Ocean Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Vessel
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), under the Department of the Navy, is conducting a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to identify a U.S. flag, Jones Act compliant vessel capable of supporting general ocean towing, salvage, and deep sub-surface rescue operations. This includes Navy unique deep submergence rescue capabilities. Responses are due by June 30, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI is for market research to gather information on available vessels and industry capabilities. The selected vessel will be homeported in Virginia Beach, VA, and operate along the East/Gulf Coast of the U.S. and North Atlantic Ocean. The scope includes a wide range of maritime support, from general towing and salvage to complex submarine rescue and underwater repair operations.
Key Requirements
- Vessel Capabilities: Must support general-purpose ocean towing, salvage, and rescue operations, including manned and remotely operated vehicle diving (saturation diving), salvage/survey assessment, towing various vessels, submarine rescue, salvage of grounded/stranded vessels, lifting sunken objects, and conducting underwater repairs.
- Vessel Characteristics:
- U.S. flag and Jones Act qualified.
- Minimum 130 tons bollard pull.
- Dual towing winches (2 1/4" and 3" wire) and shark jaws for 1-5/8" to 3-3/4" chain.
- Crane with a minimum 30,000 lbs lifting capacity.
- Minimum 5,000 sq ft of open, continuous aft working deck space.
- Station keeping DP-2 or equivalent.
- Means for off-ship fire fighting.
- Permanent accommodations for 40 transient personnel.
- Broadband internet (1MB bi-directional) and typical commercial maritime communications.
- MOSHIP Criteria: Bidders should consult the attached "MOSHIP Criteria Manual for U. S. Navy Submarine Rescue (Rev E)" for detailed technical, operational, and safety requirements for Mother Ships/Barges supporting submarine rescue operations.
Contract Details (Anticipated)
- Type: Anticipated daily hire rate contract, covering all services, equipment, and personnel costs. Port charges and fuel will be reimbursable.
- Period of Performance: A base period of 366 days (August 2, 2027 - August 1, 2028) is anticipated, with four additional 365-day option periods, potentially extending the contract to July 2, 2032.
Submission Requirements & Deadline
- Information Requested: Companies should provide their name, CAGE code, point of contact, company history, financial capability, estimated daily/term cost, vessel name and characteristics (including COI, photos, spec sheet), MOSHIP survey checklist, URC certification/SRDRS charter details (if applicable), small business status, facility clearance (secret level), bulkhead details, estimated delivery/redelivery bonus, and fuel consumption rates.
- Response Due: June 30, 2026, by 1:00 PM Local Time, Norfolk, VA.
- Submission Method: Responses must be submitted via email to Brittany Miller at BRITTANY.D.MILLER22.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL.
Eligibility & Notes
- Set-Aside: This is a Sources Sought notice for market research. While no specific set-aside is designated for this RFI, information regarding small business status is requested, and sub-contracting opportunities for other than small businesses are noted. The primary requirement is a Jones Act compliant vessel.
- This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the government to award a contract or pay for response preparation costs.