Military Sealift Command VERTREP NAVCENT Detachment A

The Military Sealift Command is conducting a market research initiative to identify qualified vendors capable of providing ship-based commercial helicopter vertical replenishment (VERTREP) services in support of the Naval Central Command (NAVCENT) Detachment A. The Department of the Navy seeks a contractor to deliver comprehensive logistical and transportation services to US Navy ships, partner nation vessels, and theater facilities on a worldwide basis. Key contract requirements include providing a two-helicopter detachment staffed with a minimum of 5 pilots and 3 maintenance personnel, operating continuously 365 days per year with potential unmanned aerial vehicle capability development. Interested vendors must submit capability statements addressing organizational structure, business size classification, teaming arrangements, Air Mobility Command approval status, helicopter specifications, and operational history by December 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM local time. This Sources Sought Notice is classified under NAICS code 481212 (Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation) with a size standard of 1,500 employees, and serves as market research to inform the Contracting Officer's procurement strategy and potential small business set-aside determination.

The procurement includes no designated small business set-aside at this time. The anticipated contract period spans five years total, consisting of one base year commencing November 29, 2026, through November 28, 2027, followed by four optional one-year renewal periods. The primary performance location is expected to be Bahrain, with worldwide deployment capabilities supporting the Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility. Pricing will be structured using daily per-hire rates, flight hour rates, and optional components for aircraft inspections, testing, and potential UAV development; however, no specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in this sources sought phase. No incumbent contractor information is provided in this market research notice, which remains a non-binding survey designed to gather vendor information and assess market capability prior to formal solicitation development.