Barges And Lighters, Special Purpose

PSC Category 1935-P encompasses special purpose barges and lighters, primarily focusing on custom maritime vessels designed for specific operational requirements. These vessels include revetment barges, stop log barges, deck cargo barges, crane barges, and specialized maritime support platforms. The barges are engineered to support various federal agency missions, including civil works, research, maritime infrastructure maintenance, and logistical operations.

Federal contract awards in this category demonstrate a consistent pattern of firm fixed-price definitive contracts and purchase orders, predominantly issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Department of Homeland Security, and Naval Sea Systems Command. Contract values range from approximately $26,000 to $46 million, with performance periods typically spanning 12-36 months. Many awards are set aside for small businesses, with frequent contractors including Sterling Shipyard LLC, Southwest Shipyard LP, Conrad Shipyard, Gunderson Marine LLC, and other specialized maritime construction firms. Barges are predominantly constructed for domestic maritime infrastructure, research, and operational support missions, with primary performance locations across the United States, including Mississippi, Texas, Michigan, and New York.

Recent federal contract opportunities within this PSC category include solicitations from USACE for specialized barge procurements, such as revetment barges for the Vicksburg District's Mat Sinking Unit and two-stack stop log barges. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has also posted a pre-solicitation for a barge system to support the Glen Canyon Slough project in Arizona. These opportunities consistently emphasize total small business set-asides, specific dimensional and operational requirements, and detailed delivery specifications to support various federal agency maritime infrastructure and operational needs.