Layberthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels on the US East Coast

Amendment / Modification

This modification to the solicitation (Reference No. 693JF726R000005) is Amendment No. 0001, effective March 2, 2026.

Key changes include:

• Extension of the submission deadline to April 1, 2026, in accordance with FAR guidance for a 30-day extension.

• Addition of clarifying information regarding fire fighting capability.

• Page 31 of the original solicitation has been modified.

• Fire Fighting Capability: The Contractor is required to provide fresh or saltwater hydrant services capable of delivering a minimum of 1,500 gallons per minute at 100 pounds per square inch (psi). The Contractor must provide results of flow and pressure tests for pier-side fire hydrants prior to layberth acceptance, if applicable.

• This requirement can be met if a local firefighting agency can provide functional pumps or pumper trucks to the layberth within 15 minutes.

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to April 1, 2026.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Lay Berthing Services CAPE Rs" solicitation (693JF7-26-R-000005).

• Telephone Service: The requirement is for three (3) telephone lines and one high-speed data line per vessel, defined as 25 Mbps or faster by the FCC. Specific shore-side connection fittings will be determined by the service provider.
• Shore Power: The solicitation requires three cables of ungrounded shore power. While current ships use grounded power, MARAD will accept alternate proposals for review regarding this requirement.
• Fire Fighting Capability: The requirement for 1500 GPM at 100 psi is satisfied if a local firefighting agency can provide pumps or a pumper truck on site and functional within 15 minutes of an alarm. The solicitation will be updated to reflect this clarification.
• Soundings: Soundings are required 30 days prior to contract commencement, though MARAD will accept alternate timelines for review.
• Security Fencing & Waterside Barriers: MARAD will accept alternate proposals for review regarding requirements for security fencing and waterside barriers.
• Silent Alarm System & CCTV: These are new requirements for the contract. MARAD will accept alternate proposals for review.

Several clarifications were provided, and MARAD indicated that the solicitation will be updated regarding the fire fighting capability. For requirements related to shore power, security fencing, waterside barriers, silent alarm systems, and CCTV, MARAD is open to reviewing alternate proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for exclusive long-term layberthing services for up to two CAPE R class RRF vessels (CAPE RACE and CAPE RISE) on the U.S. East Coast. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) may substitute vessels of similar size or smaller. The contract will be a 5- or 10-year IDIQ, fixed-price/cost-reimbursement award.

• Layberthing Services: Provision of a safe and secure layberth facility for CAPE R class vessels.

• Facility Requirements: Includes roadways, parking, accommodation ladder access, communications, site inspection boat, oil spill plan, and security fencing.

• Utilities: Provision of metered shore power, potable water, and sewage services.

• Connect/Disconnect Services: Services for connecting/disconnecting vessels to shore power, water, and telephone.

• Heavy Weather Mooring Plan: Development and implementation of a plan to ensure vessel safety in heavy weather conditions.

• Fendering: Provision of resilient fenders to protect vessels and the layberth.

• Pier Apron: A paved, well-maintained pier apron capable of supporting vertical live loads and vehicle access.

• Security: 24/7 access control, security guards, perimeter fencing, and CCTV surveillance.

• Environmental Compliance: Adherence to NEPA, OSHA, and USCG safety requirements.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: Options for 5-year or 10-year periods, with specific start and end dates for each year.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated in this document, but proposals are for fixed-price/cost-reimbursement.

• Proposal Submission: Proposals must be submitted via email to Henry Puppe, Contracting Officer, by the specified Offer Due Date.

• Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. Technical proposals will be rated Acceptable/Unacceptable. Award will be made to the lowest-priced offeror whose technical evaluation is acceptable.

• Key Deadlines: Offer Due Date: 1700 ET (specific date not provided in this excerpt). Proposals due via email.

• NAICS Code: 488390 (Other Support Activities for Transportation).

• Size Standard: Not explicitly stated, but offerors must indicate their business size status.

• The solicitation includes numerous attachments and references to FAR clauses.

• Offerors must provide pricing for all FFP CLINs to be eligible for award.

• MARAD reserves the right to award without discussions but may conduct them if deemed necessary.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for "Long-Term Safe Lay Berthing for CAPE R Class Vessels" to be performed on the U.S. East Coast. The contract type is Firm-Fixed-Price per-diem with reimbursable items.

The document outlines various sections including:

• Solicitation/Contract Form (Section A)

• Supplies/Services and Price (Section B)

• Statement of Work (Section C)

• Packing/Marking (Section D)

• Inspection & Acceptance (Section E)

• Place of Performance; Liquidated Damages (Section F)

• Administration (Section G)

• Special Contract Terms & Clauses (Section H)

• Contract Clauses (Section I)

• Attachments (Section J)

• Representations & Certifications (Section K)

• Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors (Section L)

• Evaluation Factors for Award (Section M)

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price per-diem with reimbursable items

• Period of Performance: 04/16/2026 to 04/15/2036 (or 04/15/2031) [May Be Adjusted]

• Evaluation Method: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)

• Proposal Due Date & Time: Not specified in this cover page.

Not specified in this cover page.

• Solicitation Number: 693JF726R000005
• Issuing Office/Contracting Activity: MARAD Office of Acquisitions
• Point of Contact: Henry Puppe, Contracting Officer