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. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), under the Department of Transportation, is soliciting quotes for Graduation Commencement activities support at Kings Point, NY. This Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeks a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive setup and teardown services for the annual Graduation Weekend. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by May 1, 2026, at 0900 EST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide all labor, parts, material, transportation, tools, equipment, and supervision for Graduation Weekend setup and teardown. This includes support for the Commencement Ceremony, Awards Convocation, and Waterfront Barbecue. Key deliverables and services include:
- Event Setup & Teardown: For all scheduled activities.
- Equipment Provision: Approximately 2,100 folding plastic chairs, two large tents (50ftx80ft & 30ftx30ft), one 10ftx10ft tent, 40 8-foot tables, 10 6-foot tables, 12 60-inch round tables with umbrellas, a 40ft deep by 56ft 2-tier Stage, and four rectangular tables.
- Technical Support: Lighting, power, media items, two elevated camera platforms, audio/video, display, and staging items.
- Site Protection: Measures for turf, track, and pedestrian areas.
- Accessibility & Safety: ADA seating and safety measures.
- Contingency Planning: For inclement weather, including relocation to Ackerman Auditorium.
- Post-Event Cleanup: Including magnetic sweep of Tomb Field.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order (PO)/contract.
- Period of Performance:
- Base Year: June 10, 2026 - June 25, 2026 (Setup completion by June 17, 2026; teardown and restoration by June 25, 2026).
- Option Year: June 2027 (specific dates TBD, generally June 1-30).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 52.219-6).
- NAICS Code: 532490 (Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing).
- Quotation Deadline: May 1, 2026, 0900 EST.
- Amendments: Three amendments have been issued, with the latest (Amendment 2 and 3, posted April 29, 2026) extending the deadline and providing a revised Statement of Work (Attachment 6). All amendments must be acknowledged.
Evaluation
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. Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
Key Requirements & Deliverables (from Attachment 6 - Revised SOW)
- General: Maintain safe work area, proper waste disposal, repair any damage. Protective plans for turf and track required.
- Submittals: Load-In/Load-Out Plan, Wireless Frequency Coordination Plan, Microphone Inventory and Stage Plot, Inclement Weather Contingency Inventory, Protective Plan for Turf and Track Areas, Curtain Color/Material Samples, Government Seal Mounting Design, and Seating Plan.
- Technical Rehearsal: Full technical rehearsals and acceptance testing required.
- Safety & ADA: Compliance with ADA standards, protective cable ramps, secure cabling.
- Surface Protection: Strict measures to protect surfaces from damage.
- Storage: Secure, weatherproof storage for onsite equipment.
- Noise Control: Generators must operate at 60 dB(A) or less at 23 feet.
Additional Notes
- SAM Registration: Active registration at SAM.gov is required for award.
- Wage Determination: The Service Contract Act Wage Determination DOL WD # 2015-4157 NY is applicable.
- Contact: For inquiries, contact Amit S. Narine at NarineA@usmma.edu.