MTS Tow Support Vessel (Submarine-Fendered Tug)
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, specifically the Military Sealift Command (MSCHQ NORFOLK), has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified firms capable of providing two (2) U.S. Flag spot charter tugs for Submarine Moored Training Ship (MTS) 626 tow support at the Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Charleston, SC. This is market research to determine availability and cost. Responses are due April 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for two U.S. Flag submarine-fendered tugs to support the un-docking and river transit of MTS 626 from NPTU Goose Creek, SC, to Charleston "C" Buoy, and escort services from JB Charleston Wharf Alpha to Charleston "C" Buoy. Services are required for a minimum of four hours, potentially up to eight hours, with tugs available 24 hours/day. Key specifications for the tugs include:
- Flag: USA
- Classification: IACS recognized society
- Maximum Draft: 18 feet
- Endurance: 8 days
- Maximum Beam: 50 feet
- Transit Speed: 10 Knots
- Bollard Pull: Minimum 100,000 lbs. forward/stern, 65,000 lbs. side
- Maximum Fixed Air Draft: 24 ft. (low profile)
- Fendering: Gray bow, gray or non-marking side, and subsurface fendering to prevent metal-to-hull contact.
- Firefighting: Sufficient monitors for 360-degree coverage at 3,000 gpm, 125 psi, with AFFF injection.
- Crew: Master(s), Officers, and entire crew must be U.S. citizens with valid USCG certificates and licenses.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (for market research)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price with reimbursable fuel
- Period of Performance: Charter Period of 5 days, commencing August 18th, 2026 (tow date may shift up to 5 days).
- Response Due: April 28, 2026, by 1300 LOCAL TIME, NORFOLK, VA.
- Published: April 24, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties must provide:
- Company Name, Point of Contact
- Affirmation of Financial Capability
- Proposed Daily Charter Hire Rates
- Completed Offered Vessel Characteristics Worksheet (including tug names, specifications, COI/COD/Classification, photos)
- Itinerary
- Any other pertinent information.
Responses will be used for market research purposes only. This is not a request for proposals, and the government is not committed to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
- NAICS Code: 488330 (Water Transportation Services)
- Small Business Size Standard: $47.0 Million
- Bidders must indicate if they are a small business concern.
Additional Notes
Harbor pilots are to be included as needed, and a docking pilot is required for berthing at NPTU Pier X-Ray North. NPTU will arrange security inspections for harbor tugs, and layberth will be made available for security inspection and equipment loading.