Q and A MARAD Layberthing Requirements for LMSR Class Vessels.pdf

Q&A: MARAD Layberthing Requirements for LMSR Class Vessels This document provides answers to common questions regarding the U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD) layberthing requirements for Large, Medium-Speed Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSR) class vessels, specifically those in the Ready Reserve Force

(RRF).

Solicitation 693JF726R000009

Questions and Answers 03/19/2026

1. Question 1; What are the material inconsistencies identified in the solicitation regarding Heavy Weather Mooring wind speed requirements?

The inconsistencies stem from conflicts and omissions related to the wind design basis for Heavy Weather Mooring (Mooring Service Type III):

● Conflict between Specific Wind Speed and Standard: Sections C.9 and M.3.1 reference UFC 4-159-03 (Mooring Service Type III environmental design) and cite a sustained wind speed of 130 mph. This fixed speed conflicts with UFC 4-159-03 Table 3-5, which defines Mooring Service Type III on a site-specific 50-year return interval basis (P = 0.02 or R = 50 years) for wind, current, and water level.

● Omission in Attachment 3: Attachment 3, which details the Heavy Weather Mooring Plan, lacks an explicit wind speed or return interval requirement.

● Missing Data: Section C.9 references "wind speeds by port," but the necessary port-specific wind data are not provided in Section J.

● Ambiguous Terminology: Section C.2 refers to "maximum weather" in defining the requirement, which could reasonably be interpreted as site-specific extreme conditions (50-year return interval) rather than a fixed 130 mph speed.

A. MARAD is requested to issue a solicitation amendment to clearly define the Heavy Weather Mooring wind design basis as the site-specific 50-year return interval criteria required by UFC 4-159-03, thereby reconciling the conflicts and ensuring fair, consistent proposal evaluations. Due to industry concerns regarding the West Coast layberth solicitation, MARAD will reduce the wind requirement from 130 mph to 85 mph.

2. Question 2:

For a bid to be considered technically acceptable does there need to be a landing pad for the stern ramp, or will a pier be considered technically acceptable if it can land the side port ramp only?

A. MARAD will accept alternate proposals; however, the requirement for LMSR vessels is to have both the stern ramp and side port ramp usable to facilitate rapid, flexible loading and off-loading operations. Proposals that accommodate only the side port ramp must explicitly address how they meet the operational readiness requirements of the RRF, including handling of heavy and oversized equipment typically offloaded via the stern ramp. The preference remains for facilities capable of accommodating both ramps, but does not mean MARAD won't consider market realities for layberthing.