Coastal tanker time charter #2 (extended term)

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is seeking information on the availability and cost for a clean, U.S. flagged, double-hull shallow draft coastal tanker to support fuel logistics operations worldwide. This Sources Sought notice (SS-26-088) is issued to evaluate whether to exercise an option on an existing charter contract, with the primary mission to serve as an afloat storage and transfer platform for jet fuel and marine diesel in support of the Defense Logistics Agency-Energy. The vessel must be capable of carrying a minimum of 40,000 barrels of JP8, JP5, JA1, or F76 fuel and meet specific technical requirements including a maximum age of 20 years, maximum length overall of 108 meters, deadweight tonnage not exceeding 8,000 metric tons, minimum speed of 12 knots, and specialized equipment such as a 3-ton boom or crane with segregation capabilities. Prospective vendors must submit comprehensive proposals including vessel specifications, availability dates, personnel accommodation details, fuel consumption rates, daily rates, Q-88 forms, and any alternative proposals to the MSC Norfolk Strategic Sealift Program Support Office. The response deadline is 1300 Eastern Time on April 24, 2026, with submissions directed to Yvonne Escoto and Stephanie Ricker via email.

No set-aside designations apply to this procurement opportunity. The charter period consists of a base term from June 16, 2026, through June 15, 2027 (365 days), with an optional extension from June 16, 2027, through May 16, 2028 (336 days), requiring vessel delivery to the Sea of Japan/Western Pacific Range by June 16, 2026. The notice does not disclose specific award values or budget ranges, nor does it identify any current contractor or incumbent vessel. Interested parties should be prepared to demonstrate compliance with U.S. flag vessel requirements and Classification Society standards, with vessels exceeding 15 years of age required to be enrolled in a Condition Assessment Program rated 2 or better. The relatively short timeframe between the April 24 response deadline and the June 16 delivery date emphasizes the urgency of this procurement and the importance of immediate vessel availability.