Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Watson LMSR Vessels
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is soliciting proposals for long-term safe layberthing services for up to two Watson Class LMSR RRF vessels (TRAVIS E WATKINS and MITCHELL RED CLOUD) on the U.S. West Coast. This is a Solicitation for a 5-year IDIQ, fixed-price/cost-imbursement contract. Proposals are due April 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM UTC.
Scope of Work
MARAD requires exclusive layberthing services for the specified vessels, with the possibility of substituting similar or smaller vessels. The facility must meet extensive requirements including:
- Safety & Security: Compliance with OSHA, USCG, and MARAD protocols, including perimeter fencing, access control, security guards, CCTV, and lighting.
- Access: 24/7 access for personnel and vehicles, with adequately maintained roads and bridges.
- Utilities: Metered shore power, potable water, telephone service, and sewage disposal, including connect/disconnect services.
- Environmental: Compliance with oil spill response plans and recycling regulations.
- Mooring: A heavy weather mooring plan compliant with UFC 4-159-03, designed for sustained wind speeds of 85 mph (updated from 130 mph).
- Fendering: Resilient fenders to prevent vessel damage.
- Pier Apron: Must support specified loads and allow for vehicle and cargo operations.
- Port Services: Availability of ship repair, pilotage, tugs, bunkering, and oily waste disposal within specified distances/times.
- Deliverables: Include a Heavy Weather Mooring Plan, Physical Security Plan, Annual Soundings, Plan of Action and Milestones, permits/licenses, Oil Spill Plan, Potable Water lab report, mooring fitting pull test results, and proof of insurance.
Key Updates & Clarifications
An amendment will be issued to formally reduce the heavy weather mooring wind speed requirement from 130 mph to 85 mph, based on site-specific 50-year return interval criteria. MARAD will also accept alternate proposals for ramp configurations; proposals accommodating only the side port ramp must detail how RRF operational readiness is met.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: 5-year IDIQ, Fixed-Price/Cost-Reimbursement
- Period of Performance: Multiple CLINs, extending from April 15, 2026, to April 14, 2031, with potential for longer terms.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (with options for Small Business)
- NAICS Code: 488390 (Other Support Activities for Transportation), Size Standard: $47 Million
- Proposal Due: April 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM UTC
- Published: March 19, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer, organized into two separate PDF volumes (Technical and Price). Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal meets all Technical Acceptability requirements and offers the Lowest Evaluated Price (LPTA).
Contact Information
- Primary: Henry H. Puppe (henry.puppe@dot.gov)
- Secondary: Douglas A. Kennard (douglas.kennard@dot.gov, 202-366-1711)