MAC IDIQ Sources Sought_FINAL.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT

N32205-SS-N105-26-001 28 Apr 2026

From: Commander, Military Sealift Command (COMSC), Director of Ship Management (DSM), N105 Subject: Military Sealift Command (MSC) Consolidated GOCO Operations and Maintenance

THIS REQUESTS CAPABILITY INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. SUBMISSION OF ANY RESPONSIVE INFORMATION TO THIS

MARKET SURVEY IS PURELY VOLUNTARY, AND YOUR RESPONSE IS NOT AN OFFER. NOT

RESPONDING TO THIS NOTICE DOES NOT PRECLUDE PARTICIPATION IN ANY FUTURE

RFP, IF ANY IS ISSUED. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION, IF ANY, SHOULD BE CLEARLY

MARKED.

NEITHER THIS REQUEST FOR CAPABILITY INFORMATION NOR ANY RESPONSE COMMITS

THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY ANY COSTS INCURRED PREPARING ANY SUBMISSION TO THIS

MARKET SURVEY.

1.0 GENERAL: The Commander, Military Sealift Command (COMSC), is conducting market research to identify parties having the interest and resources to provide comprehensive vessel operations and maintenance (O&M) for the Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) fleet. The Government anticipates revising approximately 13 separate, existing O&M contracts, encompassing over 50 vessels across multiple classes, into a single Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. This IDIQ is envisioned to have a 10-year ordering period.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor(s) shall provide all personnel, management, operational and technical support (ashore and afloat), equipment, tools, and supplies necessary to operate and maintain the assigned vessels to MSC standards of material readiness and appearance, ensuring the vessels are mission-ready at all times. This includes manning vessels with qualified U.S. Contract Mariners (CONMARs), ensuring compliance with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) rules, and managing all planned and unplanned maintenance, including dry-docking availabilities.

Given the diverse nature of the fleet, the Government is contemplating structuring the Multiple Award Contract (MAC) IDIQ with several distinct Contract Pools. This approach is intended to maximize competition by allowing both large, diversified companies and smaller or more specialized firms to compete for work aligned with their core capabilities. Interested parties are encouraged to provide feedback on this structure.

The proposed Pools are as follows:

Pool 1: Small Business Set-Aside

Description: This pool is reserved for vessel platforms to be operated by small businesses.

Contracts for these vessels are currently awarded under small business set-asides. To preserve the existing industrial base and in accordance with FAR Part 19, this pool will be competed as a total Small Business Set-Aside. Only certified Small Businesses should respond to this pool.

Vessel Classes Included:

Oceanographic Survey Ship (T-AGS): 8 vessels that conduct military oceanographic surveys and support embarked sponsor personnel from NAVOCEANO. The USNS WATERS (T-AGS 45) has a distinct mission supporting Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) with submarine navigation system tests and missile flight testing.

Ocean Surveillance/Missile Range Instrumentation (T-AGOS/T-AGM): 6 vessels that monitor undersea activity and monitor missile launches.

Maritime Prepositioning Force (SEAY/PILILAU): Presently 2 vessels supporting the Maritime Prepositioning Force in worldwide service. The vessels feature NAVAIR certified flight decks, and carry various types of cargo including: vehicles, ammunitions, containers, etc..

Pool 2: Full and Open Competition

Description: This pool is for the O&M of large, unique, and/or highly complex mission platforms. Due to the scale, value, and complexity of these assets, this pool will be competed on a full and open basis to ensure maximum competition from all capable sources.

Vessel Classes Included:

Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX-1): A one-of-a-kind national strategic asset. The primary mission is to provide test support to the Missile Defense Agency and, when activated, serve as a critical component of the Ballistic Missile Defense System for U.S.

Strategic Command.

Maritime Prepositioning Force (BOBO Class): Presently 3 vessels supporting the certified flight decks, and carry various types of cargo including vehicles, ammunitions, containers, etc. A key and unique requirement of this contract is the operation, maintenance, and safeguarding of sophisticated Flagship Communication Suites aboard designated vessels. This requires the contractor to be a Cryptographic Material System (CMS) custodian and employ personnel with SECRET clearances to manage classified communication and IT systems.

Maritime Prepositioning Force (SISLER/DAHL): Presently 2 vessels supporting the certified flight decks, and carry various types of cargo including: vehicles, ammunitions, containers, etc..

Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD): 2 vessels that are intended to be employed worldwide in supporting U.S. Navy

High-Speed Transport (HST): 1 aluminum catamaran vessel designed for speed, flexibility, and maneuverability, providing intra-theater lift in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Pool 3: DP2 Certification Required (Full and Open Competition)

Description: This pool is for the O&M of vessels requiring a Dynamic Positioning 2 (DP2) certification from the American Bureau of Shipping. Due to this specialized technical requirement, offerors for this pool must be able to demonstrate existing corporate experience and capability in managing, manning, and maintaining DP2-certified vessels. This pool will be competed on a full and open basis.

Vessel Classes Included:

Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship (T-ATS): 8 Navajo-class vessels designed for towing, salvage, and undersea rescue missions. These ships are similar to commercial Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels and require qualified mariners with Dynamic Positioning (DP) Officer ratings and Towing Endorsements.

Submarine and Special Warfare Support Ship (T-AGSE): 4 vessels serving as blocking vessels and submarine rescue platforms, requiring specialized dynamic positioning capabilities.

Pool 4: Force Generation & Surge Support

Description: This pool provides a mechanism for short-notice surge requirements, unplanned GOCO missions where MSC civilian mariner (CIVMAR) manning is not available, or other emergent wartime support needs. All contractors who receive a prime award under Pool 1, 2, or 3 will be included in Pool 4 and be eligible to compete for task orders issued under it. No separate capability statement is required for this pool at this time.

3.0. CONTRACT STYLE: The overarching IDIQ will be a MAC. It is anticipated that Task Orders issued under this IDIQ will primarily be Firm-Fixed Price (FFP), potentially with award fee provisions and pass-through elements for items such as travel, port charges, major repair availabilities, and other variable costs as directed by the Government. It is anticipated that Task Orders will be issued based on class of vessels.

4.0 PERIOD: The IDIQ period of performance is anticipated to be one, 12 month base period and nine, 12 month option periods, estimated to run 10 September 2028 through 09 September 2038. Individual Task Orders will be issued with their own specific periods of performance.

5.0 LOCATION: Worldwide.

6.0 INFORMATION REQUESTED FROM INDUSTRY: Interested parties shall furnish the following minimum information:

6.1: Corporate Information

Name of company, address, URL;

Vendor representative telephone number, fax number, address, and e-mail address;

Contractor and Government Entity (CAGE) Code;

Business size status (Other-than-Small Business, Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), or Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB).);) for NAICS code 483111;

6.2: Corporate Experience & Capability

Pool Interest: Clearly identify which of the three (3) pools, described in Section 2.0, your company is interested in and possesses the requisite capability to perform as a prime contractor.

Any may specify any and all pools which they would be capable of performing.

Capability Narrative: For each pool of interest, provide a narrative describing your company’s direct experience operating and maintaining vessels of similar size, complexity, and mission set.

Ship Management Experience: Detail your experience simultaneously operating multiple ocean-going vessels (greater than 4,500 DWT). Specify the number and types of vessels managed concurrently.

Repair Availability Management: Detail your experience managing major ship repair and dry-docking availabilities valued at over $15M and lasting more than 60 days.

6.3: Acquisition Strategy Feedback

1. Contract Structure:

IDIQ: Provide feedback on the proposed multi-pool IDIQ structure. Does this structure promote or inhibit competition? Would you recommend an alternative structure?

Passthrough elements: Provide feedback on proposed treatment of certain expenses such as major repair availabilities. Would you recommend any changes to treat as a different type (e.g. firm-fixed-price with level-of-effort term, cost-sharing, etc.)?

Commerciality of Services: Respondents are requested to provide their position on whether the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services described in this notice meet the definition of a "commercial service" as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

2.101. A response asserting that the services are commercial should include a detailed narrative addressing the following points:

1. A description of the specific O&M services your company provides to both governmental and non-governmental entities.

2. An explanation of how these services are either (a) offered and sold competitively in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace based on established catalog or market prices, or (b) of a type offered and sold in the commercial marketplace, but modified for a specific government purpose.

3. Objective, verifiable evidence to support your position, such as redacted commercial contracts, catalog pricing, or other proof of sales to the general public for the same or similar services.

2. Small Business Participation: The Government is committed to maximizing small business participation.

Provide feedback on potential opportunities for small businesses at the prime or subcontracting level within this framework.

FAR clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, applies for the portion of the requirement that will be set-aside for small business. Note that if there is sufficient demonstrated interest and capability among small businesses, a key factor in determining if an acquisition will be a small business set-aside is that two or more potential small business prime contractors must be capable of performing at least 50% of the effort, as defined in FAR clause 52.219-14. If it is determined that a small business set-aside is appropriate and your company anticipates submitting a proposal as the prime contractor for a small business set-aside, please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR clause 52.219-14 would be achieved, including specific details regarding teaming arrangements, and if subcontracts are to be used, provide anticipated percentage of the effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large business subcontractors will be used. Teaming and/or subcontracting arrangements should be clearly delineated and previous experience in teaming must be provided.

If you are a large business, describe your approach to small business subcontracting and meeting aggressive subcontracting goals.

6.4: Security & Financial Capability

1. Facility Security Clearance: State your company’s current Facility Clearance Level (FCL). A minimum of a SECRET FCL will be required at the time of proposal submission.

2. Financial Viability: Provide evidence of adequate financial resources to perform on a contract of this scale, or the ability to obtain such resources. This should include the ability to cover at least 60 days of per-diem operating costs for multiple vessels in Full Operating Status, plus the necessary resources to conduct two major availabilities of at least $20 million within a 12-month period.

7.0. RESPONSE INFORMATION: MSC requests responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be provided no later than 2:00 PM (Norfolk, VA time) on 28 May 2026. The points of contact for this action are LCDR Tucker Livingston and Ms. Vanessa Schwaner. Responses should be emailed to, tucker.m.livingston.mil@us.navy.mil and vanessa.w.schwaner.civ@us.navy.mil.