Dry Cargo TUGCON

Solicitation N3220526R6131 is a firm-fixed-price request for proposals issued by the Military Sealift Command Norfolk for the charter of a U.S. Flag ocean-going tug. The primary objective is to tow the USNS CATAWBA, a vessel with a displacement of 1,387 LT, from Subic Bay, Philippines, to Honolulu, Hawaii. This acquisition is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 483111. The mission is scheduled with laydays commencing or cancelling between September 26, 2026, and November 1, 2026, with a total laytime of four days. All towing operations must strictly adhere to the U.S. Navy Tow Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-010), and a mandatory pre-tow conference must occur at least 24 hours before the start of the laydays. The contract will be awarded to the responsible offeror providing a technically acceptable proposal at the lowest price, which is calculated based on the lumpsum freight rate plus one day of demurrage. Technical evaluations focus on vessel capabilities, including specific bollard pull requirements for a minimum tow speed of 6 knots in Beaufort 5 conditions. Offerors must provide comprehensive documentation, including hull and tow machinery certifications, tow wire certifications, and the Master's towing endorsement. Administrative requirements include electronic invoicing via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) and compliance with various FAR and DFARS clauses regarding small business subcontracting, security prohibitions, and labor standards. Proposals must be submitted by September 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.