Dry Cargo TUGCON

The U.S. Navy, through the Mschq Norfolk office, has issued a Sources Sought Notification (N32205-SS-PM4-26-119) for a Dry Cargo TUGCON requirement aimed at market research for a single ocean-going tow mission. The government seeks information from qualified vendors capable of operating a U.S.-flagged, ocean-certified tug to transport one U.S. Army Runnymede-class Large Landing Craft (LCU) from Fort Eustis, Newport News, Virginia, to Yokohama, Japan, with a planned layday of 24 July 2026 and a total laytime of four days at destination. The solicitation requires detailed proposals on vessel availability, lump-sum pricing inclusive of up to four days at Yokohama for customs and delivery, and a separate demurrage rate for delays beyond the allotted time. The contractor must also account for Panama Canal transit coordination and execution on a reimbursable basis, including all associated costs and logistics. Responses are due by 1100 Eastern Time on 8 June 2026 and must be submitted via email to the primary point of contact, Matthew Price. Proposals must demonstrate compliance with the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-010) and 46 CFR Subchapter M for towing vessels. Required deliverables include a comprehensive towing package featuring completed Appendix H from the manual, steady-state tow line tension calculations under anticipated weather conditions, speeds of advance with associated weather limits, a detailed sketch of the entire tow rig, pedigree and testing documentation for jewelry components such as tow wires and shackles, full tug specifications including hull and tow machinery certifications, bollard pull data, tow wire certifications, and the master’s towing endorsement. Non-destructive testing (NDT) reports for deck fittings and pad eyes, along with the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection and Certificate of Documentation (or equivalent), must be included. An Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS), proposed by the contractor and approved by MSC, must be engaged to perform technical evaluations, inspect equipment, and issue a final towing certificate confirming safe rigging of both tug and LCU. A pre-tow conference at Fort Eustis, attended by the tug captain, MSC, LCU representative, and IMS, is mandatory no later than 24 hours before departure. Continuous position reporting is required—twice daily in port and four times daily at sea—with additional reports