FY 26 Barge Crane & Operator Rental
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 Air Force is conducting market research through a Sources Sought announcement for FY 26 Barge Crane & Operator Rental services at Joint Base Charleston – Naval Weapon Station, Goose Creek, SC. This is not a solicitation; responses will inform future acquisition decisions. Responses are due by February 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
The government seeks a contractor to provide all labor, equipment, transportation, management, and supervision for a barge crane, operator, barges, rigger(s), and a maneuvering vessel (tug). This service is required for off-loading vessel hatches and cargo. Key requirements include:
- A certified barge crane operator.
- Crane and rigging gear compliant with ASME B30.8, B30.9, B30.20, OSHA 1926 subpart CC, and 29 CFR 1917 standards.
- Lifting capability for specific vessel dimensions and cargo weights, including a maximum cargo weight of 99,495 lbs and various hatch covers and tween deck sections.
- The crane must lift cargo to a minimum clearance height of 5 feet above the vessel.
- Provision of sufficient barges or deck space for hatch cover(s) and cargo off-load.
- If cargo offload is required, the contractor must place 20’ ISO containers onto a contractor-provided barge and maneuver it for off-loading to pier-side transport vehicles.
- Crane and equipment delivery and pre-positioning within 24-hour notification, remaining on-site for a minimum of 10 calendar days. Off-loading operations are expected to be a maximum of 12 hours.
- Contractor personnel require background checks for base access.
- The government will provide a 20’ Tandemloc Autoloc Spreader, pier-side spotters, and riggers.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- NAICS: 238990 – All Other Specialty Trade Contractors (Size Standard: $19M)
- PSC: 1935 – Barges And Lighters, Special Purpose
- Response Due: February 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
- Published: February 8, 2026
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit the following via email:
- Company Name, Address, Point of Contact, Phone, Email, DUNS, and CAGE Code.
- Capability Statement.
- Three past performance references for similar services (including contract number and POC).
- Small business size representation for NAICS 238990 (e.g., VOSB, SDVOSB, WOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone, 8(a)).
- Feedback on whether a different NAICS or PSC should be assigned.
Additional Notes
This announcement is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses will not be considered adequate for any future solicitation. Email responses to luke.jackson.us.af.mil and terry.harrelson.1@us.af.mil.