The Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command Norfolk is recompeting a contract for operation and maintenance of eight government-owned Large, Medium-Speed, Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSR) Watson-class vessels. The solicitation is estimated to release January 1, 2027, with award targeted for July 1, 2027. Contractors must hold SECRET facility clearance eligibility and demonstrate at least three years' experience operating multiple vessels over 4,500 DWT simultaneously, plus a track record of executing at least three vessel drydockings exceeding $15 million and lasting 60 days or longer.

The estimated award value ranges from $250 million to $1 billion for a 60-month performance period, structured as one firm 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods. Place of performance is Norfolk, Virginia. Contractors must demonstrate financial resources of at least $48.7 million to support 45 days of per diem payments for eight vessels in full operating status plus two $20 million availabilities within 12 months. Pricing covers full operating status, reduced operating status, and repair availability per diems under a firm fixed-price structure.

The incumbent contractor, Patriot Contract Services, LLC, was awarded a definitive contract (N3220521C3009) on April 1, 2021, valued at $968.6 million with a ceiling of $988.7 million. The existing contract, which terminates September 30, 2026, covers crewing, operation, maintenance, and repair of the eight Watson-class vessels to mission-ready status. This recompete is fully competitive with no set-aside.

MPF operating contract FY27 (c)

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