Bid document

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N3220527R6016

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

05 November 2026

The following are answers to questions received from potential offerors. The answers provide clarification only and DO NOT constitute an amendment to the solicitation. 1. QUESTION: Are two (2) separate Tugs required to commence Towage of each Vessel on the same date – December 14? Or, can the same Tug be utilized, completing the first towage (presumably ex-FORT WORTH) and then proceeding directly to San Diego to commence towage of the second Vessel? While the RFP includes “The requirement is for one voyage consisting of two separate tows.” It later says “Layday(s): Commencing/Cancelling: 14 December 2026 (Four (4) days of laytime are allowed in total for the entire mission, shared across both tows regardless of whether one or two tugs are used. The allowance may be allocated between the tows as needed.)”
ANSWER: Two tugs are not required, and the tows do not have to commence on the same date. They may be completed in parallel with two tugs or sequentially with one as the Offerer desires. The Laytime allowance may be allocated between the tows as needed.
2. QUESTION: The above referenced requirement is for one voyage consisting of two separate tows. It has the same departure date for both tows. The RFP also mentions “whether one or two tugs are used”. Please clarify the following: Is a tandem tow acceptable?
Is the intention to make one award to one company for both tows only? Must the two tows to be done with two separate tugs, both departing San Diego 14 Dec?
Can the two tows be done with a single tug departing 14 Dec with the first tow then coming back for the second tow after the first tow is complete? ANSWER: Tandem tows are acceptable. Intention to make one award to one company for both tows (tows can be done by one tug or two tugs). Two tows can be done with one tug or two tugs. Yes two tows can be completed with a single tug with the first tow worked then coming back for the second tow.

3. QUESTION: Will MSC consider an offer for only one of the two tows (for example, ex-FORT WORTH from Naval Station San Diego to INACTSHIPS Bremerton), or must each offer cover both tows under a single lump-sum price? If single-tow offers are acceptable, please confirm how the four (4) days of shared laytime would be applied.
ANSWER: Each Offeror must cover both tows under a single lump sum price. The Laytime allowance may be allocated between the tows as needed.