140-day Special Time Charter

Background
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk, Strategic Sealift Program Support Office, is conducting a sources sought notice for a 140-day special time charter. This request for information aims to gather details on the price and availability of a U.S. flag, Jones Act, ocean-going certified tug capable of towing a U.S. naval vessel.

The MSC's mission includes providing strategic sealift capabilities to support U.S. military operations.

Work Details
The contractor will provide a U.S. flag, Jones Act-compliant ocean-certified tug for contingency towing in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel must be capable of responding to a vessel casualty within 48 hours and remain at anchor or in-port within response range until needed. Specific requirements include:
- Built in 1970 or later
- Minimum bollard pull of 100 tons
- Equipped with a calibrated tow line tension meter
- Capable of bridge-to-bridge communications
- Sufficient bollard pull to tow a naval vessel with a displacement of 17,033 LT at a minimum speed of six knots in Beaufort 5 conditions
- Compliance with the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-10)
- A virtual pre-tow conference prior to towing if required
- A detailed transit plan upon notification that towing is required, including route planning and identification of ports of refuge
- Crew must consist of U.S. citizens due to security protocols
- Position reports issued electronically twice daily while in port and four times daily while at sea.

Period of Performance
The charter period is approximately 140 days, commencing on or around March 8, 2026.

Place of Performance
Key West, Florida