TUGCON; OPEN-OCEAN TOW

The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command Norfolk is soliciting proposals under solicitation number N3220526R6111 for a Spot Charter to conduct an open-ocean tow of one U.S. Army Runnymede-Class Large Landing Craft (LCU) from Fort Eustis, Newport News, Virginia, to Yokohama, Japan. The requirement calls for a single U.S.-flagged, ocean-going certified tug capable of safely transporting the LCU, which has a displacement of 1,087 LT, a length of 174 feet, and a maximum draft of nine feet. Proposals must include a comprehensive towing package with a tow configuration sketch, component pedigree, tug specifications, and a detailed transit plan aligned with the U.S. Navy Towing Manual (SL740-AA-MAN-10). The contractor is obligated to provide vessel documentation including Certificate of Inspection and Certificate of Documentation, conduct non-destructive testing on LCU deck fittings and tow rig components, and secure services from an Independent Marine Surveyor. Offerors must submit shipyard data for all Jones Act vessels they own or control using the required Spreadsheet and must not submit JPEG files. All offers must include at minimum the vessel name, price, and a signature to be considered valid. The solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS Code 483111, with award based on the Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, prioritizing technical acceptability over price. The contract will be awarded as a Firm-Fixed-Price agreement under FAR Part 12 simplified acquisition procedures, with electronic invoicing required through WAWF using DoDAACs N50082 (Pay), N32205 (Issue/Admin), and N62387 (Inspect/Ship To/Service Approver/Acceptor/LPO). Performance may be extended by up to six months at the contracting officer’s written notice prior to vessel redelivery. Labor standards are governed by the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-0213, Rev. 40, requiring eleven paid holidays, uniform provisions with a $3.35 weekly reimbursement rate, and conforming procedures for unlisted classifications. Contractors must also comply with numerous FAR and DFARS clauses covering ethics, service contract reporting, equal opportunity, paid sick leave, DEI non-discrimination, foreign purchase restrictions,