COASTAL TANKER Option Exercise Sources Sought

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk is issuing a Sources Sought notice to identify potential vendors for the charter of one clean, U.S. flagged, double-hull shallow draft tanker with segregated ballast tanks capable of supporting Defense Logistics Agency-Energy operations. The vessel will function as an afloat storage and transfer platform with consol and lighterage capabilities, primarily operating in the Sea of Japan and Western Pacific region. Key requirements include a vessel age not exceeding 20 years (with vessels over 15 years requiring Classification Society Condition Assessment Program enrollment rated 2 or better), a maximum length overall of 108 meters, maximum deadweight tonnage of 8,000 metric tons, minimum 12-knot speed in moderate weather, and capability to carry a minimum of 40,000 barrels of JP8, JP5, JA1, or F76 fuel with three segregations featuring double-valve isolation and a 3-ton boom or crane. Interested parties must submit company information, vessel specifications, availability dates, personnel accommodation capacity, fuel consumption rates, daily charter rates for the base and option periods, completed Q-88 forms, and any alternative proposals by 1300 Eastern Time on May 5, 2026. The evaluation is being conducted for option exercise purposes only and does not commit the government to contract or award any funds.

This procurement carries no set-aside designation and includes no identified incumbent contractor information in the notice materials. The contract structure consists of one one-year base period plus one eleven-month option period, with an intended vessel delivery date of June 29, 2026, establishing a relatively compressed timeline for mobilization and operations commencement. The notice does not disclose specific budget ranges or award values at this pre-solicitation stage. The vendor pool is limited to operators with available U.S. flagged vessels meeting the specialized shallow draft tanker specifications, narrowing the competitive field to established maritime charter companies with appropriate assets. Respondents should note that submission of information at this stage is voluntary and will inform the government's decision regarding formal solicitation development and potential option exercise.