23-day Dry Cargo Time Charter

The Department of the Navy's Military Sealift Command is seeking a U.S.-flag dry cargo vessel for a 23-day time charter to transport containerized items, general cargo, hazardous materials, explosives, ammunition, and military equipment in worldwide trade. The vessel must meet specific technical requirements, including a maximum length of 568 feet, maximum draft of 35 feet when loaded, minimum laden speed of 15 knots, and capacity to carry a minimum of six 20-foot ISO containers (four of hazardous material Classes 7 and 8, and two of general cargo) with a maximum weight of 20,000 pounds per container. The acquisition is being conducted under FAR 13.5 simplified procedures for commercial products and services, with award anticipated as a firm-fixed-price contract to the responsible offeror whose technically acceptable proposal represents the lowest price. Evaluation will give preference to vessels meeting Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement participation requirements and those with domestic shipyard maintenance history. Offers are due by February 5, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Time, with a valid submission requiring at minimum a ship name, price, and signature.

This solicitation includes no set-aside designations and identifies no incumbent contractors. The charter period commences with laydays beginning April 8, 2026, and cancelling April 10, 2026, with pickup at Berth 13, Yokosuka, Japan, and redelivery at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. Fuel is priced at $1,188.68 per metric ton for MGO/MDO based on an evaluation scenario of 12 days laden underway, zero days ballast underway, and 11 days in port idle. The vessel must be fully bunkered with minimum 20 days at sea and 10 days in port fuel capacity and carry a minimum of two supercargos, with additional costs applying for transits through designated imminent danger pay locations in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Straits, and Gulf of Aden where Military Sealift Command CIVMARs receive $225 per month or $7.50 per day. Contractors must comply with prevailing wage requirements established under the Service Contract Act, which cover maritime positions ranging from Master at $92.16 per hour to entry-level positions such as Ordinary Seaman at $13.09 per hour, along with mandatory fringe benefits including health and welfare, paid vacation, paid holidays, and paid sick leave.