26R6063 QA 0002.pdf
PDF 123 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 21 April 2026 for solicitation N3220526R6063. The document provides clarifications on vessel requirements for a maritime services procurement and does not constitute an amendment to the underlying RFP.
Key requirements clarified include: vessels must be U.S. flagged (Marshall Island registration is not acceptable); there is no maximum age limit for vessels; each offeror must provide 4 to 6 U.S. flagged vessels with a minimum capacity of 2,100 square feet per vessel to meet a total square footage requirement of 12,600; and bidding on individual vessels rather than the full complement is not permitted. MSC will not suspend the procurement timeline to accommodate reflagging of foreign vessels, though the anticipated reflag timeline is 6 to 9 months post-award. Offerors seeking expedited reflagging should enroll in the VTA/VISA program with MARAD and review USCG guidance on reflagging foreign vessels, including NVIC 1-13 CH 2. There is no incumbent contractor for this requirement. The Government's market research determined that existing commercially available U.S. flagged vessels can meet this requirement, and the Military Cargo Preference Act of 1904 mandates the use of U.S. flagged vessels before foreign flagged alternatives.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 26R6063 QA 0003.pdf | ||
| 26R6063 A0003 RFP Correction.pdf | ||
| 26R6063_A0002_Ext_Closing.pdf | ||
| 26R6063 QA 0001.pdf | ||
| 26R6063_A0001_Ext_Closing.pdf | ||
| DRYTIME 2026 (02-26).pdf | ||
| 26R6063_RFP.pdf | ||
| 26R6063 DRYTIME Fuel Consumption Temp.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND
N3220526R6063
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
21 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.
4. Is there any incumbent to this?
ANSWER – No incumbent or current contract.
5. Do we have to bid all four, or can we do just one?
ANSWER – Each Offeror must provide 4 – 6 U.S. flagged vessels to meet the total square footage requirement.
6. The RFP states 4 – 6 vessels per offer, but how many in total do you all need?
ANSWER – Minimum of 4 vessels and a maximum of 6 vessels to meet the total square footage of 12,600 and each vessel has a minimum capacity of 2,100 square feet. The results of the Government’s market research indicated that this requirement could be met by existing commercially available sources.
7. It stipulates U.S. flag – will Marshall Island registered be okay – built by U.S. (it’s a LCU 2000 built by U.S. government and owned by American).
ANSWER – The vessels must be U.S. flagged. Due to the Military Cargo Preference Act of 1904 ( 10 U.S.C. §2631) U.S flagged vessels must be used before foreign flagged vessels.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .