TUGCON; Jones Act

SOL #: N3220526R6086Pre-Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

Dept Of Defense

Dept Of The Navy

MSCHQ NORFOLK

NORFOLK, VA, 23511-2313, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Deep Sea Freight Transportation (483111)

PSC

Marine Charter For Things (V124)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/b77c72ed1a594eaf821cce2c910bd556/view

Timeline

Posted

Apr 29, 2026

Last Updated

Apr 29, 2026

Response Deadline

May 6, 2026, 3:00 PM

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 seeking proposals for a U.S. Flag, Jones Act qualified, ocean-going certified tug to tow two flat barges (YC 1684 & 1685) from INACTSHIPS Philadelphia, PA to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Seavey Island Kittery, Maine. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity, with proposals due by Wednesday, May 06, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.

Scope of Work

The requirement is for a single voyage to tow two YC Barges (110' length, 34' beam, 11' 3" max draft). Key requirements for the tug include:

Built in 1970 or later.
Sufficient bollard pull for a minimum tow speed of six (6) knots in Beaufort 5 conditions.
Fully bunkered with endurance for the entire voyage without refueling.
Internet and satellite phone capability.
Compliance with the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-10).
Contractor must provide specific towing equipment (bridle, emergency lines, flooding alarms, navigation lights, day shapes) and perform NDT of barge deck fittings.
A pre-tow conference will be held in Philadelphia, PA, and an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS) must be obtained, with services included in the offer price.
A comprehensive towing package must be prepared and submitted for approval.

Contract Details

Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (Proposed Solicitation Number: N3220526R6086)
Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
Period of Performance: One voyage
Layday(s): Commencing/Cancelling 15 June 2026
Place of Performance: Departure from INACTSHIPS Philadelphia, PA; Destination Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Seavey Island Kittery, Maine.
Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS Code: 483111, PSC: V124)
Wage Determination: Bidders must adhere to Wage Determination No. 2015-0213, Revision No. 40, for minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for tugboat and coastal vessel occupations.

Submission & Evaluation

Offer Due Date: Wednesday, 06 May 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time. Offers should be submitted promptly due to potential email delays.
Submission Requirements: A valid submission requires at least a ship name, a price, and a signature.
Evaluation Factors: Proposals will be evaluated based on the Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, considering domestic shipyard usage. Technical and Price are key factors. Failure to provide required documents may lead to ineligibility.
Required Documents: Bidders must complete the "Shipyard Data Sheet.xlsx" to report past domestic and international shipyard work, which is crucial for demonstrating capability and compliance.