Ocean Transportation via U.S.-Flag Vessels

The contract pertains to ocean freight transportation of defense supplies using U.S.-flag vessels in full compliance with federal cargo preference laws, ensuring that defense-related cargo is transported on vessels owned and operated by the United States. This subcontract is set aside entirely for small businesses under the SBA’s Total Small Business Set-Aside program as outlined in FAR 19.5, with the NAICS code 483111 designating it specifically for ocean transportation of cargo. The opportunity is managed by the Maritime Supply Chain under the Department of Defense, emphasizing the critical need for secure, reliable, and legally compliant maritime logistics to support national defense objectives. Responses must be submitted by August 6, 2026, with the solicitation initially posted on July 22, 2026, providing a four-week window for interested small businesses to prepare and submit proposals. The place of performance and point of contact details are not specified, indicating that transportation routes and delivery points will likely be determined based on defense supply requirements at the time of task order issuance. The contract is accessible through the DIBBS platform, and successful bidders will be expected to adhere strictly to U.S. flag vessel requirements and all applicable regulatory frameworks governing the movement of defense cargo by sea.