150-DAY SPECIAL TIME CHARTER

The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, through the Office of Mschq Norfolk, is seeking information from industry regarding a proposed 150-day special time charter for a vessel capable of towing a passive acoustic monitoring system in support of SURTASS-E missions. The operation requires a U.S.-flagged or foreign-flagged vessel that can be reflagged to U.S. status, with worldwide operational capability spanning all ocean basins from the Arctic to the Antarctic, excluding ice-breaking requirements. The vessel must sustain speeds of 4–6 knots continuously for up to 60-day missions while maintaining precise heading control within five degrees. Critical performance specifications include a minimum of 5,008 square feet of clear weldable deck space for mission system installations, a 17-foot wide over-boarding chute, and support for Government Furnished Equipment including electrical power, freshwater, seawater, compressed air, and secure VSAT/INMARSAT communications. The vessel must comply with ABS standards for approximately 200 T-joint welds, SOLAS requirements for life-saving equipment, and maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection under 46 CFR Subchapter I throughout the charter period. All personnel onboard must be U.S. citizens, with the Master, Chief Mate, Second Mate, and Third Mate required to hold active U.S. SECRET security clearances prior to assignment, enabling participation in classified briefings. Additional crew members must either hold security clearances or have completed a national agency background check and be eligible for a Common Access Card. The contractor must enforce strict access control, maintain a 24-hour roving watch in port with quarterly inspections of secure containers documented on Standard Form 702, and provide continuous physical security at non-U.S. ports. Fuel and port charges are reimbursable, but the daily charter rate is considered payment in full for all services including overtime, bonuses, and crew emoluments. The vessel must be delivered to Norfolk, Virginia, by August 27, 2026, and a Pre-Delivery Site Survey must be conducted between 10 and 30 days after contract award. Proposers must demonstrate small business status if applicable under the 1,050-employee size standard for NAICS 483111, provide proof of active facility clearance, CAGE and UEI codes, and detail vessel specifications including daily rates, modification timelines, ABS approval timelines, and associated costs. Alternative solutions are welcome if