Bremerhaven S&RTS

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) for informational and planning purposes only. USTRANSCOM is seeking market research on solutions for Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) in Bremerhaven, Germany, to be provided under a contract anticipated to begin in 2027. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP), and no contract will be awarded from this RFI. The information gathered will help USTRANSCOM determine acquisition strategy and identify small business concerns.

• The core requirement is for S&RTS handling the import and export of designated USG cargo through the Port of Bremerhaven.

• Tasks will be outlined in a Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Compensation will be based on applicable commodity rates per a designated Schedule of Rates (SOR).

• The current contract expires April 30, 2027.

• A follow-on contract is anticipated to be awarded on or about May 1, 2027.

• Responses are requested via email to the RFI Points of Contact (POCs) listed in Section 1.1.

• Physical (paper) copies will not be accepted.

• Responses should be detailed but no more than five (5) pages (excluding title page and cover letter).

• Respondents are encouraged to submit tailored responses.

• The RFI requests information on company capabilities, business size, and experience related to S&RTS.

• USTRANSCOM encourages responses from capable businesses of all sizes, including large and small businesses and all socioeconomic categories.

• The anticipated NAICS code is 488320, Marine Cargo Handling, with a small business size standard of $47,000,000.00.

• USTRANSCOM will not be responsible for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI.

• Proprietary information should be appropriately marked; confidential information should not be submitted.

• Interested parties are invited to provide comments on the attached DRAFT Performance Work Statement.

• Attachments include an Information Sheet, Market Research Survey, and DRAFT Performance Work Statement.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an information sheet for the TRANSCOM26R009 opportunity, which concerns Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services in Bremerhaven, Germany. It serves as a form to collect essential company information from potential bidders.

• Company Identification: Requires company name, physical address, CAGE/NCAGE Code, and DUNS Number.
• SAM Registration: Asks for confirmation of SAM registration, expiration date, and whether NAICS 488320 is listed.
• Contact Information: Requires a company representative's name, telephone number, and email address.
• Size/Status: A checklist for bidders to indicate their business size and status (e.g., Small Business, Large Business, Woman-Owned Small Business).
• Limitations on Subcontracting: Specifically addresses FAR clause 52.219-14 for small business set-asides, requiring acknowledgment of the 50 percent subcontracting limitation and a description of any known local contractor exceptions.
• Required Sources: Asks bidders to indicate if any required sources are known and to list them if applicable.

Bidders must complete and submit this information sheet by 0600 (Central Time U.S.) on June 16, 2026. The information collected is crucial for determining eligibility, understanding business size and status for potential set-asides, and confirming compliance with subcontracting limitations. Failure to provide accurate and complete information may impact a bidder's ability to participate in or be considered for the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a market research survey for Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) in Bremerhaven, Germany, related to opportunity TRANSCOM26R009. It aims to gather information from potential vendors to assist the government in acquisition planning.

The survey asks specific questions regarding:

• Company registration and authorization to operate in Bremerhaven.
• Ability to perform all services in the PWS as a prime contractor, including subcontracting capabilities.
• Experience with foreign commercial contracts compliant with local laws and labor agreements.
• Capacity to provide labor, gear, and equipment for minimum productivity levels.
• Experience in providing S&RTS, including qualified drivers for military vehicles (complexity and longevity are key).
• Acceptance of preferred pricing methods (per piece for containers/vehicles/aircraft, MTON for breakbulk).
• Details of recent similar projects (past 5 years) including description, contract number, period of performance, prime/subcontractor status, dollar value, and scope of support.
• Time required to become fully operational after contract award.
• Concerns about doing business with the government and accessing port facilities.
• Any impediments to registering in SAM.gov.
• General questions, comments, concerns, or foreseen barriers to competition.

This survey is crucial for potential bidders to understand the government's information needs for this acquisition. Responding to this survey will help vendors:

• Gauge their suitability and capabilities for the S&RTS requirement.
• Understand the government's expectations regarding services, pricing, and past performance.
• Identify potential challenges or barriers to entry.
• Inform the government about their capacity and experience, potentially influencing the final solicitation details.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for stevedoring and related vessel services for the import and export of U.S. Government (USG) cargo through the Port of Bremerhaven, Germany. The primary goal is to ensure efficient and safe handling of all designated USG cargo.

• Provide comprehensive stevedoring services for vessel upload and discharge.

• Includes lashing and unlashing of all USG cargo aboard vessels.

• Handling of various military cargo, including vehicles, non-explosive containers, and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT).

• Provision of miscellaneous vessel services and supplies for cargo securing.

• Capability to work multiple vessels and decks simultaneously, 24/7/365.

• Contractor must provide all necessary equipment (CFE), material handling equipment (MHE), gear, tools, materials, supervision, and qualified stevedores.

• Contractor must maintain operational throughput capacity to accommodate cargo surges and daily throughput requirements.

• Operations must meet agreed-upon timelines for vessel loading and discharge.

• Specific performance standards are detailed in Table 4, including metrics for secure operations, timely cyber incident reporting, safe operations, timely task order reconciliation and invoicing, timely reporting, and timely operations (vessel, trucks, rail).

• Port of Bremerhaven, Germany.

• Services are to be provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

• Security: Personnel must be vetted for criminal activity and terrorism. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or equivalent is required. Access restrictions apply to prohibited individuals. OPSEC requirements must be followed.

• Safety: Compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, host nation, and Department of War (DoW) safety and occupational health regulations is mandatory. This includes OSHA regulations (29 CFR Part 1915, 1917, 1918, 1910) and international agreements/host nation laws. A Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) and a qualified Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) are required. Mishap reporting procedures are detailed.

• Environmental & Hazardous Response: An overarching Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and a Spill Contingency and Response Plan (SCRP) are required. An Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) must be designated for HAZMAT handling. Procedures for handling leaking cargo and hazardous spills are outlined.

• Contract Administration: Includes requirements for port licensing, permits, subcontractors, contract managers, and task orders. Ordering and cancellation procedures are detailed.

• Payment & Invoicing: Payment is based on commodity rates per the Schedule of Rates (SOR) or man-hour rates. Out-of-Pocket (OOP) expenses require prior COR approval. Invoicing is electronic via the Treasury Invoice Processing Portal (IPP).

• Cyber Security: Compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and DFARS 252.204-7012 is required for handling DoW Transactional Information (DTI). Cyber incident reporting procedures are detailed.

• Deliverables: Include Site-Specific Safety Plan, Safety Briefings, Safety Mishap Investigation Reports, Emergency Response Plan (ERP), Environmental Incident reports, Spill Contingency and Response Plan (SCRP), Port Licensing and Permits, Union Agreements and Port Tariffs, Written Estimates, Reconciliation and Validation reports, Cargo Accountability Documentation, Transition of S&RTS Contract Services documentation, Quality Control Inspection Plan (QCIP), QCIC, Meeting participation, and various operational reports.