Submarine rescue mission (extended term charter)

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk is seeking an extended term charter for a Jones Act qualified, U.S. flag vessel to support submarine rescue missions including submarine sea trials, diving, and salvage operations in coastal and deep ocean areas. The vessel must meet stringent technical requirements including a minimum 6,000 square foot deck area, DP-2 dynamic positioning station keeping capability, FIFI-1 fire fighting systems, and accommodations for 31 mission support personnel. The contracted vessel must be capable of installing and operating NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) or Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System equipment for worldwide deployment, though it will be primarily home ported in Norfolk, Virginia and operate in the Hampton Roads area and Western Atlantic Ocean. This is a sources sought notice requesting detailed vessel information, specifications, charter rates, and business size status from interested parties. The response deadline for this pre-solicitation inquiry is October 10, 2025, with all submissions required via email to the contracting officer.

This procurement opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designations and falls under NAICS code 483111 (Deep Sea Freight Transportation) with a small business size standard of 1,050 employees. The contract structure includes a base year period from February 20, 2027 to February 19, 2028, followed by four additional option years extending through January 19, 2032, creating a potential five-year total contract duration. No current incumbent contractors or specific award values are mentioned in the available documentation, though an amendment to the original sources sought notice removed language indicating this was an option assessment for an existing charter contract. The vessel requirements are detailed in the comprehensive MOSHIP Criteria Manual for U.S. Navy Submarine Rescue, which specifies technical parameters including deck loading capacity of 942-1,025 lb/ft2, operational capabilities in sea states 3-6, and specific electrical power and crane capacity requirements. The mission profile includes supporting 10-day operations with the specialized submarine rescue equipment and personnel.