiries.