183-day Special Time Charter w/ 182-day Option

The Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command is soliciting a special time charter for a U.S. flag, Jones Act-qualified vessel to support submarine rescue operations and sea trials. The vessel must be capable of installing and supporting the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) and Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System (SRDRS), with minimum requirements including ABS DPS2 or greater dynamic positioning capabilities, at least 6,000 square feet of contiguous open deck space, a minimum transit speed of 10 knots, and capacity to support up to 31 additional personnel. The procurement will be evaluated using a lowest-price, technically acceptable methodology, with offerors required to submit detailed vessel specifications with pictures, evidence of international shipboard port security compliance, technical capabilities documentation, and pricing information including per diem rates and completed fuel consumption spreadsheets. The original proposal deadline of October 23, 2025, was extended by Amendment 0001 to October 27, 2025, and subsequently extended again by Amendment 0002 to November 3, 2025, at 1100 Eastern Time. Key submission requirements include compliance with the Performance Work Statement, Navy welding and nondestructive testing standards, NEURS fuel reporting procedures, and comprehensive insurance and war risk coverage provisions.

This solicitation has not been designated as a set-aside and represents a spot charter opportunity with no identified incumbent contractor. The charter period is 183 days commencing February 18, 2026, with one 182-day option period, providing substantial contract duration of up to 365 days. The vessel will operate out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with worldwide maritime operations as ordered by the Charterer. The contract is Service Contract Act-covered, and pricing will be structured on a per diem basis with fuel costs calculated separately using Defense Logistics Agency fuel prices, with offerors required to account for daily fuel oil reporting through the Navy Energy Usage Reporting System. Performance of services will take place in the United States, specifically operating from the Virginia Beach-based location while supporting submarine rescue operations, sea trials, and fleet mission support activities throughout the contract period.