AFLOAT STORAGE TANKER #3 TIME CHARTER (EXTENDED TERM)

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk is seeking information to evaluate the potential exercise of an option on an existing time charter contract for an afloat storage tanker designated as Afloat Storage Tanker #3. This sources sought notice, identified as SS-26-131, requests detailed information regarding the price and availability of a clean, U.S.-flagged, double-hull, medium-range tanker capable of supporting extended at-sea storage and underway replenishment operations. The vessel must meet stringent technical specifications including a maximum age of 20 years, length overall not exceeding 190 meters, deadweight tonnage no greater than 48,500 MT, and the ability to maintain a sustained speed of 13 knots while laden. The tanker must feature at least three segregated cargo tanks with double valve isolation and be capable of transporting JP8, JP5, JA1, and F76 fuels without contamination, with a minimum boom lift capacity of 10 tons at the manifold. Delivery is scheduled for August 2, 2026, with a base charter period running through August 1, 2027, and an option period extending from August 2, 2027, through July 2, 2028. Operations will occur in the Western Pacific, primarily in the Sea of Japan, with delivery and redelivery ports at the charterer’s discretion, though Onsan, Korea is the intended location. Respondents must be U.S.-flagged vessel owners or operators and are required to indicate whether their business qualifies as a small business concern under NAICS code 483111, with a size standard of 1,050 employees, and whether they hold a Hub Zone designation. A SECRET facility clearance is mandatory for contract performance. While no formal pricing data is included in this solicitation, vendors are expected to provide daily charter rates, fuel consumption estimates, and vessel specifications to assist in the option evaluation. The submission deadline is July 9, 2026, at 1300 Eastern Time, and responses are to be sent exclusively via email to the designated points of contact. This request does not constitute a commitment by the government to award a contract or reimburse costs incurred; it is solely for information gathering to determine whether to exercise an option under a pre-existing agreement. No formal evaluation factors, payment instructions, packaging requirements, or inspection protocols are detailed in this notice, and while standard FAR provisions may