Barges And Lighters, Cargo

PSC Category 1930 covers Barges and Lighters, Cargo, which are specialized marine vessels designed for transporting materials and supporting infrastructure projects across various federal agencies. These vessels range from small service barges to large work platforms with specialized equipment like cranes and are utilized for tasks such as erosion control, waterway maintenance, and maritime support operations. The barges are typically constructed of welded steel and can be customized for specific environmental and operational requirements.

Federal Contract Awards for this PSC category demonstrate significant diversity, with contract values ranging from approximately $24,000 to over $153 million. Key funding agencies include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Sea Systems Command, National Park Service, and Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. Many awards are set aside for small businesses, including veteran-owned, women-owned, and Alaska Native Corporation businesses. Frequent contractors include Conrad Shipyard, Sisco Marine LLC, and Kann Manufacturing Corp. Project locations span multiple states, including Louisiana, Kentucky, Idaho, and Wisconsin, with contract purposes including erosion control, fuel transport, repair services, and infrastructure maintenance.

Recent Federal Contract Opportunities focus on specialized barge fabrication and delivery, particularly for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Nashville District has posted notices seeking contractors to design and deliver work barges for Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, with specific requirements for customization, final assembly, and launching. The National Park Service has also solicited quotes for a specialized erosion control barge with a knuckleboom crane for the North Cascades National Park, emphasizing detailed technical specifications and domestic content requirements. These opportunities typically involve total small business set-asides and require contractors to demonstrate technical capability, past performance, and specific marine construction expertise.