25-day Dry Cargo Time Charter

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk is seeking proposals for a 25-day dry cargo time charter of up to two U.S. or foreign flag roll-on/roll-off vessels capable of transporting military cargo including helicopters, wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles, and breakbulk cargo. The vessels must collectively carry a minimum of 269,114 square feet of military cargo and maintain a minimum laden speed of 15 knots while operating worldwide with hazardous materials capabilities. Each vessel must be properly manned with U.S. citizens, provide a minimum of two supercargo personnel, and comply with various federal regulations including Service Contract Act wage determinations and force protection requirements for high-risk areas such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The evaluation will be conducted under the lowest price technically acceptable criteria, with award going to the offerors with the two lowest evaluated price proposals that can collectively handle 100% of the cargo requirements. Proposals are due by October 6, 2025, at 1000 Eastern Time, with the government intending to make awards without discussions.

This procurement does not include any set-aside designations and is open to all qualified contractors, though preference is given to Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) participants and vessels maintained in U.S. shipyards. The charter period spans approximately 25 days with laydays commencing/cancelling on November 25, 2025, requiring delivery and redelivery between European ports (Gdansk, Poland or Bremerhaven, Germany) and Beaumont, Texas. The solicitation includes detailed fuel consumption requirements based on Marine Gas Oil priced at $1,068.87 per metric ton for Fiscal Year 2025, though specific contract values are not disclosed in the available documents. The procurement follows FAR Part 12 acquisition procedures under FAR 15 Contracting by Negotiation, emphasizing operational readiness and the ability to support military missions in diverse global environments. The awarded vessels will be required to meet specific performance standards including speed and fuel consumption warranties while maintaining compliance with maritime safety, environmental, and security regulations.