TUGCON; OPEN-OCEAN TOW MISSION

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0001 to Sources Sought Notice No. N32205-SS-PM4-26-065, dated February 27, 2026. The following paragraphs from the original notice have been amended:

• Paragraph 4: The Port(s)/Place(s) of Departure is now Singapore, SGP.
• Paragraph 6: The Port(s)/Place(s) of Destination is now Diego Garcia.
• Paragraph 7: The Laydays for commencing/cancelling are now April 07, 2026 - Prompt (Offeror to indicate first date of availability).
• Paragraph 9.A: Requires the name and complete description/characteristics of the tow vessel, including Certificate of Inspection (COI), Certificate of Documentation (COD) or Classification Society Equivalent, photos, and all deliverables as per MSC Proforma TUGCON 2026 (02-26).
• Paragraph 9.1: Requires confirmation of availability for layday and prompt delivery.
• Paragraph 11: Responses are requested via email prior to 1100 hours Eastern Time on March 06, 2026. The Point of Contact is David Anaya (DAVID.C.ANAYA.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL or (564) 226-8419).

Paragraphs 4, 6, 7, 9.A, 9.1, and 11 of the original Sources Sought Notice.

• The deadline for responses has been clarified to March 06, 2026, 1100 hours Eastern Time.
• Specific details regarding vessel characteristics and deliverables are now required.
• Laydays and delivery information have been updated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a market research request for information (RFI) from the Military Sealift Command (MSC) to gauge industry interest and capabilities for an open-ocean tow mission. The government is seeking information on the price and availability of a tugboat to escort and potentially tow up to two U.S. Navy Avenger-class Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels. This RFI does not commit the government to a contract.

• One ocean-going certified tugboat capable of escorting and potentially towing (emergency situations only) two U.S. Navy Avenger-class MCM vessels.

• Tugboat must be capable of rigging and commencing an emergency tow of an Avenger-class MCM at sea.

• Vessel/Tug built in 1970 or later.

• Sufficient bollard pull to tow an MCM vessel at a minimum speed of six (6) knots for five (5) knots Sea State in Beaufort 5 conditions.

• Tug must be fully bunkered for the voyage.

• Internet and satellite phone capability.

• Provision of tow bridle and hardware, emergency tow lines, flooding alarms, navigation lights, and day shapes.

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

• Preparation and submission of a notional towing plan for review and approval.

• Escort vessel must follow orders of the Senior Commanding Officer of the MCMs and maintain visual range (5 to 10 nautical miles).

• The document does not specify contract type, period of performance, or estimated value, as it is an RFI.

• Interested parties are requested to provide specific information 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 destination site, and business size.

• Responses are requested via email.

• Deadline for responses: Prior to 1100 hours, Eastern Time, March 3, 2026.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is "483111" (Water Transportation).

• The small business size standard is 1,050 employees.

• Respondents are asked to indicate if they are a small business concern.

• 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 are available upon request.

• Technical documents are available upon request.