Ie Shima Barge Transportation
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.USMC.MARCORP I&L.COMMANDING GENERAL · Response deadline: Wed, 07 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Marine Corps is seeking barge transportation services at Ie Shima, a small island located off the northwest coast of Okinawa, Japan. This is an unrestricted solicitation, meaning any qualified business—regardless of size or socioeconomic status—may submit a proposal.
Barge transportation in this context typically involves moving equipment, supplies, or personnel between locations where conventional port facilities are limited or unavailable. Ie Shima has historical significance as a military training site and features a small airstrip; barge operations likely support sustainment and logistics for forces operating in the Ryukyu Islands. The work may require:
- Coastal and inter-island cargo movement
- Landing craft or flat-deck barge operations
- Coordination with military port calls and exercises
- Compliance with U.S. and Japanese maritime regulations, including crewing and safety standards
Given Okinawa's strategic importance to U.S. Indo-Pacific posture, this contract likely supports ongoing rotational force requirements rather than a one-time event.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Installations and Logistics Command |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | M2900027Q3000 |
| NAICS | 483113 |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM JST (UTC+9) |
| Place of performance | Okinawa |
NAICS context: 483113 covers Coastal and Great Lakes Freight Transportation. This classification applies to vessels operating in U.S. territorial waters and, by extension, DoD contracts employing U.S.-flag vessels or qualifying foreign-flag operations. Businesses should verify their SAM registration reflects this code.
Who can bid
Any responsible offeror may bid—this is not a small business set-aside. However, small businesses remain eligible and should evaluate whether they can meet:
- Vessel requirements: The solicitation likely specifies barge type, capacity, and Coast Guard or classification society certification. See the solicitation.
- U.S.-flag preference: The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (Jones Act) and Cargo Preference Act typically require U.S.-flag vessels for domestic movements; overseas DoD contracts may have modifications or waivers. See the solicitation.
- Security clearance needs: Personnel may need facility access clearances for Okinawa bases. See the solicitation.
- Local labor and subcontracting: Japanese law and Status of Forces Agreement provisions may affect crew composition and in-country partnerships.
Small-disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and other certified firms gain no explicit preference here, though past performance and price remain decisive.
How to put together a competitive bid
Operational plan: Demonstrate familiarity with Okinawa's maritime environment—tides, weather windows, restricted zones, and coordination with III Marine Expeditionary Force logistics. Identify your vessel(s) by name, registration, and specifications; vague references to "a suitable barge" will weaken your proposal.
Past performance: Include contracts for similar coastal barge operations, ideally in the Western Pacific or other remote island environments. Government references carry more weight than commercial work.
Pricing structure: Given the tight 48-hour response window, your pricing must be immediately defensible. Consider: daily charter rates, fuel adjustment clauses, standby time, and port fees at Okinawa and Ie Shima. Unbalanced pricing risks rejection.
Compliance documentation: Prepare crew certifications, vessel inspection records, pollution response plans, and evidence of Jones Act or cargo-preference compliance. See the solicitation for exact requirements.
Subcontractor strategy: If you lack directly owned vessels, identify your vessel provider now and secure a teaming agreement or letter of intent before submission.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number M2900027Q3000—this notice was posted October 5, 2026 with a response deadline of October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM Japan Standard Time. The compressed timeline demands urgent action.
Verify SAM registration is active and includes NAICS 483113; confirm entity size if relevant for future subcontracting opportunities.
Contact the contracting officer listed in the SAM notice with any questions; given the two-day window, prioritize clarity over completeness in inquiries.
Submit before the deadline accounting for time zone conversion and SAM.gov system processing. Late submissions will not be considered.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →