Study on the Economic Impact of the International Maritime Organization Net Zero Framework

Amendment / Modification

This amendment responds to Question 5 regarding Task 3a of the solicitation. The question asked for clarification on whether the "identification of industries" should be a detailed, separate study or a simpler discussion within the current study's scope.

• Task 3a of the original solicitation.

• The response clarifies that the study is intended to identify and explore affected industries within its current scope, rather than requiring a separate, detailed investigation at this stage. This may impact how bidders approach the analysis for Task 3a.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the terms and conditions for a financial assistance agreement awarded to Curtin Maritime Corp. The purpose is to fund the development and deployment of an all-electric assist tug, evaluate its environmental performance, and assess the "spread" of vessels and equipment used for a new-build hybrid dredging operation. The project is part of the Maritime Administration's (MARAD) Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program, which focuses on environmental policy mechanisms for maritime transportation.

• Development and deployment of an all-electric assist tug.

• Evaluation of the environmental performance of the tug.

• Assessment of the "spread" of vessels and equipment for a new-build hybrid dredging operation.

• Period of Performance: 24 months from the effective date.

• Funding: The maximum financial assistance is stated as $XXXXXX. MARAD is not liable for costs exceeding this amount.

• Reporting: Quarterly progress reports (Performance Progress Report/SF-PPR) are due within 30 days of the reporting period end. A final PPR is due within 90 days of project completion. Quarterly Federal Financial Reports (FFR/SF-425) are also required.

• Invoicing/Payment: Invoices must be submitted in PDF format via the Delphi e-Invoicing System. Training on this system is required. Reimbursement requests should be submitted as soon as practicable after incurring costs, and no later than 180 days after the cost was incurred.

• Equal Opportunity: The Recipient must not discriminate and must take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities. Compliance with Executive Order 11246 is required.

• Procurement Standards: Compliance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200 is required for all procurement actions.

• Prohibition on Terrorism: Recipients must ensure funds are not used to support individuals or entities associated with terrorism.

• Tax Liability/Felony Conviction: Recipients must certify they have no unpaid Federal tax liability or felony conviction. They must also check the System for Award Management (SAM) for potential partners.

• Agreement Administration: Details contact information for the MARAD Agreement Officer and the Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR).

• Equipment: Governs the use, management, and disposition of any Government Furnished Equipment (GFE).

• Suspension or Termination: Outlines conditions under which the agreement can be suspended or terminated by either party.

• Rights in Data/Public Information: Grants the Government a license to use data generated under the agreement and specifies requirements for public information releases.

• Inspections: The Government has the right to inspect work and premises.

• Closeout Procedures: Details requirements for accounting for equipment and submitting final reports.

• Miscellaneous: Covers assignment, non-exclusivity, survival of provisions, partial invalidity, and employment/agency relationships.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment addresses vendor questions regarding the solicitation (RFP 693JF726R000015) for "A Study on the Economic Impact of the International Maritime Organization Net Zero Framework."

• Proposal Deadline Clarification: Confirms the proposal submission deadline is June 3, 2026.

• Page Limitation Clarification: While the RFP states a 12-page limit for the technical proposal, applicants can submit additional material. However, only the first 12 pages will be reviewed against the page limitation.

• Terms and Conditions: Provides the general terms and conditions of the Federal award under the MARAD NZF RFP, attached as amendment no. 0002.

• Point of Contact Update: Christian Onwudiegwu (Christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov) is added as a point of contact for requesting terms and conditions.

• RFP Section G Correction: A correction has been made to Section G of the RFP.

• Proposal deadline

• Page limitation for technical proposals

• Section G of the RFP

• Terms and Conditions (provided as attachment)

• The confirmed deadline is June 3, 2026.

• Bidders should be aware that only the first 12 pages of their technical proposal will be reviewed for the page limitation, though more material can be submitted.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides responses to questions regarding the solicitation for "A Study on the Economic Impact of the International Maritime Organization Net Zero Framework".

• Question 1: Clarification sought on whether the intent is to award a contract to for-profit organizations or a cooperative agreement with entities that do not allow for profit.
  • Response 1a: Confirms this is a cooperative agreement, consistent with 2 CFR 200 and related restrictions on profit (2 CFR 200.400(g)).
  • Response 1b: Clarifies that the RFP is open to all domestic applicants except individuals. Applicants must comply with Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov requirements as detailed in section E.3 of the RFP.

This amendment clarifies the nature of the award (cooperative agreement) and eligibility requirements, referencing section E.3 of the RFP for UEI and SAM.gov compliance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking proposals for a cost analysis of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) "Net Zero Framework" (NZF). The study will examine the economic consequences of the NZF's policy mechanisms for the United States, focusing on impacts to the U.S. maritime sector and economy.

The study must analyze, at minimum, the NZF's:

• Global GHG pricing/levy proposals

• Emissions trading and crediting systems

• Carbon offsets and crediting rules

• Fuel/energy standards or mandates

• Technology mandates, exemptions, and phase-in schedules

• Monitoring, reporting, and verification regimes

• Fund governance, revenue collection, and allocation rules

• Enforcement, penalties, and border/trade adjustment measures The analysis should quantify impacts on U.S. flagged vessels, operating/capital costs, import/export unit costs, trade competitiveness, demand for U.S. services, and administrative burdens. It should also identify key assumptions, uncertainties, and distributional effects across U.S. industries, ports, and regions. The contractor must compare outcomes under the proposed NZF, alternative designs, and delayed implementation scenarios, recommending safeguards and policy changes.

• Contract Type: Cooperative Agreement

• Period of Performance: 3 months

• Maximum Funding: $280,000

• Proposal Deadline: June 3, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

• Submission Method: PDF format via email to Christian Onwudiegwu and Kelly Mitchell-Caroll.

• Proposal Length: Limited to 12 pages.

• Evaluation Criteria: Includes cost proposal, understanding of the project and U.S. priorities, technical capabilities, methodology, and ability to deliver a comprehensive and usable product.

• Open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals.

• Applicants must be registered and current with SAM.gov.

• This announcement is an expression of interest and does not commit MARAD to make an award.

• Proposals will be screened for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, which must be identified and justified if used.