Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Watson LMSR Vessels

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Department of Transportation, is seeking capable sources to provide long-term, exclusive-use lay berthing services for up to two WATSON Class LMSR vessels—TRAVIS E WATKINS and MITCHELL RED CLOUD—on the U.S. West Coast, spanning from San Diego through Washington, including Puget Sound and the Columbia River. This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN 693JF7-26-SS-0002) issued for market research purposes to identify potential berthing facilities and operators who can meet MARAD's operational requirements for Ready Reserve Force vessels maintained for rapid Department of Defense sealift missions. Key requirements include providing safe, secure, and continuously available berthing with comprehensive facility support encompassing mooring arrangements certified to Mooring Service Type III, appropriate fendering systems, utilities (metered shore power, potable water, sewage, telephone/data), RO/RO stern ramp operations capability, perimeter security with guard presence and CCTV, and full environmental compliance and permitting documentation. Respondents must submit capability statements of no more than 10 pages addressing fifteen minimum items, including facility specifications, water depth and draft data, security capabilities, past performance on similar contracts, socio-economic status, and any operational constraints. The response deadline is February 6, 2026, with submissions to be directed electronically to Contracting Officer Henry Puppe at henry.puppe@dot.gov with the subject line "Sources Sought for WATSON Class LMSR Lay Berthing Services—[Your Company Name]."

This solicitation is not designated for any set-asides and represents market research only; MARAD disclaims that no contract will be awarded based solely on Sources Sought Notice responses and makes no commitment to any subsequent procurement action or payment for submitted information. No incumbent contractors or potential award values are identified in this pre-solicitation notice. The procurement applies to up to two WATSON Class LMSR vessels requiring long-term berthing services on an exclusive-use basis, with the NAICS code classified as 488390 (Other Support Activities for Water Transportation) and the PSC designated as R425 (Support—Professional: Engineering/Technical). Given the nature of this market research phase, specific contract value, timeline for service delivery, and formal solicitation dates have not yet been established.