TUGCON; Jones Act

SOL #: N3220526R6060Pre-Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

Dept Of Defense
Dept Of The Navy
MSCHQ NORFOLK
NORFOLK, VA, 23511-2313, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Deep Sea Freight Transportation (483111)

PSC

Marine Charter For Things (V124)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Timeline

1
Posted
Mar 4, 2026
2
Last Updated
Mar 4, 2026
3
Response Deadline
Mar 13, 2026, 3:00 PM

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 issuing a Presolicitation for a U.S. Flag, Jones Act qualified, ocean-going certified tug to tow the T-EPF EX-SPEARHEAD vessel. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside, with proposals anticipated to be due by March 13, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.

Scope of Work

MSC's PM4 requires a single tug capable of towing the T-EPF EX-SPEARHEAD (approx. 2,500 LT displacement, 337' 11" length, 93' 6" beam, 12' 7" max draft) in accordance with the U.S. Navy Tow Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-010). The voyage will be from Rhoads Industries, Philadelphia, PA (Pier 2) to the MARAD Beaumont Reserve Fleet, Beaumont, TX. The period of performance is one voyage, with laydays commencing April 16, 2026, and cancelling April 20, 2026, allowing for four days of laytime.

Key tug requirements include:

  • Built in 1970 or later.
  • Bollard pull sufficient for a minimum tow speed of six (6) knots.
  • Fully bunkered for the voyage, with internet and satellite phone capability.
  • Provision of tow bridle, hardware, emergency tow lines, navigation lights, and day shapes per COLREGS.
  • Use of an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS) for technical evaluation and oversight.
  • Submission of a comprehensive towing package, including a trail tug in restricted waters.
  • Vessel delivery to Beaumont Reserve Fleet during daylight hours.

Contract & Timeline

  • Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (anticipated RFP)
  • Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
  • Proposed Solicitation Number: N3220526R6060
  • Response Due Date: Friday, March 13, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time
  • Published Date: March 4, 2026
  • Period of Performance: One voyage, laydays April 16-20, 2026

Set-Aside & Eligibility

This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside, based on responses from a recent sources sought notice. The NAICS Code is 483111 (Marine Charter For Things). Bidders must also meet Jones Act requirements for the tug.

Submission & Evaluation

Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose technically acceptable proposal represents the lowest price. Evaluation factors include technical capability and price, with consideration for domestic shipyard usage. Proposals must be submitted electronically (no JPEG files) and include ship name, price, and signature. Offerors are encouraged to submit early due to potential email delays.

Key Documents & Requirements

Bidders should review the RFP (26R6060 RFP.pdf), which references the U.S. Navy Tow Manual and MSC Proforma TUGCON 2026. Compliance with the Service Contract Act Wage Determination (WD 20150213 Rev38.pdf) is mandatory for labor costs. Offerors will likely need to complete the Shipyard Data Template.xlsx and adhere to the Towing Checklist and Certificate of Seaworthiness.pdf requirements.

Contact Information

Primary Point of Contact: Matthew Price, matthew.r.price40.civ@us.navy.mil, 757-341-3348.

People

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Files

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Versions

Version 2
Solicitation
Posted: Mar 4, 2026
View
Version 1Viewing
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Mar 4, 2026
TUGCON; Jones Act | GovScope