Bid guide
How to bid on Sherman Tank Transportation & Salvage for the USMC National Museum
What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care
The Department of Defense is seeking a contractor to recover a 30-ton M4A3 Sherman tank from Range 106 at Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms, California. This tank needs to be transported to the National Museum of the Marine Corps Museum Support Facility in Dumfries, Virginia.
Additionally, the contractor will salvage specific parts, including tracks, wheels, and other components, from a second Sherman tank located on the base. These salvaged parts must be palletized and shipped to the same facility in Virginia. This opportunity is for businesses specializing in heavy equipment transportation and salvage operations.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The solicitation was published on July 29, 2026. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Local (Pacific) Time, starting at the MCB Twentynine Palms Visitor Center. You must RSVP for this site visit by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing via email by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The final deadline for proposal submission is September 03, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Failure to meet the RSVP deadline for the site visit will result in denial of range entry, and no make-up visits will be accommodated.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms with expertise in heavy-duty transportation, particularly those capable of moving a 30-ton tank. Experience with crane operations for heavy lifts and specialized freight shipping across states is essential. Companies with a background in vehicle salvage and part handling, especially for large military equipment, would also be well-suited.
The relevant category for this work is transportation, specifically involving specialized freight and heavy hauling services. Vendors must be prepared to operate within a military base environment and adhere to specific access and security protocols.
How to respond
To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click leads to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.
Remember to RSVP for the mandatory site visit by the August 11, 2026, deadline. Your RSVP must include your Company/Entity Legal Name, CAGE Code, UEI, and the full names of up to two representatives attending. You must also confirm active registration or pending submission in the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS). Submit any questions in writing via email by August 18, 2026.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Given the mandatory site visit, ensure your representatives are fully prepared to assess the physical conditions at Range 106 and the second tank's location. Pay close attention to potential challenges for crane access, loading, and the terrain. This firsthand knowledge will be crucial for developing an accurate and competitive cost proposal and technical approach.
Detail your firm's experience with similar heavy hauling and salvage projects, especially those involving military or oversized equipment. Clearly outline your proposed equipment, personnel, and safety protocols for both the tank recovery and the parts salvage. Provide a comprehensive plan for palletizing and shipping the salvaged parts, demonstrating your capability to handle specialized logistics for museum-grade items.
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 Defense; the original posting controls.