182-day Special Time Charter

Background
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is conducting market research for the Strategic Sealift Program Office. This request for information is aimed at gathering details about the availability and pricing of a qualified vessel to support various submarine operations.

The goal is to ensure readiness and capability in conducting submarine sea trials, diving, and salvage operations in both coastal and deep ocean environments.

Work Details
The contractor will provide a Jones Act qualified, U.S. flag, self-sustaining Vessel of Opportunity (VOO) capable of supporting submarine sea trials, general-purpose diving, and salvage operations. Specific tasks include:

- Conducting manned and remotely operated vehicle diving operations including saturation diving;
- Conducting salvage/survey assessments;
- Salvaging grounded/stranded vessels and craft;
- Lifting sunken objects using a mobile crane;
- Conducting underwater repairs.

The vessel must be capable of installing either the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) or the Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System with Transfer Under Pressure (SRDRS-TUP), with only one system installed at a time based on availability.

Period of Performance
Approximately 182 days, with laydays starting on 20 August 2026.

Place of Performance
Operations will occur along the East Coast of the United States and the North Atlantic Ocean, with the vessel homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must provide a Jones Act qualified U.S. flag vessel equipped with an installed and certified crane. The vessel should have a minimum deck space of 6,000 square feet, DP-2 or equivalent station keeping capability, and FIFI-1 fire fighting capabilities. Permanent accommodations for up to 31 mission support personnel are required. Bidders must confirm that their company has an active facility clearance at the secret level.