TUGCON; Jones Act

The Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC) is soliciting proposals for a spot charter tug service under RFP N3220526R6060, seeking one U.S. Flag, Jones Act-certified, ocean-going tug capable of towing a T-EPF vessel (2,500 LT displacement, 337'11" length) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Beaumont, Texas. The vessel must be built in 1970 or later and provide a minimum tow speed of six knots for five-knot Speed of Advance in Beaufort 5 conditions, with the contractor required to provide comprehensive towing packages including calculations, route planning, vessel specifications, and certifications prior to commencing the tow. An Independent Marine Surveyor must be retained by the contractor to oversee preparations and issue a towing certificate, and the contractor must furnish tow bridles, emergency tow lines, flooding alarms, navigation lights, and day shapes in compliance with COLREGS. At least one trail tug is required in restricted and inland waters, with shallow-draft tugs needed for transfer to the reserve fleet basin. Proposals are due on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 1100 Eastern Time, with award anticipated as a firm-fixed-price contract under FAR Part 12 simplified procedures.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS Code 483111) with no identified incumbent contractors in the materials provided. The layday window runs from April 16, 2026 to April 20, 2026, with four days allocated for the entire mission, and vessel delivery must occur during daylight hours Monday through Thursday with assist tugs remaining on station approximately eight hours. The place of performance is the United States, with specific operation points including Rhoads Industries Pier 2 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Maritime Administration Beaumont Reserve Fleet in Beaumont, Texas. Payment will be made through ERP DFAS-CL via electronic invoices submitted through Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF), and contractors must comply with applicable wage determinations under the Service Contract Act, which establish minimum daily rates ranging from $322.16 to $511.92 depending on occupational classification. Offerors must demonstrate Jones Act compliance through documentation of shipyard work history and must submit a minimum of ship name, price, and signature to be considered for evaluation and award.