Opt 1 Exercise of San Diego Harbor Tug Support
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) is conducting a Sources Sought (RFI) to identify firms capable of providing six U.S. flagged tractor-like tugs to support government requirements in Navy Region Southwest, Metro San Diego Bases, CA. This RFI aims to determine the best interest of the government for exercising an option under an existing contract. Responses are due May 29, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for six (6) tractor-like tugs to support operations in San Diego, CA, and surrounding navigable waters. Tugs may be ordered to various locations including berths, docks, anchorages, alongside vessels, submarines, or barges, provided they can lie always afloat or safely work aground.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
Required tug characteristics include:
- Vessel Type: U.S. flagged, Jones Act compliant, tractor or ASD type propulsion.
- Dimensions: Maximum 120 ft length.
- Performance: 12 knots transit speed, 24 hours endurance, 2400 HP, 65,000 lbs forward/astern bollard pull, 40,000 lbs side bollard pull.
- Capacity: 12 passenger capacity, 24 hours sewage capacity.
- Equipment: Synthetic lines (100 tons break force), sufficient capstans/winches (9,000 lbs SWL), non-marking surface fendering, brow for Trident class submarines, subsurface fendering, and firefighting equipment (two 2000 GPM monitors, two fire stations).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI).
- Anticipated Contract Style (if awarded): Firm Fixed Price with Reimbursables.
- Anticipated Period of Performance: August 1, 2026 – June 30, 2030 (includes a one-year base and three one-year options).
- Response Due: May 29, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.
- Published: May 21, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties are requested to submit:
- Company name, CAGE code, UEI, POC, contact details.
- Affirmation of financial capability and a company history summary.
- Detailed descriptions of vessels (flag, speed, range, dimensions, certifications, maneuverability, station keeping), specification sheets with pictures, USCG DCO or COI, and availability.
- Estimated daily and after-hours rates, and small business standing.
- Submission Method: Email to ASHLEY.M.SMITH357.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL and STEPHANIE.RICKER.CIV@US.NAVY.MIL.
- Point of Contact: Ashley Smith at (564) 226-7556.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
Companies must affirm financial capability. The small business size standard for NAICS code 488330 (Marine Charter For Things) is $47.0 million.
Additional Notes
This is a Request for Information only for market research; responses are not offers and the government will not pay for preparation costs.