MTS Tow 626
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, MSCHQ NORFOLK, has issued a Justification and Approval (J&A) for an out-of-scope modification to contract N3220524C4021. The purpose is to add a harbor tug service to assist with a tow mission for MTS 626 at NPTU in Charleston, SC, which falls outside the original contract's geographical region of Norfolk, VA. This justification supports the use of other than full and open competition.
Purpose & Scope
This modification requires the services of two (2) fully-crewed U.S. Flag submarine-fendered tugs to provide undocking and river transit support for the movement of the vessel MTS 626. The mission is estimated to take 4-8 hours, with a period of performance set at 5 days to account for potential weather delays. The place of performance is Charleston, SC.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Justification (for an out-of-scope modification)
- Product/Service Code: V124 (Marine Charter For Things)
- Existing Contract: N3220524C4021
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (justification for sole-source modification)
- Published Date: June 9, 2026
Rationale for Sole Source
The justification states that only three East Coast providers (Moran Towing Corporation, Thames Towboat Company, and Alpha Marine Services) possess the specialized, purpose-built harbor tugs with required fendering and propulsion systems for naval vessel movements. This pool was further limited by an acquisition in October 2025. These vessels must have specific non-marking rubber fendering below the waterline to protect submarine hulls. Market research, including Sources Sought SS-26-098 and previous efforts, consistently failed to identify new competitors. In 2021, no suitable tugs were found in Charleston, SC, necessitating redirection from other naval stations. Consequently, Moran Towing Corp. was identified as the only responsible source capable of meeting the requirement.
Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition
The government has previously competed similar requirements on SAM.gov to ensure industry awareness and promote future competition.
Additional Notes
The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost for this modification will be fair and reasonable.