2026 MSC proformas

The Military Sealift Command (MSC), an agency within the Department of the Navy, issued a Special Notice on January 30, 2026, announcing updated proformas effective February 1, 2026 for vessel charter solicitations. This Special Notice serves as notification that MSC has revised its standardized contract templates and terms for maritime transportation services. The updates apply to multiple categories of vessel charters including dry cargo voyages, tanker time and voyage charters, tug services, and special time charters. These proformas establish the government's standard terms, conditions, and evaluation criteria for spot market and time charter vessel acquisitions. The notice reflects MSC's commitment to maintaining current, standardized contracting procedures across its maritime procurement operations.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to inform potential contractors and vessel owners of the updated proforma documents governing MSC vessel charter competitions. Offerors interested in responding to MSC vessel charter solicitations must comply with the specific requirements outlined in the respective proforma documents (DRYVOY, TANKTIME, TUGCON, SPECIALTIME, TANKVOY, and DRYTIME), which detail vessel specifications, insurance requirements, operational standards, and pricing submission procedures. Contractors must demonstrate technical acceptability of their vessels and submit lowest-price proposals for evaluation, with awards made to responsible offerors offering the best value to the government. Eligibility preferences are extended to U.S.-flag vessels under cargo preference requirements and to participants in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), as well as vessels meeting domestic shipyard usage thresholds. Large business contractors must submit small business subcontracting plans where subcontracting opportunities exist, and all offerors must provide comprehensive documentation including vessel certifications, insurance evidence, crew qualifications, and compliance certifications by specified deadlines in individual solicitations.