29-day Dry Cargo Time Charter

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to questions received from potential offerors regarding solicitation N3220526R6079. These answers are for clarification only and do not constitute an amendment to the solicitation.

• Warping Tugs: The warping tugs, measuring 24.4 x 7.3 x 5.0 m, are anticipated to weigh 86.4 MT (190,600 lbs). Their dimensions in feet are: Width: 24 ft (7.3152m), Length: 80 ft (24.384m), Depth: 4.6 ft (1.40208m).
• Pontoon Sections Stacking: Pontoon sections are fitted with ISOC sockets for 20ft and 40ft. On the weather deck, 4 sections can be stacked high. 2 ISOPACS can also be stacked high.
  • ISOPACS Dimensions: Length 40', Beam 8', Depth 9', Weight 23.75 tons.
  • Sections Dimensions: Length 80', Beam 24', Depth 4.6', Weight 71.25 tons.

These clarifications do not amend the original solicitation. Bidders should consider this information when preparing their proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document appears to be a pricing sheet or a template for calculating fuel costs related to an opportunity. It outlines fuel consumption metrics and provides standard fuel prices.

• Fuel Underway and In Port Calculations: Details metrics for fuel consumption while underway (laden, ballast, auxiliary) and in port (idle).
• Fuel Types: Specifies "MGO" (Marine Gas Oil) as the fuel type.
• Pricing Information: Provides a price per metric ton for MGO ($1,500.83 SEACARD Open Market).
• Cost Calculation: Includes columns for "Metric Tons/day," "Price per metric ton," and "Cost," though the cost fields are currently populated with 0.0.

Bidders should use this document to understand the estimated fuel costs associated with the opportunity. It provides the unit price for fuel and a framework for calculating total fuel expenses, which may be a significant factor in proposal development and cost estimation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Military Sealift Command (MSC) for a Dry Cargo Time Charter (DRYTIME – SPOT) for February 2026. The solicitation seeks offers to perform a Charter Party.

The charter, when awarded, will consist of the completed Standard Form (SF) 1449, the Preamble, and Parts I through IX. Key information and requirements will be detailed across these sections, including:

• Part I: DRYTIME BOXES: Contains specific details for the charter, including vessel requirements, delivery/redelivery locations and dates, charter period, laydays, and terms/conditions.

• Part II: FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Outlines general contract terms, inspection/acceptance procedures, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, and payment terms.

• Part III: DRY CARGO (TIME) TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Details charter hire, mission scope (worldwide trade for cargo and military readiness), reporting requirements, crew qualifications, cargo receipt, loading/discharging, and specific prohibitions (e.g., Spain-Gibraltar).

• Part IV: TIME CHARTER COMMON TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Includes definitions, delivery, redelivery, ports/places, charter period, dry dock, insurance, war risk, readiness, off-hire, and supercargo provisions.

• Part V: DRY CARGO TIME ADDITIONAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS: Covers security clearance, fuel monitoring, contractor security, and special requirements like ship drawings and secure communications.

• Part X: INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS: Provides guidance on offer submission, subcontracting plans, and evaluation factors.

• Part XI: EVALUATION: Outlines the evaluation criteria, emphasizing lowest price technically acceptable offers, with preference for U.S. shipyard usage and VISA priority.

• The contract type is a Charter Party.

• Specific periods of performance, including base and option periods, are to be inserted.

• The document references "INSERT NUMBER OF DAYS" for base and option periods, indicating these details will be specified.

• Offers must be submitted signed and dated to the point of contact specified in Block 7 of the SF 1449 by the exact time specified in the solicitation.

• Offers can be submitted on SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified.

• Key submission requirements include solicitation number, offeror information, UEI, EFT indicator, information for evaluation factors, responses to provisions, and a statement of agreement with terms.

• Evaluation will be based on lowest price technically acceptable, with consideration for VISA priority and domestic shipyard usage.

• The document references VISA (Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement) and its priority levels in the evaluation criteria.

• Subcontracting plans are required for large business offerors.

• The document includes numerous FAR and DFARS clauses incorporated by reference.

• Attachments include guidelines for off-hire percentages, wage determination, fuel consumption template, and shipyard data information template.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for a firm-fixed-price contract for a vessel charter, conducted under FAR Part 12 simplified procedures. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Strategic Sealift Program Support Office is requesting proposals for a U.S. or foreign-flag, self-sustaining LO/LO vessel capable of transporting a minimum of 68,134 square feet of military cargo (tracked and wheeled vehicles, and breakbulk cargo).

• Vessel Type: U.S. or foreign-flag, self-sustaining LO/LO vessel.

• Cargo Capacity: Minimum of 68,134 square feet of military cargo.

• Speed: Minimum laden speed of 15 knots.

• Delivery: San Diego, CA (USA).

• Redelivery: Pohang, Republic of Korea.

• Charter Period: Approximately 29 days.

• Laydays: Commencing/Cancelling 24 May 2026.

• Supercargo: Maximum number the vessel can accommodate.

• Specific Equipment: Lashing Gear, Spreader Bar, Self-Sustaining capabilities.

• Documentation: Vessel Certificate of Inspection (COI) with endorsements, USCG 835, and class society deficiencies with correction dates.

• Stow Plan: Detailed stow plan including trim and stability values, square footage, weight, and segregation.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: Approximately 29 days charter period.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but pricing will be evaluated based on charter hire rate, fuel, and other pricing elements.

• Offer Due Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026, at 1000 Eastern Time.

• Submission: Proposals must include at least a ship name, price, and signature. No JPEG files.

• Evaluation: Offeror's price proposal will be evaluated based on charter hire rate, fuel costs, and other pricing elements. Fuel calculations are based on specific underway and in-port days.

• Contact Information: LCDR Hutchings at amy.r.hutchings.mil@us.navy.mil or 757-443-5666.

• Acquisition Type: Unrestricted.

• NAICS Code: 483111.

• Proforma documents are available upon request or via the MSC website.

• Offerors must confirm agreement with all terms and conditions of the solicitation and charter form.

• Specific FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated, including those related to service contract reporting, prohibitions on certain hardware/software, and small business concerns.

• Wage determination for contractor workers is provided.

Wage Determination

This document is Wage Determination No. 2019-0288, Revision No. 25, issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, with an issue date of January 14, 2026. It establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations employed on U.S. Navy contracts for deep sea vessel services.

• Applicability: This determination applies to all coastal U.S. ports and surrounding Outer Continental Shelf lands.
• Occupational Listings & Rates: The document lists specific job titles (e.g., Master, Chief Engineer, Able Seaman, Ordinary Seaman) with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates. For example, the Master rate is $92.16/hour, and the Ordinary Seaman rate is $13.09/hour.
• Required Benefits:
  • Health & Welfare: $5.55 per hour (up to 40 hours/week) or $222.00/week or $962.00/month.
  • Health & Welfare (EO 13706): $5.09 per hour (up to 40 hours/week) or $203.60/week or $882.27/month (applies to contracts covered by EO 13706).
  • Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 15 years of service.
  • Holidays: A minimum of eleven paid holidays per year are specified.
• Uniform Allowance: Contractors must provide uniforms or reimburse employees for costs, with a specific weekly rate for cleaning and maintenance ($3.35/week) unless "wash and wear" materials are used.
• Conformance Process: Details the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not listed in the determination, requiring a Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444) submission.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage adjustments) for covered contracts.

This wage determination is critical for any bidder responding to a U.S. Navy contract for deep sea vessel services. It mandates the minimum labor costs (wages and benefits) that must be factored into proposals to ensure compliance with federal regulations.