Diego garcia shuttle (extended term charter)

The Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command is conducting a market survey to procure extended-term charter services for one U.S. flag self-sustaining combination container/breakbulk vessel to support military sustainment operations at Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory. The vessel must meet stringent technical specifications including a minimum speed of 16 knots when laden, an operating range of 8,000 nautical miles, and a maximum draft of 35 feet, with cargo capacity of at least 250 TEU containers and 150,000 cubic feet of breakbulk space. The vessel must be self-sustaining with dual booms or cranes providing minimum 30 LT SWL lifting capacity and be capable of accommodating hazardous cargo including ammunition and rolling stock with deck loading capacity of at least 525 PSF. Interested parties must submit detailed responses by February 17, 2026, at 1100 Eastern Standard Time via email to Mr. Jordan Schwaner, providing vessel descriptions, daily charter rates, delivery and redelivery bonuses, fuel consumption data, facility clearance level confirmation (minimum Secret), and time required to meet laydays. This is a sources sought notice requesting information only and does not constitute a commitment by the government to award a contract or incur any costs.

No set-aside designations apply to this procurement opportunity, and no current incumbents or contractors are identified in this pre-solicitation notice. The charter period is scheduled to commence on May 12, 2027, with an initial 12-month period followed by three one-year option periods and one 11-month option period, providing potential charter duration of up to five years and four months. The specific daily charter rate and total award value are not disclosed in this market survey; respondents are expected to propose their own daily rates along with delivery and redelivery bonuses. Vessel delivery and redelivery will occur in the Far East/Indian Ocean region, specifically Singapore. The procurement is classified under NAICS 483111 (Deep Sea Freight Transportation), with a small business threshold of 1,050 employees, and firms must possess or be capable of obtaining a minimum Secret facility clearance level.