USAF Prepo Vessel Time Charter

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The United States Air Force (USAF) is seeking information regarding the time charter of a self-sustaining container ship capable of transporting ammunition and other cargo. This request is part of an option evaluation to determine whether to exercise an option on an existing charter contract. The vessel will support military readiness by enabling the transportation and prepositioning of various cargo types worldwide. Work Details The contractor will provide a U.S. or foreign flag self-sustaining container ship that can be reflagged to U.S. standards. The ship must be capable of carrying ammunition in 20' ISO containers and must meet the following specifications: 1. Delivery at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU), NC. 2. Capable of worldwide trade for transporting hazardous cargoes, explosives, ammunition, vehicular, containerized, and general cargoes. 3. Must be deployable to worldwide locations within 24 hours upon notification by the U.S. Navy Operational Commander. 4. Underway periods include independent steaming, convoy operations, and transit for cargo maintenance or loading/discharging operations. 5. Environmental control systems must maintain operational parameters in extreme heat or cold conditions. 6. Ship characteristics: Minimum speed of 16 knots fully laden, range of 13,000 nautical miles, maximum air draft of 135 feet in ballast condition, and maximum laden draft of 34 feet with mission cargo. 7. Permanent accommodations for 25 personnel in addition to crew members. 8. Self-sustaining capabilities at all cargo holds used for stowing up to 900 containers with operational environmental/climate control systems. 9. Equipped with two electric-hydraulic cargo cranes with a minimum capacity of 30 tons each and two auto-locking spreader bars with a capacity of 27 tons each. 10. A fixed water spray cooling system meeting SOLAS requirements is required for holds carrying ammunition containers. Period of Performance One eleven-month base period from August 11, 2026, to July 11, 2027. Place of Performance Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU), NC; worldwide deployment. Bidder Requirements Bidders must provide detailed information including company name and point of contact, vessel name and complete description including flag, speed, range, length, breadth, draft, certification and classification details, availability date, active facility clearance status if applicable, daily rate along with any additional charges such as delivery bonuses or fuel consumption rates. Bidders should also identify major cost drivers that could affect pricing. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on contract N32205-22-C-4180 awarded to Sealift Of Delaware for the time charter of the U.S.-flagged prepositioning vessel M/V Major Bernard F. Fisher, with performance from 02/10/22 to 08/10/26 and a total value of $76,685,316. The prior award description aligns closely with the current requirement for worldwide time-charter support for USAF prepositioning cargo, including vessel operations and sustainment costs (e.g., crew wages, maintenance, insurance, fuel, port charges) and related mission support activities such as communications equipment installation and training. The current effort is also described as an option evaluation tied to continuing an existing charter arrangement.