Operation and maintenance of expeditionary transfer dock (ESD

The Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command is seeking a contractor to provide operation and maintenance services for two Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD) vessels, specifically the USNS MONTFORD POINT and USNS JOHN GLENN. The anticipated contract is a Firm-Fixed Price award fee contract with reimbursable pass-through elements, covering a base 12-month period with four additional 12-month option periods. Potential contractors must demonstrate extensive maritime operational experience, including at least 10 years of simultaneously operating multiple ocean-going ships over 75,000 DWT and 26,000 HP. Contractors will be required to have a SECRET-level facility security clearance and the ability to operate and maintain U.S. flagged vessels worldwide using U.S. commercial mariners. The market survey responses are due by 2:00 PM local time in Norfolk, VA on May 23, 2025, with submissions limited to five typewritten pages.

The procurement is currently not set aside for small businesses, though the government is evaluating potential small business participation under NAICS code 483111 (Deep Sea Freight Transportation), which has a small business size standard of 1,050 employees. The estimated contract value is approximately $31,600,000, with vessels to be maintained in Reduced Operating Status in Western and Eastern CONUS locations. The contract is scheduled to commence on July 8, 2026, and will require vessels to be operated in compliance with American Bureau of Shipping and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Contractors must provide detailed information about their company background, financial viability, and operational capabilities. The vessels will be Government-Owned Contractor-Operated (GOCO) and manned by Contract Mariners (CONMARs), supporting critical U.S. Navy maritime missions.