Sources Sought for Ship Towing Services at Naval Station (NAVSTA), Rota, Spain
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 Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (NAVSUP FLCSI), Site Rota, on behalf of Commander Naval Installations Command (CNIC), Naval Station Rota Port Operations, is issuing a Sources Sought Notice for ship towing services at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Cádiz Province, Spain. This is market research to identify qualified and interested companies, including Spanish domestic firms, U.S. firms with overseas operating capability, and international ship towing companies. Responses are due by May 7, 2026.
Scope of Work
The U.S. Navy seeks to identify capabilities for providing ship towing services for U.S. Navy Ships (USS), Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force (NFAF), Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels, and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) ships. Services will be required 24/7, including holidays, with no additional overtime fees. Contractors must comply with local Spanish labor laws, insurance, and regulations, and be authorized to operate in Spain.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (for a potential future Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a five-year ordering period)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: May 7, 2026, 10:00 AM (local time)
- Published: April 30, 2026
- Place of Performance: Naval Station Rota, Cádiz Province, Spain
Requirements
Contractors must provide all labor, equipment, materials, and resources. Tugboat specifications include:
- Tractor Style Tugs: Minimum 4000 SHP, 52.00 ton Bollard pull, fendering for sub-surface vessels, capable of operating in winds up to 40 knots and 15-foot seas, with fire suppression/firefighting systems, radar, and fathometer.
- Conventional Tugs: Minimum 2000 SHP, 28.00 ton Bollard pull, fendering, capable of operating in winds up to 40 knots and 15-foot seas, with fire suppression/firefighting systems, radar, and fathometer.
Performance standards include >98% on-time performance for tug services and >95% response time within the PWS timeframe. Contractor personnel will require Base Access to Naval Station Rota and the Harbor.
Submission Guidelines
Responding contractors shall provide a capabilities statement describing their company's qualifications, operational Tugboat fleet, relevant capabilities, experience performing ship towage services, and the capability to perform work at or near the Bay of Cadiz. Responses will be used for market research and acquisition planning.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotes (RFQ) and does not guarantee a future solicitation or award. The Government will not pay for response costs. Interested contractors must respond separately to any future solicitation.