MEDIUM RANGE (MR) TANKER - TIME CHARTER (EXTENDED TERM)
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) Norfolk, under the Department of the Navy, is conducting a Sources Sought effort to gather information on the availability and pricing of one (1) U.S. flagged Medium Range (MR) Tanker for an extended time charter. This charter is critical for the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) to support the replenishment of Defense Fuel Support Pipelines (DFSP) and is mission-essential for TRANSCOM, CENTCOM, US Navy, and the Department of War. Responses are requested by January 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one (1) clean approved U.S. flagged double hull MR tanker with segregated ballast tanks (SBT), capable of carrying a minimum of 300,000 BBLS of clean petroleum product (JP5, JAA, or F76). Key vessel specifications include:
- Maximum age of 20 years throughout the charter period.
- Maximum Length Overall (LOA) of 190 meters.
- Maximum Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) of 50,000 MT.
- Minimum of 3 segregations with double valve isolation.
- 10-ton boom or crane capable of reaching port and starboard.
- Fitted with cruciform bits at the manifold.
- Minimum speed of 13 knots in moderate weather.
- Ability to conduct CONSOL operations underway, with two (2) CONSOL receiving stations (starboard) and one (1) Fuel Delivery System (FDS) (port).
- Must meet Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) and Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Charter Period: A base period from April 1, 2027, to March 30, 2028, with four (4) one-year option periods, potentially extending the charter to February 28, 2032.
- Operating Area: Worldwide as needed.
- Delivery/Redelivery Port: Mediterranean Sea (intentions Souda Bay, Crete).
- Laydays: Commencing April 1, 2027; Cancelling July 1, 2027.
- Response Due: January 23, 2026, 1300 Eastern Time.
- Published: January 9, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties should provide:
- Company Information: Name, CAGE code, contact details, and small business standing.
- Vessel/Rate Information: Vessel description, daily fuel consumption, daily charter rate for base and option periods, pricing for dual CONSOL/FDS installations, alternative indications, and earliest readiness date.
- Submission Method: Via email to Ms. Reah Norris (reah.d.norris.civ@us.navy.mil) and Ms. Stephanie Ricker (stephanie.ricker.civ@us.navy.mil).
Eligibility & Notes
- The applicable NAICS code is 483111 (Water Transportation) with a small business size standard of 1050 employees. Respondents are requested to indicate their small business concern status.
- This is a Request for Information only; responses are not offers and do not commit the government to pay costs.
- ATFP/CBRN alteration costs should be included in the daily charter rate.