What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking a 66-day dry cargo time charter for U.S. or foreign flag, self-sustaining Roll-on/Roll-off vessels capable of carrying a minimum of 105,000 square feet of military cargo. This opportunity is unrestricted, meaning it is open to all responsible sources, including small businesses. Interested vendors should note that this is a presolicitation notice, so they should track the opportunity closely rather than submit bids at this stage. The performance will take place between Charleston, South Carolina, and Melbourne, Australia, with laydays scheduled from July 25 to July 30, 2026.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Action Code: Pre-solicitation
Date: 16 June 2026
Year: Fiscal Year 2026
Contracting Office Zip Code: 23511
Product or Service Code: V124- Transportation, Travel, & Relocation Services
Contracting Office Address: 471 East C Street, Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA 23511
Subject: 66-day Dry Cargo Time Charter
Proposed Solicitation Number: N3220526R6106
Closing Response Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Contract Point of Contact or Contract Specialist: David Hamilton at david.k.hamilton19.civ@us.navy.mil
Contract Award and Solicitation Number: TBD
Contract Award Dollar Amount: TBD
Contract Line Item Number: N/A
Contract Award Date: TBA
Contractor: TBD
Description: This requirement requires U.S. or foreign flag, self-sustaining Roll-on/Roll-off vessel(s) (multiple awards up to two vessels or until the needs of the government have been met), capable of carrying a minimum of 105,000 SQFT of military cargo (wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles, and breakbulk) out of a total 165,000 SQFT. Minimum laden speed shall be 15 knots.
Place of Contract Performance: The place/range of delivery is Charleston, South Carolina (USA); and the place/range of redelivery is Melbourne, Australia. The layday(s) commences and cancels on 25 July 2026 - 30 July 2026. The period of performance will be about 66 days for each chartered vessel.
Set-aside Status: N/A. The decision to release this procurement as “Unrestricted” is based on responses received from a recent, sources sought notice for this service. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. The Small Business Administration’s Procurement Center Representative concurred with this decision.
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.