USMMA Graduation Commencement
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 U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD), on behalf of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), is seeking proposals for Graduation Commencement Event Setup and Teardown Services in Kings Point, NY. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a Firm Fixed-Price contract. Quotations are due by April 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive support for the USMMA's 2026 Commencement activities, including event setup and teardown for the Awards Convocation, Waterfront Barbecue, and Commencement Ceremony. Key deliverables include:
- Provision of approximately 2,100 folding plastic chairs, various tents (50ftx80ft, 30ftx30ft, 10ftx10ft), and multiple table types (8-foot, 6-foot, 60-inch round, rectangular).
- Setup of a 40ft deep by 56ft 2-tier stage.
- Supply of lighting, power, and media items, including two elevated camera platforms.
- Full audio/video, display, and staging support in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW).
- Technical support for audio, lighting, teleprompters, and media/broadcast systems.
- Site protection for turf, track, and pedestrian areas, along with accessibility and safety measures (ADA seating).
- Contingency planning for inclement weather, including relocation to Ackerman Auditorium.
- Post-event cleanup, including a magnetic sweep of Tomb Field.
- Compliance with the Service Contract Act Wage Determination (DOL WD # 2015-4157 NY).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order/Contract (RFQ).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 532490 (Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing).
- Period of Performance: Base period from June 10, 2026, to June 26, 2026. An option year for Commencement 2027 is also included, with a period of performance from June 1, 2027, to June 30, 2027. Total duration, including options, shall not exceed 24 months.
- Place of Performance: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY 11024.
Submission & Evaluation
Offers must be submitted via email to NarineA@usmma.edu. Submissions require a completed and signed SF-1449 with pricing for each contract line item (CLIN). Quotes must include three volumes: Technical Approach, Past Performance, and Pricing. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote is the Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Technical Approach and Past Performance will be rated as Acceptable or Unacceptable, and Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. An active SAM.gov registration is required for award.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Quotations Due: April 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
- Questions Due: April 17, 2026 (Q&A responses have been posted via Amendment 1).
- Site Visit: A tentative site visit was scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.
- Contracting Officer: Amit S. Narine, NarineA@usmma.edu, 516-726-6032.
Attachments
- Attachment 1 – Solicitation document (SF 1449)
- Attachment 2 – Statement of Work (SOW)
- Attachment 3 – Pricing Sheet
- Attachment 4 – Questions & Answers form
- Attachment 5 – DOL Wage Determination (SCA 2015-4157)