Tugcon; open-ocean tow mission

The Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command is seeking market research information regarding towing services for the dry cargo vessel Ex-Juneau (LPD-10) in support of Exercise Valiant Shield 26. The procurement requires a U.S. flag, ocean-going certified tug built in 1970 or later with sufficient bollard pull capability to tow the 17,326-ton, 570-foot vessel at a minimum speed of six knots in Beaufort 5 sea conditions. Key qualifications include possession of valid certificates of inspection and documentation, adequate fuel capacity for approximately 30 days of operation without refueling, and the ability to maintain internet and satellite phone connectivity throughout the mission. Interested parties must submit responses by 1100 hours Eastern Time on March 9, 2026, to the point of contact, David Anaya, with information including complete vessel descriptions, lump-sum pricing with demurrage rates, availability confirmation, business size designation, and comments regarding 46 CFR Chapter 1 Subchapter M towing vessel regulations. The small business size standard for this water transportation service (NAICS 483111) is 1,050 employees, and no set-aside designation has been applied to this opportunity.

The mission commences May 18, 2026, departing from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with an intermediate stop in Guam (one week) and a final destination at Marianas Island Testing and Training Surveillance Area, approximately 250 nautical miles southeast of Guam, requiring arrival no later than sunset June 26, 2026. Contractor responsibilities include obtaining an independent marine surveyor, providing tow bridles and emergency equipment, and preparing a comprehensive towing package compliant with the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-010). Additional obligations encompass providing position reports at specified intervals, facilitating personnel transfers, and maintaining standby capability within 100-200 nautical miles of the disconnect location for potential emergency reconnection. No specific award value or budget range has been disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice, and no current contractors or incumbents have been identified. This pre-solicitation represents market research to assess pricing and availability in advance of formal solicitation.