TUGCON; Open Ocean Tow
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 Department of the Navy, Military Sealift Command (MSC), through its MSCHQ NORFOLK office, has issued a Sources Sought Notice (N32205-SS-PM4-26-072) for market research. This notice seeks to identify potential sources for an open-ocean tow mission of the Derrick Crane Barge BDCM 6804 from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, VA, to Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, HI. The mission is scheduled for August 1-15, 2026. Responses are due by March 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
MSC requires a U.S. Flag, Jones Act, and Ocean-Certified tug to perform a single voyage tow of a 115-ton barge (200 ft LOA, 80 ft beam, 7 ft draft light, 14 ft depth). The tow will originate in Portsmouth, VA, and conclude in Pearl Harbor, HI, with laydays between August 1-15, 2026, and a total laytime of four days.
Key Requirements
Tugs must be built in 1970 or later, possess sufficient bollard pull for a minimum 6-knot tow speed in seasonal weather, be fully bunkered, and have internet/satellite phone capability. The contractor is responsible for obtaining an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS) whose services must be included in the lump-sum price. Technical evaluations will include a review of the tow package, pre-tow checklist, material condition, and inspection of equipment. A comprehensive towing package, adhering to the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-10), is required prior to commencement, including Appendix H, tension calculations, and route planning. A pre-tow conference in Portsmouth, VA, and at least one trail tug in restricted waters are mandatory. Position reports are required twice daily in port and four times daily at sea.
Submission Details
Interested parties should submit information including tow vessel characteristics (COI, COD, photos), a lump sum price (including up to 4 days at destination), demurrage rate, itinerary, business size, and confirmation of ability to meet the specified laydays. Submissions and any pertinent questions must be sent via email to Matthew Price (matthew.r.price40.civ@us.navy.mil) by March 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This market research is open to all interested parties. The relevant NAICS code is 483111 (Water Transportation) with a size standard of 1,050 employees. Respondents are requested to indicate their business size, particularly if they are a small business.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought Notice for information gathering purposes only. It is not a request for offers, and the government is not committed to award a contract or pay for any costs incurred in responding.