Security Services onboard SBX- 1

Sources Sought / Request for Information

This Sources Sought notice is issued by Commander, Military Sealift Command (COMSC) to gather capability information regarding vendors' ability to provide security services onboard the Sea-Based X-Band Radar platform (SBX-1). This requirement is currently set aside for 8(a) Business Development Program contractors.

• Provide personnel and material for securing the SBX-1 in accordance with Sponsor Security Requirements, including continuous armed force protection 24/7/365.

• Maintain onboard physical security while the SBX-1 is at sea (International Waters) and in port (U.S. Territorial Seas and internal waters).

• Sustain 58-day rotations for personnel.

• Contractor Security Officers will perform duties onboard SBX-1, but may need to use force against attackers outside the lifelines of the ship.

• Maintain communications with escort, security patrol craft, and port security personnel.

• Demonstrate capabilities and preparedness to Navy and other authorized agencies (e.g., NCIS, COCOM, Coast Guard).

• Possess and maintain at least a SECRET-level facility clearance.

• Update and maintain a Vessel Security Plan (VSP).

• Ensure all security personnel are trained IAW specified directives (SI 538-2, MSC Instruction COMSCINST 5530.3).

• Have 3 years of experience in security support of port security or Security System Level A (SSL-A).

• Have 3 years of company experience with weapons maintenance for handguns, shotguns, military assault rifles, and crew served weapons.

• Potential contract type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) with pass-through elements.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: One 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods (estimated 18 Dec 2026 - 17 Dec 2031), plus a six-month option period (FAR 52.217-8).

• Area of Operations: Pearl Harbor, HI and Pacific Ocean.

• Interested parties must provide company name, contact information, CAGE Code, business size status, and details on how they would comply with FAR 52.219-14 if it applies.

• A capability statement demonstrating how the company meets the minimum requirements is required.

• Estimated daily or term cost/price to provide services is requested (Table 1 provided).

• Responses are due no later than 02:00 PM (Norfolk, VA time) on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

• This requirement is currently set aside for 8(a) Business Development Program contractors.

• This is a Sources Sought notice and does not constitute a Request for Proposals.

• Responses are purely voluntary and not an offer.

• Do not include competition-sensitive or protected information.

• The government will not pay for costs incurred in preparing a response.

• The government is still determining the acquisition strategy and if it will be a small business set-aside.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Sources Sought notice (Revised) to gather capability information for security services onboard the Sea-Based X-Band Radar platform (SBX-1). The government is seeking information on vendors' ability to provide these services. This requirement is currently set aside for 8(a) Business Development Program contractors, but this strategy may change if there is a lack of 8(a) responses.

• Provide personnel and material for securing the SBX-1 in accordance with Sponsor Security Requirements, SI 538-2, and other PWS terms.

• Continuous armed force protection of the SBX-1 at all times, whether at sea or in port.

• Maintain onboard physical security 24/7/365.

• Ability to sustain 58-day rotations in international waters and U.S. Territorial Seas.

• Security Officers must perform duties onboard SBX-1 and may need to use force against attackers outside the lifelines of the ship.

• Maintain communications with escort, security patrol craft, and port security personnel.

• Demonstrate capabilities and preparedness to Navy and other authorized agencies (e.g., NCIS, COCOM, Coast Guard).

• Possess 3 years of experience in port security or Security System Level A (SSL-A) requirements.

• Possess 3 years of company experience with weapons maintenance for handguns, shotguns, military assault rifles, and crew served weapons.

• Possess and maintain at least a SECRET-level facility clearance and be able to process personnel for SECRET clearances.

• Update and maintain a Vessel Security Plan (VSP) meeting specified requirements.

• Ensure all security personnel are trained IAW Strategic Command Directive (SI) 538-2 and MSC Instruction COMSCINST 5530.3(series).

• Contract Style: May result in a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract with pass-through elements.

• Period of Performance: Anticipated to be one 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods, from December 18, 2026, through December 17, 2031, plus a six-month option period (FAR 52.217-8).

• Location of Services: Onboard the SBX-1, at sea or in port. Operations area includes Pearl Harbor, HI, and the Pacific Ocean.

• Interested parties must provide company name, representative contact information, CAGE Code, business size status, suggested security force size, and a capability statement demonstrating ability to meet minimum requirements.

• A cost/price estimate is requested (see Table 1 for daily prices).

• Responses are due no later than 02:00 PM (Norfolk, VA time) on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

• Submission Method: Email to christopher.j.jakobowski.civ@us.navy.mil and mary.l.gordon53.civ@us.navy.mil.

• Currently set aside for 8(a) Business Development Program contractors.

• If a dearth of 8(a) responses, strategy may change to small business set-aside or full and open competition.

• If a small business set-aside, FAR clause 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) applies.

• This is a capability information request only and not a Request for Proposals.

• Responses should not include competition-sensitive information.

• The government will not pay for costs incurred in preparing a response.

• Points of Contact: Mr. Christopher Jakobowski and Mrs. Mary Gordon.

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

This document outlines the requirements for providing continuous armed force protection and physical security for the SBX-1 vessel, both at sea and in port, in accordance with specified Sponsor Security Requirements.

• Provide personnel and material for securing the SBX-1.

• Maintain continuous armed force protection 24/7/365.

• Support 63-day rotations in international waters and territorial seas.

• Contractor Security Officers must perform duties onboard SBX-1, but may need to use force against attackers outside the lifelines of the ship.

• The PWS does not include scope for providing security to the vessel when moored, anchored, or docked at a foreign port or for shore-side security duties.

• Maintain communications with escort, security patrol craft, and port security personnel.

• Demonstrate capabilities to Navy and other authorized agencies.

• Continuous armed force protection of the SBX-1 at all times.

• Maintain knowledge of current instructions, SOPs, and policies.

• Ensure regularly scheduled services are met and guards are at post.

• Guards are on call and ready to provide services as required.

• Personnel are alert, vigilant, professionally uniformed, and properly identified.

• Compliance with MSC screening and employment security requirements.

• Adherence to shipboard safety measures.

• Maintain staffing plan for underway, portside, and roving watch.

• Control entry and circulation within the vessel and mission spaces.

• Perform ID checks to ensure only authorized personnel are present.

• Maintain a minimum of one roving guard at all times.

• Monitor integrated electronic security systems and ensure appropriate emergency response.

• Employ small arms and non-lethal weapons in accordance with COMSCINST 5530.3.

• Notify appropriate chain of command of emergency response information.

• Comply with vessel chain of command OPCON and TACOM stakeholder requirements.

• Provide and maintain training records.

• Operations anticipated in the Pacific Ocean, including U.S. territories, U.S. territorial waters, and international waters.

• Vessel operations consist of Ballistic Missile Defense operations in support of Home Land Defense test events, transits, and maintenance.

• Typical annual OPTEMPO for SBX-1 operations is detailed, with specific day counts for Operational or Operationally Capable Status (SSL-A) and Non Operational Status (SSL-C).

• Contractor shall have 3 years of experience in security supporting port security or Security System Level A (SSL-A) requirements.

• Contractor shall have 3 years of company experience with weapons maintenance for specific weapon types.

• SECRET Facility Clearance required at the start of performance.

• SECRET Personnel Security Clearances required prior to assignment to the vessel.

• CBRN Training required annually for all shipboard personnel.

• Contractor Security Officers must be U.S. Citizens.

• Contractor Security Officers shall be armed while on duty.

• Personnel must be cleanly shaven for gas mask fit testing.

• Specific requirements for gas mask/JLIST suit fit testing.

• Requirements for personnel qualifications, including training, certifications, and physical fitness.

• Medical requirements for security personnel, including pre-employment physicals and ongoing screenings.

• Contractor must maintain a Security team retention plan.

• Specific requirements for Key Shore Based and Shipboard Personnel, including experience and qualifications.

• Government may unilaterally revoke any key billet approval.

• Contractor must comply with all anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) and other security requirements.

• Weapons and ammunition storage and security requirements.

• Mobilization period for contingency operations can be as short as 96 hours.

• Specific staffing levels for underway and in-port crew sizes.

• Government property management and control requirements.

• Berthing accommodations are limited to 8 staterooms.

• Contractor is responsible for providing consumable supplies at its own expense.

• Specific requirements for handling classified material and information security.

• Contractor must not use public networks or personally owned devices to access Government networks.

• Immediate notification required for adverse personnel security determinations.

• Contractor must maintain a facility clearance at the Secret level.

• Contractor must have a GSA approved Class 6 document safe.

• Specific requirements for handling, storing, and maintaining classified material.

• Contractor must comply with DFARS 252.204-7012 for safeguarding unclassified controlled technical information.

• Contractor must not access Government networks via public networks or personal devices.

• Immediate notification required for adverse personnel security determinations.

• Contractor must comply with specific requirements for shore side organization changes.

• Shore based personnel must be available during specified business hours and provide 24-hour contact information for after-hours support.

• Contractor must provide an emergency call back service.

• Specific requirements for disposition of government property.

• Contractor must obtain COR's written approval to remove any parts or equipment from ships.

• Contractor must notify MSC PML and MSC GPA of any loss or damage to government property.

• Contractor must create an Item Unique Identification (IUID) for specific items.

• Contractor shall arrange for transportation of all installed equipment, shipboard furnishings, spare parts, and sensitive property.

• Contractor shall retain records that justify purchase of each unit of issue.

• Contractor shall maintain security and stowage of weapons and ammunition.

• Ammunition will be provided as ship property; contractor must request approval to expend.

• Master is authorized to delegate custody of ammunition to the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the EST.

• Contractor shall provide inventory records of Government and contractor furnished equipment.

• Training requirements include security awareness, small arms, crew served weapons, law of war, quality assurance, antiterrorism, and operations security.

• Specific training for Vessel O&M contract personnel forming the designated in-port Response Force.

• Contractor must ensure all shipboard security employees complete MSC Drake Operator Course.

• Contractor shall provide COR copies of all employee certifications and training records.

• Specific requirements for handling, storing, and maintaining classified material.

• Contractor must comply with DFARS 252.204-7012 for safeguarding unclassified controlled technical information.

• Contractor must not access Government networks via public networks or personal devices.

• Immediate notification required for adverse personnel security determinations.

• Contractor must comply with specific requirements for shore side organization changes.

• Shore based personnel must be available during specified business hours and provide 24-hour contact information for after-hours support.

• Contractor must provide an emergency call back service.

• Specific requirements for disposition of government property.

• Contractor must obtain COR's written approval to remove any parts or equipment from ships.

• Contractor must notify MSC PML and MSC GPA of any loss or damage to government property.

• Contractor must create an Item Unique Identification (IUID) for specific items.

• Contractor shall arrange for transportation of all installed equipment, shipboard furnishings, spare parts, and sensitive property.

• Contractor shall retain records that justify purchase of each unit of issue.

• Contractor shall maintain security and stowage of weapons and ammunition.

• Ammunition will be provided as ship property; contractor must request approval to expend.

• Master is authorized to delegate custody of ammunition to the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the EST.

• Contractor shall provide inventory records of Government and contractor furnished equipment.

• Training requirements include security awareness, small arms, crew served weapons, law of war, quality assurance, antiterrorism, and operations security.

• Specific training for Vessel O&M contract personnel forming the designated in-port Response Force.

• Contractor must ensure all shipboard security employees complete MSC Drake Operator Course.

• Contractor shall provide COR copies of all employee certifications and training records.

Sources Sought / Market Research

This document is a Sources Sought notice to gather information on vendors' ability to provide security services for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar platform (SBX-1). The government is assessing capability and potential acquisition strategies, including an 8(a) Business Development Program set-aside. If insufficient 8(a) responses are received, other strategies like small business set-aside or full and open competition may be considered.

• Provide continuous armed force protection for the SBX-1, 24/7/365, both at sea and in port.

• Sustain 58-day rotations for personnel.

• Maintain onboard physical security, with potential need to use force against attackers outside the vessel's lifelines.

• Maintain communications with escort, security patrol craft, and port security personnel.

• Demonstrate capabilities to Navy and other authorized agencies (NCIS, COCOM, Coast Guard, etc.).

• Require 3 years of experience in port security or Security System Level A (SSL-A) requirements.

• Require 3 years of company experience with weapons maintenance for handguns, shotguns, military assault rifles, and crew-served weapons.

• Potential contract type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) with pass-through elements.

• Period of Performance: Anticipated one 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods (December 18, 2026 - December 17, 2031), plus a six-month option period (FAR 52.217-8).

• Onboard the SBX-1, while at sea or in port.

• Area of Operations: Pearl Harbor, HI and Pacific Ocean.

• Contractor personnel will travel; transportation to/from the vessel when at sea is provided by the Government. Other travel costs will be reimbursed.

• Company name, contact information, CAGE Code.

• Small business size status and demonstration of 51% contract performance if a small business.

• Suggested security force size.

• Capability statement demonstrating:

  • SECRET-level facility clearance at time of solicitation offering and ability to process personnel for SECRET clearances.
  • Ability to update and maintain the Vessel Security Plan (VSP) per specified requirements.
  • Responsibility for ensuring security personnel training per Strategic Command Directive (SI) 538-2 and MSC Instruction COMSCINST 5530.3(series).

• Pertinent questions/concerns or input on contract type.

• Estimated daily or other term cost/price (see Table 1).

• Responses are due no later than 02:00 PM (Norfolk, VA time) on Monday, April 14, 2026.

• Email responses to christopher.j.jakobowski.civ@us.navy.mil and mary.l.gordon53.civ@us.navy.mil.

• This is a market survey, not a Request for Proposals (RFP).

• Responses are voluntary and not an offer.

• Do not include competition-sensitive or protected information.

• The government will not pay for costs incurred in preparing responses.