TUGCON; OPEN-OCEAN TOW MISSION
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 Military Sealift Command (MSC), under the Department of the Navy, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for an open-ocean tow mission. This RFI seeks information on industry capabilities and pricing for a tugboat to escort and potentially tow up to two U.S. Navy Avenger-class Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels from U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, to Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Responses are due March 3, 2026, by 1100 hours Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one ocean-going certified tugboat capable of:
- Escorting and, in emergency situations, towing two U.S. Navy Avenger-class MCM vessels.
- Rigging and commencing an emergency tow of an Avenger-class MCM at sea.
- Being built in 1970 or later.
- Possessing sufficient bollard pull to tow an MCM vessel at a minimum speed of six (6) knots in Beaufort 5 conditions.
- Being fully bunkered for the entire voyage.
- Providing internet and satellite phone capability.
- Supplying tow bridle and hardware, emergency tow lines, flooding alarms, navigation lights, and day shapes.
- Complying with the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-10).
- Preparing and submitting a notional towing plan for review and approval.
- As an escort vessel, following orders of the Senior Commanding Officer of the MCMs and maintaining visual range (5 to 10 nautical miles).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (RFI)
- Contract Type: Not specified (RFI stage)
- Period of Performance: Not specified (RFI stage)
- Estimated Value: Not specified (RFI stage)
- Response Due: March 3, 2026, 1100 hours ET
- Published: February 27, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties must provide specific information via email, including:
- Tug vessel characteristics (COI, COD, photos).
- Planned voyage duration and tentative voyage plan.
- Potential logistic stops.
- Number of supercargoes supported and daily costs.
- Ability to commence emergency tow.
- Lump sum for the destination site.
- Business size.
Responses will be used for market research purposes to gauge industry interest and capabilities; this RFI does not commit the government to a contract.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Water Transportation)
- Small Business Size Standard: 1,050 employees
- Respondents are requested to indicate their small business status.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
Additional Notes
- Port of Departure: U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan.
- Port of Destination: Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
- Laytime: Four (4) days for the entire mission.
- Laydays: Commencing/Cancelling: Prompt (indicate first date of availability).
- General Arrangement drawings for the MCM vessels and technical documents are available upon request.