MTS Tow Support Vessel (Submarine-Fendered Tug)

The Military Sealift Command is seeking market information for a one-time tug support operation to transit the Submarine Moored Training Ship MTS 626 from the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Goose Creek, South Carolina, to Charleston “C” Buoy. The operation, planned for August 18–23, 2026, requires two U.S.-flagged, submarine-fendered tugs with a minimum bollard pull of 100,000 pounds forward and stern, equipped with non-marking fendering, 3,000 gallons per minute AFFF firefighting capability, proper navigation and communication systems including narrowband FM radios, and propulsion safeguarding such as propeller guards. Vessels must be classed by an IACS-recognized society, hold valid Certificates of Inspection and Documentation, comply with USCG and FCC regulations, and have a maximum draft of 18 feet. All crew members, including masters and officers, must be U.S. citizens fluent in English and hold current USCG certifications. The contract will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price arrangement with reimbursable fuel costs. The performance period is five days beginning August 18, 2026, with flexibility to extend up to five additional days based on conditions. The primary place of performance is Charleston, South Carolina, including transit through the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor, with inspections conducted at the origin and final acceptance at Charleston “C” Buoy. Responses must include a completed vessel characteristics worksheet with photos, itinerary, delivery timeline, daily charter rates, and company contact details, submitted electronically by 1:00 p.m. local time in Norfolk, Virginia, on April 28, 2026. The solicitation number is SS-26-098, and all submissions must be sent to the designated Navy email contacts. No set-aside is intended, and while small business status must be certified, no other socioeconomic categories are required. No formal evaluation factors, payment office details, or packaging and labeling requirements are specified in this sources-sought notice, as it is a pre-solicitation market research document designed to gather industry capability and pricing data prior to any formal procurement.