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 (MSC), is soliciting proposals for a Firm-Fixed-Price Dry Cargo Voyage Charter to transport containerized ammunition. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a U.S. Flag, Jones Act compliant tug and self-sustaining barge. Proposals are due March 13, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one U.S. Flag, Jones Act compliant tug and an ABS certified, self-sustaining barge capable of transporting a minimum of 60 TEUs of containerized ammunition (Hazard Classes/Divisions 1.1-1.4S). The vessel's LOA must not exceed 687 ft. (209.4 m) and laden draft not exceed 31.5 ft. (9.6 m).
The mission involves loading at Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) Wharf 3, CA (Available Load Date: April 29, 2026), discharging at West Loch Wharves 4 & 5, Pearl Harbor, HI (Latest Arrival Date: May 11, 2026), and then returning to MOTCO, CA (Latest Arrival Date: May 21, 2026). Total laytime for the entire mission is 3 days, SSHEX. The barge must be self-sustaining, equipped with a Reach Stacker (min 18m reach, 35,000 lbs lift), as shore cranes are not acceptable for West Loch operations. Stowage must comply with 49 CFR Part 176.170(e) for segregation of munitions.
Contract Details
This will be a Firm-Fixed-Price contract. The period of performance is implied by the specific load and discharge dates in April and May 2026. Offerors must provide required certificates including Certificate of Documentation, Certificate of Inspection, ABS Class, DOT Hazardous Materials, TSMS, VSP, and Letter of Variance if applicable.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals are due Wednesday, March 13, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time. Submissions must be electronic, preferably in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format, and sent via email. A valid submission requires at least a ship name, price, and signature. Evaluation will be based on FAR 52.212-2, Commercial Items (tailored per FAR 12.205(a)) – SPOT CHARTER, considering technical capability and price. Offerors must complete the "MSC DRYVOY 2026 (02-26) Boxes" form with detailed vessel specifications and proposed rates.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Only Jones Act compliant vessels are eligible. Offerors must also adhere to the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination under the Service Contract Act (SCA) for deep sea vessels, which specifies minimum wage rates and fringe benefits.
Additional Notes
Offerors must acknowledge all terms and conditions. Increased email security may cause delays, so early submission is advised. No JPEG files are accepted. A "Shipyard Data Template" spreadsheet must be completed, detailing historical U.S. and foreign shipyard work for all covered vessels. Proforma documents are available upon request or via the MSC website.