EXTENDED TERM TIME CHARTER / CONSOLIDATED CARGO OPERATIONS (CONSOL) CAPABLE COMBINATION CONTAINER/BREAKBULK VESSEL

Scope of Work

This is a Sources Sought notice (market research and request for information only). It is not a solicitation for offers, and responses will not be considered offers. The Government is not committed to pay response costs or to award a contract.

Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk, Strategic Sealift Program Support Office (N103B), seeks information on the price and availability of one U.S. flag, self-sustaining, combination container/breakbulk vessel. The vessel must be able to perform Consolidated Cargo Operations (CONSOL) at sea, either with vessels of MSC's Combat Logistics Force (CLF) or directly with U.S. Navy surface combatants.

• Contract type contemplated: extended term time charter.
• Charter period: one 12-month time charter period, three one-year option periods, and one 11-month option period.
• Place of delivery and redelivery: Norfolk, VA or San Diego, CA. Respondents are asked to price any delivery and redelivery fee for both ports.
• Laydays: prompt. Respondents provide the date of earliest availability.
• Special requirement: unrestricted CONSOL operations at sea with CLF ships in all reasonable sea states and weather conditions worldwide. Familiarity with NWP 4-01.4 (Underway Replenishment) is described as essential.

Key Requirements

Vessel specifications (items 3 and 4 of the notice):

• Speed of advance of at least 15 knots laden, with the ability to operate at 13 knots for extended periods.
• Minimum operating range of 8,000 nautical miles.
• Maximum draft not to exceed 11 meters.
• Ability to remain at anchor at least 90 days in a protected harbor.
• Cargo stream rig on the starboard side that meets NWP 4-01.4 or ATP 16.
• Cranes and cargo handling equipment to load and unload in port, and to reposition cargo at sea. Crews must be trained and certified to operate these systems independently.
• Cargo holds suitable for various U.S. Navy breakbulk items and containers.
• Minimum capacity to stow 200 TEU.
• At least 50 reefer-container electrical outlets.
• A ramp to move containers from lower cargo holds to the main deck.
• Berthing and messing for at least 22 Navy personnel at all times, in addition to ship's crew.
• Accommodation of various combinations of 20-foot and 40-foot containers on the main and lower decks without inhibiting CONSOL operations. Containers must be stowed so the crew can stuff and unstuff them safely and efficiently at sea and in port.
• Sufficient cargo handling equipment (pallet jacks, forklifts, tractors, etc.) and safety gear (hard hats, gloves, etc.), plus certified 20-foot and 40-foot spreader bars.
• All cargo securing gear (twist locks, straps, chains, binders, etc.) provided by the vessel owner.
• Capability to carry all classes of hazardous cargo with proper segregation.

Submission Instructions

• Responses are requested by email before 1200 Eastern Standard Time on 3 December 2026.
• Points of contact: Finley Stoops (FINLEY.A.STOOPS.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL) and Ms. Stephanie Ricker (STEPHANIE.RICKER.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL), who is the Contracting Officer.
• The notice does not specify a page limit or format.

Requested content:

• A. Vessel name and complete description. Vessel particulars cards or pamphlets are highly desirable.
• B. Daily charter rate.
• C. Pricing and timeline to modify an existing vessel to meet or exceed requirements in items 1 through 4.
• D. Delivery or redelivery bonus, if applicable (see items 5 and 6).
• E. Fuel consumption (type and MT/day).
• F. Business size.
• G. A statement or information affirming that the vessel meets or exceeds all requirements in items 1 through 9.
• H. Confirmation that the company holds a current facility clearance at least at the Secret level.
• I. Any other pertinent questions or comments.

Risks and Red Flags

• This is only a Sources Sought, so there is no assurance that a solicitation or award will follow. The notice does not say whether any later acquisition would be set aside.
• Facility clearance at Secret level or higher is requested. Firms without one would likely be disadvantaged.
• Operational demands are heavy. They include unrestricted CONSOL at sea in all reasonable sea states worldwide, a stream rig compliant with NWP 4-01.4 or ATP 16, and independent crew certification on the cranes and cargo gear.
• The vessel must be U.S. flag, which limits the pool of eligible tonnage.
• Vessel owner must supply all cargo securing gear, handling equipment and safety gear, which adds cost.
• The charter runs up to about 4 years 11 months if all options are exercised (12 months, three one-year options, one 11-month option). The notice does not state option exercise terms or pricing mechanics.
• Item 10.C asks for modification pricing and timeline for existing vessels, so a vessel that does not yet meet the requirements may still respond, but modification cost and schedule may be a differentiator.
• Item 10.G refers to requirements in items 1 through 9, and item 10.C refers to items 1 through 4. The scope of what must be met is slightly inconsistent across references.
• The notice does not specify the Navy cargo mix, expected operating areas, crew size, fuel supply arrangements, or the charter form (e.g., whether a standard MSC charter party applies).
• Minor typographical errors in the notice (e.g., "WIHTOUT") do not change the requirements.