Layberthing of 2 RRF Vessels, Cornhusker State and Gopher State in the East Coast of the United States

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) within the U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking long-term safe lay berthing services for two Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels, the GOPHER STATE and CORNHUSKER STATE, on the East Coast of the United States through Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 693JF725B000006. The solicitation offers contractors two alternatives: a 5-year contract or a 10-year contract, with bidders permitted to propose either or both options. Key requirements include providing a secure layberth facility with comprehensive services such as shore power, potable water (minimum 200,000 gallons per day), sewage removal, communications, security, emergency response capabilities, and meeting specific technical specifications including heavy weather mooring capabilities and environmental compliance. The government will evaluate bids based on fixed per diem prices for berthing, connection, and disconnection services, with additional factors including electrical usage costs, HUBZone small business preferences, and a detailed pre-award survey assessing facility capabilities. The Q&A period ended on June 30, 2025, and bids must be mailed to Henry Puppe, Contract Specialist, at the Maritime Administration in Washington, DC by July 28, 2025, at 1430 Eastern Standard Time, with bid opening conducted via Microsoft Teams. No awards will be made before receiving approvals from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST).

This solicitation does not utilize any set-aside designation and is open to all qualified contractors. While no current contractors or incumbents are specifically mentioned in the documentation, the solicitation requires extensive facility capabilities including proximity to at least three ship repair companies within 30 miles and first responder accessibility within 15 minutes. The contract structure involves fixed per diem pricing for berthing services, though specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the available documentation. The vessels require berthing facilities capable of accommodating their draft requirements of 20 feet forward and 25 feet aft, with the contractor responsible for facility preparation and any necessary dredging. Performance will take place at an East Coast facility that meets the technical specifications, with the vessels potentially berthed side by side on one side of a pier as confirmed in the Q&A documentation. The minimum lease term is established at five years, with the selected contractor providing comprehensive layberth services including insurance, power installation, security, and various operational support services.