60-day Tanker 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) Strategic Sealift Program Support Office, is soliciting proposals for a 60-day Tanker Time Charter. This is an unrestricted acquisition requiring U.S. Jones Act vessels capable of transporting a minimum of 150,000 barrels of clean product. The contract will be firm-fixed-price, and proposals are due by May 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks vessel charter services for approximately 60 days. Key requirements for the vessel(s) include:
- Type: Clean, approved, U.S. Jones Act, Articulated Tug and Barge (ATB)/Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB)/Non-connected Tug and Barge with an Inert Gas System (IGS) or equivalent and Segregated Ballast Tanks (SBT).
- Capacity: Minimum of 150,000 bbls of clean product (JP5/F76/JAA).
- Specifics: Adherence to detailed particulars such as SIRE System participation, Q-88 submission, vessel age considerations, maximum LOA (201m), DWT (50,000 MT), beam (32.3m), manifold height (13.00m), and a speed of advance of 9-10 knots.
- Cargo Compatibility: Tanks must be compatible with intended cargo per MIL-STD-3004-1 and Energy Institute HM 50, with specific requirements for Naphtha/Condensates, Gasoline, and Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME).
- Condition: Vessels must be clean, gas-free, and certified by a Marine Chemist, ready for internal tank inspection.
- Reporting: Compliance with MSC reporting requirements, including position/status reports and pre-arrival notifications.
- Place of Performance: Washington (WA), United States.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.
- Period of Performance: Approximately 60 days.
- Acquisition Type: Unrestricted, requiring U.S. Jones Act vessels.
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Marine Charter For Things).
- Response Due: May 7, 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Published Date: May 5, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit proposals including at least a ship name, a price, and a signature on the offer document. Evaluation will be based on the lowest price, technically acceptable offer, considering charter hire rate, fuel price, and other pricing elements. A preference for U.S. shipyard work (Category 1) will be applied. The government intends to award without discussions, so initial offers should contain the best terms. Bidders must utilize the provided Fuel Consumption Template for pricing and the Shipyard Data Template to detail past maintenance and overhaul work.
Additional Notes
Proforma documents are available upon request or via the MSC website. Submissions must not contain JPEG files, and offerors should account for potential email security delays. The solicitation notes Imminent Danger Pay locations, including the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden. A U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (WD 2019-0288, Revision 25) is attached, outlining minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for employees on U.S. Navy deep sea vessel contracts.