40-day Dry Cargo Time Charter

The contract is a solicitation for a 40-day dry cargo time charter issued by the Military Sealift Command Norfolk under solicitation number N3220526R6091, with responses due by May 26, 2026. The purpose is to secure a U.S.-flagged vessel to transport sensitive Department of Defense cargo, with performance centered at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The vessel must be fully equipped and certified for secure transport, including valid DOC, ISPS, and COI documentation, and must meet strict technical requirements such as a minimum ice class of GL-E2 or equivalent, IMO Polar Code “C” designation, and compliance with the IMDG Code for hazardous materials. The vessel must also provide secure storage space meeting Open Storage Secret standards, lashing gear, spreader bars, and operational ramp readiness. All crew, including the Master, Chief Mate, and one additional officer, must be U.S. citizens, conversant in English, and cleared to access SECRET information, with the contractor required to hold a SECRET facility clearance prior to delivery or proposal submission. Armed security personnel must be ISO 28007 certified, possess valid TWIC cards, and be qualified to handle military-grade firearms under a specific DD Form 2760 authorization system. The contract is structured as a firm-fixed-price award under a lowest price, technically acceptable (LPTA) evaluation methodology, prioritizing offers from contractors whose vessels have performed at least 50% of their work at U.S. shipyards (Category 1) and align with the highest VISA priority. Technical acceptability is assessed based on vessel capability, certification, security compliance, and adherence to OPSEC and FOCI restrictions, with no trade-offs permitted beyond minimum requirements. Key operational obligations include strict controls on classified information disclosure, reporting of any use of force or weapon discharge, submission of a sexual assault/harassment prevention policy within 60 days of award, and maintenance of full compliance with DFARS clauses 252.223-7002 and 7003 for ammunition handling. The contractor is responsible for proper packaging and labeling of cargo under the IMDG Code while the Government retains inspection and acceptance authority at origin. Invoicing must occur via WAWF using DoDAAC N50082, and all offerors must hold a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Specific attachments required include guidelines for off-hire percentages, a Department