Bid guide
How to bid on a 120-Day Special Time Charter for the Dept of the Navy
What the Navy is buying and why it matters
The Department of the Navy is seeking to charter a U.S.-flagged ship for a period of 120 days, with an option to extend the charter for an additional 50 days. This is a "Jones Act" requirement, which means the vessel must be built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
This opportunity is significant for maritime transport companies that own and operate compliant vessels, offering a direct contract with the Navy for a substantial period.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This solicitation was published on October 31, 2025. The deadline for submitting your proposal is November 03, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET.
All proposals must be submitted by this exact time. Late submissions are generally not accepted, so it is crucial to plan your submission well in advance of the deadline.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for U.S.-based maritime transportation firms that specialize in vessel charters and own or operate Jones Act compliant ships. Companies with experience in government contracting, particularly with the Department of Defense, will find this advantageous.
The relevant category for this work is transportation, specifically involving the charter of vessels.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation documents and submit your response, you will need to view the original source on the government portal. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, simply click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all the attached documents, including Amendment A0001 and Q&A 0001, which are part of this solicitation (N3220526R6016).
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully review all solicitation documents, including the initial RFP, Amendment A0001, and Q&A 0001. Pay close attention to the specific requirements for the vessel, crew, and ownership to ensure full Jones Act compliance.
Clearly articulate your vessel's specifications, availability, and your company's experience in similar charters. Ensure your proposal directly addresses all evaluation criteria outlined in the solicitation. Double-check all submission instructions and deadlines to avoid any technical issues or late submissions.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Dept of the Navy; the original posting controls.