Dry Cargo Voyage Charter
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 Norfolk, has issued a Solicitation (RFP N3220526R6048) for a Dry Cargo Voyage Charter. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity seeks proposals for a firm-fixed-price contract to procure U.S. Flag, Jones Act compliant vessel services for transporting 20-foot ISO shipping containers, including hazardous materials, from Naval Magazine Indian Island, WA, to Valdez, AK. Proposals are due by Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one U.S. Flag, Jones Act compliant, tug & barge or self-sustaining vessel with a minimum capacity of 50 TEUs. The vessel's Length Overall (LOA) must not exceed 700 ft (213.4m), and its Draft must not exceed 31.5 ft (9.6m). Cargo consists of 20-foot ISO shipping containers, with an average weight of 19,500 lbs and a maximum of 36,500 lbs, including hazardous materials (Hazard Classes/Divisions 1.1 through 1.4S, 2.2S).
Key operational details include:
- Load Port: Naval Magazine Indian Island, WA, with an Available Load Date (ALD) of April 7, 2026.
- Discharge Port: Valdez, AK, with an Earliest Arrival Date (EAD) of April 15, 2026, and Latest Arrival Date (LAD) of April 17, 2026.
- Laytime: 2 Days, SSHEX Total for the entire mission.
- Terms: F.I.O.S.S. (Free In, Out, Stowed, and Secured) for load and discharge.
- Special Requirements: Contractor must ensure segregation of all loaded munitions containers. Self-sustaining vessels require a certified 20-foot spreader bar per crane. Barges must include a container handling forklift compliant with ANSI B56.1-1969 and be fully outfitted with lashing gear. Vessels must be fully bunkered for the voyage.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Marine Charter For Things).
- Submission Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Published Date: February 12, 2026.
- Key Operational Dates: ALD April 7, 2026; EAD April 15, 2026; LAD April 17, 2026.
Evaluation
Evaluation will incorporate FAR 52.212-1 and FAR 52.212-4, with Part XI addressing evaluation for commercial items. A valid submission requires at least a ship name, a price, and a signature. Expired offers will be excluded from competition.
Additional Notes
This solicitation includes a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination under the Service Contract Act (SCA), specifying minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for deep sea vessel services, which bidders must factor into their proposals. Proforma documents are available upon request. Increased email security may cause delays in email receipt. The Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden are designated imminent danger pay locations.