Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
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- Solicitation number
- 693JF7-26-SS-0001
- Agency
-
Maritime Administration
Department of Transportation
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Forecast
- Cape R Layberth and Services Federal forecast
- NAICS code
- 488390 Other Support Activities for Water Transportation
- PSC
- Not on record
- Place of performance
- United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking lay berthing services to provide exclusive-use, long-term safe lay berth capabilities for up to two Ro/Ro CAPE R vessels on the U.S. East Coast. This market research effort aims to identify qualified sources capable of supporting MV CAPE RISE and MV CAPE RACE, which are part of the Ready Reserve Force maintained for rapid DoD sealift missions. Key requirements include simultaneous berthing for both vessels, a secure perimeter with controlled access, continuous uninterrupted access, pier-side maintenance support with power, potable water, and sewage disposal, and compliance with federal, state, and environmental regulations including MARPOL and NEPA. Capability statements must address the vendor's ability to support exclusive long-term lay berthing, facility location and suitability, utility availability, security features, and past performance with federal agencies. Interested parties must submit responses electronically to Henry Puppe, the Contracting Officer, by December 15, 2025, with a clear subject line referencing the opportunity.
No set-aside designation has been applied to this procurement; however, MARAD notes that two or more qualified small business sources exist, making a small business set-aside possible depending on responses received. The notice does not identify any current contractors or potential incumbents. The base performance period extends from April 16, 2026 through April 15, 2027, with nine optional renewal years available through April 2037, providing a potential ten-year contract term. While the notice does not specify an award value or budget range, the long-term nature of the requirement and the specialized infrastructure needed for two large CAPE R-class vessels suggests a substantial contract. This is a Sources Sought Notice for market research purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of contract award; a formal solicitation is anticipated to follow upon completion of the market research phase.
Notice text
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
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 693JF7-26-SS-0001_CAPE_R_SOURCES_SOUGHT_NOTICE.docx | DOCX document |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Layberthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels on the US East Coast | Solicitation | |
| This notice | Pre-Solicitation |
Similar open opportunities
| Opportunity | Agency | Set-aside | Responses due |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARAD Request for Information on Potential Vessel Leasing | Maritime Administration | No set-aside |
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