48-day Dry Cargo Time Charter

The Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command is soliciting proposals for a 48-day dry cargo time charter of a Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO/RO) vessel capable of carrying a minimum of 136,083 square feet of military cargo, including helicopters, wheeled vehicles, and breakbulk items. The vessel must have a minimum laden speed of 15 knots, a main deck height of 20 feet or greater, and loading/discharge capability with a ramp door. Offerors will be evaluated based on technical acceptability of vessel specifications (deadweight capacity, cargo holds, speed, fuel consumption, and equipment) followed by price evaluation using standardized fuel calculations at DLA-Energy rates of $1,188.68 per metric ton for Marine Gas Oil. Award will be made to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable offer from a responsible offeror, with preference given to VISA-enrolled vessels and consideration of domestic shipyard usage under DFARS 252.247-7026. Proposals are due on February 12, 2026 at 1000 Eastern Time, with contract laydays commencing on March 28, 2026 and cancelling on March 31, 2026. Inquiries should be directed to LCDR Hutchings at amy.r.hutchings.mil@us.navy.mil or 757-443-5666.

This solicitation carries no small business set-aside designation and incorporates FAR Part 12 simplified procedures for acquisition. No incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation materials. The charter period is approximately 48 days with fuel consumption calculations based on 40 days underway laden, zero days underway in ballast, and 8 days in port idle; the vessel will be loaded in Charleston, South Carolina and redelivered in Bahrain. Contractor obligations include maintaining the vessel in full operational status with qualified crews, providing a minimum of two supercargo, securing comprehensive insurance coverage including hull, Protection and Indemnity with $500 million coverage, and compliance with OPA 90 and USCG regulations. The charter hire rate includes all crew costs, overtime, and standard operations, while reimbursable items include fuel, port charges, stevedoring, and agency fees; applicable Service Contract Act wage rates establish mandatory minimum hourly wages ranging from $92.16 per hour for a Master to $13.09 per hour for an Ordinary Seaman, with fringe benefits including Health & Welfare at $5.55 per hour.