Boat Tow
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.USMC.MARCORP I&L.MARINE CORPS INSTALLATIONS COMMAND.MCIEAST.COMMANDING GENERAL · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Marine Corps is seeking boat towing services under this combined synopsis/solicitation. The requirement falls under NAICS code 488330 (Navigational Services to Shipping), which covers specialized maritime support operations including vessel assistance and towage.
Boat towing for military installations typically involves moving vessels between berths, providing emergency assistance to disabled craft, transporting boats for maintenance or storage, and supporting operational readiness. The Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST) command oversees multiple installations along the Atlantic coast where watercraft operations support training, logistics, and installation maintenance activities. The specific scope of towing services—whether harbor-based, offshore-capable, or limited to specific vessel classes—requires verification in the full solicitation.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST), Commanding General |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | M6700127Q1001 |
| NAICS | 488330 — Navigational Services to Shipping |
| Set-aside | Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14) |
| Response deadline | October 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice metadata |
Who can bid
This opportunity is strictly set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns that meet the eligibility requirements of FAR 19.14. To qualify, a business must:
- Be classified as small under the NAICS 488330 size standard
- Be at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Have management and daily business operations controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Maintain veteran status verification in the VA's VetBiz registry (required for SDVOSB self-certification in SAM.gov)
Non-SDVOSB businesses, including other veteran-owned firms without service-connected disability, are ineligible. Joint ventures are permitted under specific SDVOSB program regulations if structured correctly. Firms must have active SAM.gov registration with SDVOSB representation current at time of award.
How to put together a competitive bid
Maritime services contracts require demonstrating operational capability and regulatory compliance beyond standard proposal elements:
Vessel & Equipment Documentation: Specify towing vessel specifications—bollard pull capacity, horsepower, draft limitations, and any specialized equipment (tow bridles, firefighting gear, pollution response kits). Marine Corps installations may require approval for vessels operating in restricted waters.
Crew Qualifications: Document captain licenses (U.S. Coast Guard credentials appropriate for vessel tonnage and route), TWIC cards, and any security clearance requirements for access to military installations. MCIEAST facilities typically require SECNAV 5512/1 background checks or equivalent.
Insurance & Bonding: Maritime operations demand robust coverage—marine hull and protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance, general liability, and pollution liability. See the solicitation for specific coverage minimums.
Past Performance: Highlight comparable towing contracts, especially with DOD or other federal agencies. Include CPARS references or commercial equivalent documentation.
Pricing Structure: Towing services often use hourly rates, per-move pricing, or retainer-plus-usage models. The solicitation will indicate preferred structure; ensure rates account for standby availability if required.
Safety & Environmental Plans: Prepare oil spill response plans, safety management system documentation, and incident reporting protocols consistent with Coast Guard and installation requirements.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number M6700127Q1001 immediately. Combined synopsis/solicitation notices frequently contain streamlined acquisition procedures with limited question-and-answer periods. Verify the exact place of performance, vessel requirements, and any site visit or pre-bid conference dates in the solicitation documents. Responses are due October 30, 2026 by 12:00 PM Eastern Time—allow ample time for SAM.gov technical submission, as system delays near deadlines are common.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →