Operation & Maintenance of Five (5) Government-Owned Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS)

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the requirements for operating and maintaining vessels to support assigned missions. The contractor must ensure ships are operated professionally, maintained in good operable condition, and are mission-ready at all times, adhering to all relevant laws and contract terms.

• Vessel Operations: Operate and maintain specified vessels (list provided in C-1.1.2.a, referencing Sources Sought Notice).

• Maintenance: Maintain vessels and related systems/equipment in good working order, adhering to USCG and ABS rules and regulations.

• Certifications: Obtain and maintain all required USCG and ABS certifications (detailed list in C-1.1.2.b).

• Operational Control: Comply with directions from designated operational commanders and MSC Area Commanders.

• Area of Operations: Plan for worldwide operations, with initial anticipated locations on the East and West Coasts of the US in Reduced Operational Status (ROS-5), ready to transition to Full Operational Status (FOS) within 5 days.

• Readiness Statuses: Manage operations under Full Operating Status (FOS), Reduced Operating Status (ROS), and Repair Availability (RAV) with specific manning and operational tempo requirements for each.

• Transition: Manage transition from ROS to FOS, including crew indoctrination and readiness checks.

• Hotel Services: Provide food and hotel services for the ship's crew and temporarily embarked personnel (TEP).

• Medical Services: Maintain onboard medical allowances, records, and qualified personnel.

• Communications: Operate and maintain required communication equipment, including secure systems.

• Force Protection: Comply with anti-terrorism and physical security requirements.

• Manning: Provide trained, qualified, and medically fit personnel according to specified manning scales for FOS, ROS, and RAV.

• Training: Ensure all mariners meet federal, state, and local training requirements, including STCW.

• Damage Control: Implement and maintain a comprehensive Damage Control program.

• Engineering & Maintenance: Utilize the Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management (SAMM) system for all maintenance planning, execution, and documentation.

• Vessels must be mission-ready at all times (excluding scheduled maintenance).

• Adherence to USCG and ABS rules and regulations is mandatory.

• Compliance with operational control directions from commanders.

• Transition from ROS to FOS within specified timeframes.

• Maintenance of specific readiness levels (FOS, ROS, RAV).

• Worldwide operations anticipated.

• Initial vessel locations expected on US East and West Coasts.

• Compliance with numerous regulatory bodies (USCG, ABS, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM).

• Strict adherence to manning, training, and certification requirements.

• Robust maintenance management using the SAMM system.

• Comprehensive safety, environmental, and force protection measures.

• Specific cybersecurity and information security protocols.

• Detailed reporting and documentation requirements for all operations and maintenance activities.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Sources Sought Notice for the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of five (5) Government-owned Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS). The Military Sealift Command (MSC) intends to award contracts in two lots: Lot 1 for two (2) Watson Class ships (USNS SISLER and USNS DAHL), and Lot 2 for three (3) Bobo Class ships (USNS WILLIAMS, USNS LUMMUS, and USNS BUTTON).

Lot 1 (Watson Class): Operation and maintenance of vessels for worldwide cargo prepositioning, supporting U.S. Marine Corps missions. Vessels must be mission-ready, maintained in good condition, and operated IAW U.S. Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) rules. Self-sufficiency in operations and maintenance is critical. Requires a SECRET-level Facility Security Clearance.

Lot 2 (Bobo Class): Operation and maintenance of vessels for worldwide prepositioning of U.S. Marine Corps cargo. Includes operation, maintenance, and safeguarding of Communication Suites aboard Flagship, Alternate-Flagship, or other MSC vessels. Services must be available 24/7. Requires a SECRET-level Facility Security Clearance for key personnel.

Common Requirements: Both lots require operation and maintenance IAW ABS rules and MSC standards. Maintenance and cargo overhaul are anticipated approximately every three years. Vessels may be placed in Reduced Operating Status (ROS) during these periods. Standardized O&M Performance Work Statement (PWS) will be used.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) award fee contract with reimbursable pass-through elements (e.g., port charges, M&R, fuel).
• Performance Period: One 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods.
• Estimated Commencement: Lot 1: June 1, 2027; Lot 2: October 1, 2027.
• NAICS Code: 483111 – Deep Sea Freight Transportation (Size Standard: 1,050 employees).

Interested parties must provide company name, POC, address, contact info, CAGE code, business size, and financial viability information (estimated $33.6M for Lot 1, $35M for Lot 2). Also required are details on facility clearance, company experience (minimum 5 years operating multiple ocean-going ships >4,500 GT/>11,500 HP, 3 dry dockings >$20M/>60 days, and experience in remote locations), and operating hire information (ROM values for FOS, ROS, RAV rates). Submissions are due by July 1, 2026, 2:00 PM local time Norfolk, VA. Responses not to exceed five pages (excluding financial viability evidence).

Government is determining acquisition strategy, including potential small business set-aside. If set-aside, FAR clause 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) applies. Small businesses must demonstrate capability to perform at least 50% of the effort. Details on teaming and subcontracting plans are requested.

This is a Request for Information only; responses are not offers. The government is not committed to procure services. Information provided is for market research and planning purposes.