TUGCON; JONES ACT
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's Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk is issuing a Pre-solicitation for a firm-fixed-price contract to acquire Jones Act qualified tug services for RIMPAC-26. This opportunity requires towing two decommissioned Navy vessels, EX-MOBILE BAY (CG-53) and EX-PELELIU (LHA-5), from Washington and Hawaii to the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii. The acquisition is Unrestricted under NAICS Code 483111 (Marine Charter For Things), and proposals are due by May 27, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
MSC PM41 requires one U.S. Flag, Jones Act qualified, ocean-going certified tug. The vessel must be capable of towing EX-MOBILE BAY (CG-53) and EX-PELELIU (LHA-5) in accordance with the U.S. Navy Tow Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-010) to support exercise RIMPAC-26. Key requirements include:
- Vessel built in 1970 or later with a minimum bollard pull of 68 tons.
- Sufficient fuel capacity for the entire mission or a refueling plan.
- Internet and satellite phone capability.
- Provision of tow bridle, hardware, emergency tow lines, navigation lights, and day shapes.
- Engagement of an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS) for technical evaluation and oversight.
- Submission of a comprehensive towing package and transit plan.
- Compliance with all specified FAR and DFARS clauses.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Pre-solicitation (Proposed Solicitation Number: N3220526R6092)
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Period of Performance: One voyage, with layday commencing June 25 and canceling June 26, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Tow one from INACTSHIPS Bremerton, WA; Tow two from Pearl Harbor, HI. Both destined for Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, Kauai, HI.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (N/A)
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Marine Charter For Things)
- Offer Due Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time.
- Published Date: May 19, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated on a Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, considering technical aspects and price, with an emphasis on VISA and domestic shipyard usage. A valid submission requires at least a ship name, price, and signature. Bidders must complete the Shipyard Data Template detailing their fleet's historical shipyard work for the past four years. Additionally, proposals must incorporate the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits outlined in Wage Determination No. 2015-0213, Revision No. 40, for Service Contract Act compliance.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: David Anaya, david.c.anaya.civ@us.navy.mil, 564-226-8419.