40-day Dry Cargo Time 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 Department of the Navy, Military Sealift Command (MSC), is soliciting proposals for a 40-day Dry Cargo Time Charter (DRYTIME – SPOT) to support re-supply and retrograde cargo operations at Pituffik Space Base, Pituffik, Greenland. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a firm-fixed-price contract. Offers are due May 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
MSC seeks one U.S. or foreign-flagged, ice class, self-sustaining, lift-on/lift-off, breakbulk vessel. The vessel will transport intended Hazardous Material (Hazard classes 1.1D through 1.4S and 4.2G), breakbulk, containers, machinery, and other military cargo. Key vessel requirements include:
- Capacity: Minimum 200 TEUs, 15 electrical outlets for refrigerated containers, and 125,000 cubic feet of below-deck breakbulk capacity.
- Dimensions: Maximum LOA not to exceed 524.9 feet / 160 meters (or 550 feet per another section); laden draft not to exceed 28 feet.
- Equipment: Minimum of two cranes (45 LT each, with one crane or twin crane capacity of 75 LT), two gyrocompasses or one with spares.
- Performance: Minimum laden speed of 15 knots, range of 10,000 nautical miles without refueling.
- Classification: Minimum ice class of GL-E2, ABS-B0, F-S-1B, or equivalent, and must meet IMO polar code classification “C” regulations.
- Holds: Minimum tween deck height of 9-feet and tank top deck height of 13-feet.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Charter Party.
- Period of Performance: Approximately 40 days.
- Place of Delivery/Redelivery: Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA, USA.
- Laydays: Commencing/Cancelling: July 12, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business.
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Marine Charter For Things).
- Offer Due Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Published Date: May 18, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Offers must be submitted signed and dated, including a ship name, a price, and a signature. Offerors must confirm agreement with solicitation terms and the charter form. Specific items (1A, 1D, 1E, 5, and 6D) must be submitted, and items 1C through 1M, 2 through 4, 6A through 6C, and 6E through 61 must be acknowledged in writing. Evaluation will be based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA), considering the charter hire rate for the 40-day period, fuel price, and other pricing elements. Fuel calculations are based on specific underway and in-port days, with MGO/MDO priced at $1,500.83 per metric ton. Technical capability and price are key evaluation factors. Failure to comply with submission requirements may result in ineligibility.
Additional Notes
The solicitation incorporates a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2019-0288, Rev. 25) for deep sea vessel services, which bidders must integrate into their proposals. A fuel consumption template is provided. The contract includes an option to extend services for up to 6 months. Danger areas such as the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden are designated imminent danger pay locations. Primary contact: LCDR Amy Hutchings (amy.r.hutchings.mil@us.navy.mil, 757-443-5666).