TUGCON VOYAGE CHARTER
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 seeking proposals for a U.S. Flag, Jones Act qualified, ocean-going certified tug to tow the EX-JUNEAU (LPD-10) for Exercise Valiant Shield 26. This is a Total Small Business Set-aside. Proposals are due by April 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
MSC requires one tug capable of towing the EX-JUNEAU (Displacement: 17,326 LT, Length: 570', Beam: 100', Max Draft: 34') from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with an intermediate stop in Guam for one week, to the Marianas Island Testing And Training Surveillance Area (250nm southeast of Guam) for a SINKEX. The hull has not been cleaned since 2008. Key requirements include:
- Vessel: Built 1970 or later, sufficient bollard pull for 6 knots in Beaufort 5 conditions, and fuel capacity for 30 days standby or a detailed refueling plan. Internet and satellite phone capability are required.
- Compliance: Adherence to the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-010).
- Support: Contractor must provide an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS) and a comprehensive towing package.
- Operations: Daily electronic position reports, at-sea personnel transfer, and facilitation of U.S. Navy personnel boarding/training near Guam, including potential BDR training, flight operations, and live fire exercises.
- Disconnect: Arrive at the designated drop location by sunset on or about June 26, 2026, with standby capability for emergency reconnection.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (RFP under FAR Part 12 simplified procedures)
- Period of Performance: One voyage, with layday commencing/cancelling on May 18, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-aside. This decision was based on responses from a recent sources sought notice and concurred by MSC's Deputy Associate Director of Small Business Programs.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission: Offers must be submitted by the due date, requiring at least a ship name, a price, and a signature. Submissions should be in PDF format via email or fax/mail. No JPEG files. A subcontracting plan is required for large businesses.
- Evaluation: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose technically acceptable proposal represents the lowest price to the Government. Evaluation factors include technical and price, with consideration for domestic shipyard usage (Category 1 vs. Category 2) and VISA priority.
Key Dates & Contact
- Proposed Solicitation Number: N3220526R6071
- Offer Due Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.
- Layday(s): Commencing/cancelling May 18, 2026.
- Arrival at Guam: Not later than June 16, 2026.
- Arrival at Drop Location: On or about June 26, 2026.
- Primary Contact: Jordan Morrison, jordan.a.morrison5.civ@us.navy.mil, 564-230-3633.