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 Department of the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is conducting a Sources Sought (market research) to identify U.S. Flag, Jones Act, ocean-going certified tugs for an open-ocean tow mission supporting RIMPAC-26. This mission involves towing two vessels, the EX-Mobile Bay (CG-53) and the EX-PELELIU (LHA-5), to the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Kauai, Hawaii. Responses are due by May 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one voyage consisting of two separate tows. The first tow departs from Inactships Bremerton, WA, and the second from Pearl Harbor, HI. Both vessels will be towed to PMRF, Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii. The mission requires adherence to the U.S. Navy Tow Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-010). The contractor must also arrange a pre-tow conference, obtain services of an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS), and prepare a comprehensive towing package. Standby within a safe distance of the disconnect location for each SINKEX event is also required.
Key Requirements
- Tug Specifications: Built in 1970 or later, with a minimum bollard pull of 68 tons or greater.
- Performance: Capable of achieving a minimum tow speed of 6 knots (5 knots in Beaufort 5 conditions) for either vessel.
- Connectivity: Internet and satellite phone capability.
- Fuel: Sufficient fuel capacity for the entire mission or detailed refueling plans.
- Vessels to be Towed:
- EX-Mobile Bay (CG-53): Displacement 9,600 LT, Length 568', Beam 55', Max Draft 34'. Scheduled for delivery 11 July 2026.
- EX-PELELIU (LHA-5): Displacement 39,000 LT, Length 820', Beam 106', Max Draft 27'. Scheduled for delivery 17 July 2026.
Submission & Timeline
- Information Requested: Company details (name, phone, email, small business standing, UEI), and vessel/rate information (tug description, characteristics, COI/COD, photos, lump sum price, demurrage rate, itinerary, earliest layday).
- Response Deadline: Prior to 1000 hours Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
- Published Date: May 7, 2026.
Eligibility & Contacts
- Set-Aside: None specified. However, interested parties should indicate their small business status for NAICS 483111 (Marine Charter For Things), which has a size standard of 1,050 employees.
- Points of Contact: Brandon Page (brandon.a.page.civ@us.navy.mil) and Christopher Tomlin (christopher.a.tomlin5.civ@us.navy.mil).