26R6063 QA 0001.pdf
PDF 118 KB Posted
- Attached to
- 180-day Dry Cargo Time Charter w/ 180-day Option
- Solicitation number
- N3220526R6063
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document issued by Military Sealift Command (MSC) on 16 April 2026 for solicitation N3220526R6063. The document provides clarification on three inquiries from potential offerors regarding vessel requirements and does not constitute an amendment to the underlying RFP.
The Q&A addresses vessel eligibility and reflagging timelines for a U.S. Flag vessel requirement. MSC clarified that there is no maximum age limit for vessels. Regarding the transition from a previous sources sought that allowed both U.S. and foreign flag vessels to the current U.S. Flag-only RFP requirement, MSC declined to suspend the procurement despite the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center closure due to a DHS partial shutdown. MSC also declined to adjust the lay/can (availability) window to accommodate the estimated 6-9 month reflagging timeline for foreign flag vessels. However, MSC provided guidance that offerors using the streamlined reflagging process through VTA/VISA enrollment with MARAD could potentially reduce timelines to approximately 60 days for military utility determination and 3 days for vessel inspection, provided the vessel maintains full statutory certifications and is in good condition. MSC recommended that offerors review USCG resources including the "Reflag Foreign Vessels" guidance, NVIC 1-13 CH 2, and the Quick Reference Guide.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 26R6063 A0003 RFP Correction.pdf | ||
| 26R6063 QA 0003.pdf | ||
| 26R6063_A0002_Ext_Closing.pdf | ||
| 26R6063 QA 0002.pdf | ||
| 26R6063_A0001_Ext_Closing.pdf | ||
| DRYTIME 2026 (02-26).pdf | ||
| 26R6063_RFP.pdf | ||
| 26R6063 DRYTIME Fuel Consumption Temp.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
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Text version
MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND
N3220526R6063
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
16 April 2026
The following are answers to questions received from potential offerors. The answers provide clarification only and DO NOT constitute an amendment to the solicitation.
1. Please advise if there is a maximum vessel age for this requirement.
ANSWER – There is no maximum age for this requirement.
2. The multiple sources sought for this mission allowed for U.S. or Foreign Flag vessels, but the RFP is a U.S. Flag only requirement. Please be advised that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC), which processes the paper for vessel sales/purchases and reflagging is currently closed due to the DHS partial shutdown. We therefore request that MSC place this procurement in suspense at least until this situation is resolved.
ANSWER – At this time, MSC cannot place this procurement in suspense.
3. Further to Question #2 above, the vessels contemplated for this requirement are likely not eligible for an expedited MSP reflag due to the size, military utility and likely age of the vessel. Therefore, the estimated timeline for reflag is 6-9 months after award.
Accordingly, we are requesting that MSC consider adjusting the lay/can window to accommodate reflag vessels.
ANSWER – MSC recognizes estimated time to reflag is 6-9 months; however, due to mission requirements the lay/can window cannot be adjusted.
To use the streamlined process, Owners/Offerors would have to enroll in VTA/VISA with MARAD which may invoke a military utility determination. USCG would need that determination to move quickly, typically 60 days if all is in order, i.e., full set of statutory certs that have been maintained. The actual inspection of the vessel is typically 3 or so days. The key to success is that the vessel is in compliance and in good condition. Recommend reviewing the USCG website for: REFLAG FOREIGN VESSELS specifically, NVIC 1-13 CH 2 and the QUICK REFERENCE
GUIDE.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .