LANDING CRAFT UTILITY SHIPPING
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 conducting market research via a Sources Sought Notice (N32205-SS-N103-26-066) to identify U.S. self-sustaining vessels capable of transporting two Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels. This is not a solicitation but aims to gather information on vessel availability and pricing. Responses are due by March 9, 2026.
Scope of Work
MSC seeks vessels to transport two LCUs, each measuring 139' L x 31.7' W with a displacement of 263-435 tons. The LCUs are shallow draft steel hull vessels optimized for coastal/riverine operations.
- Cargo: Two Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels.
- Load Port: Austal USA – Mobile, Alabama.
- Discharge Port: Naval Amphibious Base (ACU 1) – Coronado, California.
- Available Load Date (ALD): December 1, 2026.
- Shipping Method: Lift-on/Lift-off (LO/LO) is acceptable and specified for loading/discharging.
- Route: Routing via the Panama Canal is required.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Terms: MSC DRYVOY 2026 FLO-FLO Terms.
- Response Due: Prior to 1000 Eastern Time, Monday, March 9, 2026.
- Published: March 4, 2026 (Amendment 0001).
Submission Requirements
Respondents must provide:
- Complete vessel description.
- Execution plan, including equipment for LO/LO operations.
- Stowage area plan, load/discharge locations, intended route, and weather prediction.
- Vessel range, estimated load/discharge time, and duration of voyage.
- Lump-sum price (including loading, stowing, securing, discharging).
- Associated detention rate and reimbursable daily pricing for a Contracted Security Team (CST).
- Company information, including small business status and Unique Entity Identifier.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Water Transportation).
- Small Business Size Standard: 1,050 employees.
- This is not a set-aside, but respondents are requested to indicate their small business status. Large businesses are asked to provide details on potential sub-contracting opportunities.
Key Changes from Amendment 0001
- The requirement is now specifically for U.S. self-sustaining vessels (previously U.S. or foreign flag).
- Confirmed Lift-on/Lift-off (LO/LO) as the specified method for loading and discharging.
- Requires the vessel owner to provide a Contracted Security Team (CST) for a specific area related to the Panama Canal.
- Responses must include routing via the Panama Canal.
Additional Notes
Contractor responsibilities include providing cradle, cribbing, blocking, seafastening, cargo gas free certification, temporary toilet facilities, and line handlers. Planning, towing, loading, transit, and discharge must adhere to the U.S. Navy Towing Manual. LCU drawings and previous transport studies are available upon request. Primary Point of Contact: Jordan Morrison (jordan.a.morrison5.civ@us.navy.mil).