693JF7-26-SS-0001_CAPE_R_SOURCES_SOUGHT_NOTICE.docx

DOCX document 16 KB Posted

Attached to
Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels
Solicitation number
693JF7-26-SS-0001
Issued by

About this file

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is issued by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to conduct market research for lay berthing services for two Ro/Ro CAPE R vessels: MV CAPE RISE and MV CAPE RACE. The requirement seeks an exclusive-use, long-term safe lay berth on the U.S. East Coast with specific capabilities including a secure perimeter, continuous access, pier-side maintenance support (power, water, sewage disposal), and environmental compliance. The base performance period is from April 16, 2026 to April 15, 2027, with nine additional option years extending through April 2037.

MARAD is targeting small businesses and seeks capability statements from potential vendors addressing their ability to simultaneously berth two large Ro/Ro vessels, facility location details, utilities, security features, past performance with federal agencies, and socio-economic status. The market research is specifically focused on supporting rapid activation of Ready Reserve Force vessels for DoD sealift missions. Interested parties must submit responses electronically to Henry Puppe (henry.puppe@dot.gov) by December 15, 2025, with a clear subject line indicating the opportunity. The notice emphasizes that this is a market research effort and does not guarantee a contract award.

View the file

On GovTribe

Work with this file

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Text version

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN) 693JF7-26-SS-0001

Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels Solicitation Number: [693JF726DxxTBAxx] U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) Date: December 3, 2025 Point of Contact: Henry Puppe, Contracting Officer, MARAD Email: henry.puppe@dot.gov

PURPOSE

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Department of Transportation, is conducting market research to identify capable sources for the provision of **lay berthing services** providing exclusive-use, long-term safe lay berth capabilities for up to two Ro/Ro CAPE R vessels: MV CAPE RISE (T-AKR-9678) and MV CAPE RACE (T-AKR-9960) on the U.S. East Coast.

BACKGROUND

MARAD maintains Ready Reserve Force vessels to support rapid activation for DoD sealift missions. This requirement focuses on continuous, secure, and safe lay berthing with pier-side maintenance, utilities, and environmental compliance for the CAPE R-class vessels, which have considerable size and draft needs.

Requirement Overview Exclusive-use berthing for two Ro/Ro CAPE R vessels simultaneously Secure perimeter with controlled access Continuous, uninterrupted access Pier-side maintenance support: power, potable water, sewage disposal, waste handling Conformance with environmental regulations (federal/state/MARPOL/NEPA compliance) Favorable geographic location on the U.S. East Coast to enable rapid DoD deployment

Period of Performance Base Period: April 16, 2026 – April 15, 2027 Options: Nine option years (April 2027 – April 2037)

Socio-economic Considerations Two or more qualified small business sources exist; small business set-aside possible depending on responses.

Historically, awards have been a mix of small and large businesses contingent on port/location suitability.

Instructions for Response Interested parties are requested to submit capability statements addressing:

Ability to support exclusive long-term lay berthing for two large Ro/Ro vessels simultaneously Experience with lay berthing similar large vessels, especially CAPE R-class or Ro/Ro ships Details on facility location (East Coast preferred) including available utilities and security features Past performance and relevant contracts with MARAD, DoD, or related federal agencies Socio-economic status (Small Business, HUBZone, SDB, etc.)

Any limitations or constraints.

Responses are requested by: 12/15/2025

Submission Details *Submit responses electronically via: henry.puppe@dot.gov Please include “Sources Sought for CAPE R Lay Berthing Services – [Your Company Name]” in the subject line.

DISCLAIMER

This Sources Sought notice is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals or bids. No contract will be awarded based on responses to this notice. This notice does not commit MARAD to award a contract or pay for any information submitted.

Respectfully, Henry Puppe Contracting Officer, RRF Sealift Support Maritime Administration (MARAD) U.S. Department of Transportation

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .