90-Day Tanker Time Charter
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.MSC.MSC HQS.MSCHQ NORFOLK · Response deadline: Wed, 28 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is seeking a 90-day time charter for a tanker vessel. Time charter arrangements in maritime shipping involve the government leasing a vessel with crew for a defined period, with MSC directing where and how the ship operates while the owner provides the vessel, crew, and maintains seaworthiness. Tankers in MSC service typically transport petroleum products, jet fuel, or other liquid cargo to support Navy and Department of Defense operations worldwide.
This is a solicited acquisition, meaning the government has issued a formal request that interested vendors can respond to directly. MSC headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, is managing this procurement.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, Military Sealift Command Headquarters, Norfolk |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N3220527R6014 |
| NAICS | 483111 |
| Set-aside | No set-aside used |
| Response deadline | October 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT |
| Place of performance | See the solicitation |
Who can bid
This procurement is open to all responsible sources—no set-aside program applies. Vessel operators of any size that meet the qualification requirements may compete.
The relevant NAICS code is 483111 (Deep Sea Freight Transportation). This classification covers establishments primarily engaged in providing deep sea transportation of freight by water. Companies should review SAM.gov registration to confirm this NAICS code appears in their profile if pursuing this opportunity.
To be competitive, bidders typically need:
- U.S.-flag vessel or see the solicitation for any cabotage or Jones Act requirements
- Valid Coast Guard certificates and applicable classification society certifications
- Maritime Administration (MARAD) readiness program enrollment or equivalent, if specified
- Active SAM.gov registration and appropriate past performance history
How to put together a competitive bid
Tanker time charter solicitations from MSC typically emphasize operational reliability and total evaluated cost rather than lowest price alone. Given the 90-day duration, concentrate on these elements:
Vessel suitability. Provide detailed vessel specifications—deadweight tonnage, cargo capacity, pump rates, age, and last special survey date. MSC evaluates whether your ship matches mission requirements for the intended cargo and operating area.
Crew and management credentials. Highlight your operator's experience with government charters, Quality Ship Management (QSM) compliance, and safety record. MSC places significant weight on demonstrated performance under previous charters.
Pricing structure. Time charters generally quote a daily rate. Ensure your pricing clearly distinguishes the base charter hire from reimbursable elements such as fuel (bunkers), port costs, or war risk insurance. Ambiguous pricing invites rejection or adverse evaluation.
Technical proposal completeness. Government solicitations for vessel charters often require extensive documentation—vessel photographs, certificate validity tables, crewing matrices, and maintenance schedules. Respond to every requirement; omissions create evaluation risks.
Past performance. If your company has prior MSC or other federal vessel charters, request CPARS records and reference them specifically.
Because no set-aside applies, small businesses compete directly against larger operators. Emphasize responsiveness, vessel availability, and any cost advantages from specialized focus.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N3220527R6014
- Confirm your SAM.gov registration is active and includes NAICS 483111
- Note the deadline: October 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT—late submissions are inadmissible
- Download all attachments, including any ship specifications, charter party terms, and evaluation criteria
MSC may hold a pre-proposal conference or site visit; check the solicitation for these details. Given the short interval between posting (October 23, 2026) and deadline (October 28, 2026), interested vendors should act immediately to assess qualification and begin proposal preparation.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →