TUGCON; JONES ACT

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a FAR Part 12 acquisition using simplified procedures for a firm-fixed-price contract. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk is requesting proposals for a vessel capable of towing two specific Navy vessels (EX-MOBILE BAY (CG-53) and EX-PELELIU (LHA-5)) as part of RIMPAC-26.

• One U.S. Flag, Jones Act qualified, ocean-going certified tug.

• Towing of EX-MOBILE BAY (CG-53) and EX-PELELIU (LHA-5).

• Towing services to support RIMPAC-26.

• Vessel must be built in 1970 or later.

• Minimum bollard pull of 68 tons.

• Sufficient fuel capacity for the entire mission without refueling, or a plan for refueling.

• Internet and satellite phone capability.

• Compliance with the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-10).

• Pre-tow conference attendance.

• Engagement of an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS) for technical evaluation and oversight.

• Provision of tow bridle, hardware, emergency tow lines, navigation lights, day shapes, and NDT of vessel deck fittings.

• Comprehensive towing package submission prior to commencement of tow.

• Position reports via electronic mail.

• Standby for potential reconnection of tow in case of emergency.

• Provision of vessel characteristics, photos, and deliverables as per MSC PROFORMA TUGCON 2026.

• Transit plan detailing route, ports of refuge, and entry restrictions.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but involves specific tow dates.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Offer Due Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic invoices via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF).

• Evaluation Factors: Lowest price, technically acceptable offer, considering technical aspects and price, with emphasis on VISA and domestic shipyard usage.

• A valid submission requires at least a ship name, price, and signature.

• Unrestricted acquisition.

• NAICS Code: 483111.

• Jones Act qualified tug required.

• This is a spot charter; sections addressing extended term charters are not applicable.

• No JPEG files for submissions.

• Offers expiring before the due date will be excluded.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and tailored clauses.

• Specific FAR and DFARS clauses are added, deleted, or amended, including those related to business ethics, service contract reporting, whistleblower rights, options to extend services, small business concerns, liquidated damages, postaward representations, convict labor, segregated facilities, equal opportunity, employment reports, labor relations, service contract labor standards, equivalent rates for federal hires, paid sick leave, DEI discrimination, foreign purchases, and security prohibitions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for bidders to provide information about their fleet's vessel maintenance and overhaul shipyard work. It requires listing all covered vessels owned and/or operated by the offeror.

• Vessel: Name of the vessel.
• Description of Qualifying U.S. Shipyard Work Performed: Details of work done at U.S. shipyards.
• Cost of Work Performed (U.S.): Cost associated with U.S. shipyard work.
• Description of Qualifying Foreign Shipyard Work Performed: Details of work done at foreign shipyards.
• Cost of Work Performed (Foreign): Cost associated with foreign shipyard work.
• Shipyard Name and Address: Name and location of the shipyard.
• Inclusive Dates of Work Performed: The period during which the work was completed.

Bidders must complete this template to detail their fleet's historical shipyard work for the four years preceding the offer submittal. This information is crucial for demonstrating relevant experience and capabilities as required by the solicitation.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-0213, Revision No. 40, dated 4/27/2026) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations employed on contracts for tugboats and other coastal vessels nationwide.

This document is crucial for potential bidders on contracts involving tugboat and coastal vessel services. It specifies the minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits (Health & Welfare) that must be paid to employees performing work under such contracts. Key occupations listed include General Vessel Assistant, Captain (Harbor Tug), Deckhand (Harbor Tug), and Engineer (Harbor Tug), with their respective daily rates provided. The document also details requirements related to Executive Orders on Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706) and minimum wage (EO 13658), as well as provisions for vacation, holidays, and uniform allowances. Bidders must incorporate these wage and benefit requirements into their proposals to ensure compliance with the Service Contract Act. The document also outlines the conformance process for any occupations not explicitly listed.