USAF Prepo Vessel Time Charter

The U.S. Air Force, through the Mschq Norfolk office of the Department of Defense, is conducting market research under Solicitation Number SS-26-123 to assess the availability and pricing of a one-time time charter for a self-sustaining container ship capable of worldwide deployment to transport and preposition hazardous, explosive, ammunition, vehicular, containerized, and general cargoes. The primary mission of the vessel is to transport, preposition, load, and discharge containerized munitions, with a required capacity to carry 900 20-foot ISO containers below deck using government-furnished containers. The vessel must be capable of deploying to any global location within 24 hours of notification by the U.S. Navy Operational Commander, sustain independent steaming and convoy operations, and maintain a minimum speed of 16 knots fully laden with a range of 13,000 nautical miles. It must also comply with SOLAS requirements for fixed water spray cooling systems in ammunition holds, feature operational environmental control systems for extreme climates, and meet strict dimensional limits including a maximum air draft of 135 feet and a laden draft of 34 feet. All vessels must be reflagged as U.S.-flagged by the time of delivery. The government seeks responses from industry participants to determine cost and feasibility for a potential one-time charter with an estimated base period from 11 August 2026 to 11 July 2027, with delivery scheduled at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. Responses must include the company name, Cage Code, small business status (defined as 1,050 employees or fewer under NAICS 483111), vessel specifications, daily charter rate, fuel consumption, vessel availability timeline, and whether the company holds an active facility clearance. VISA status of relevant personnel must also be disclosed. The daily charter rate is intended to be payment in full covering all services including crew emoluments, overtime, and penalty time, with port charges and fuel expenses considered reimbursable. This is strictly a request for information to evaluate an option on an existing charter contract, and responses are not offers or commitments to award a contract. The submission deadline is 1400 Eastern Time on 26 June 2026, and inquiries should be directed to Yvonne Escoto and Stephanie Ricker at the provided email addresses and phone numbers.