Request for Information-Gulf Barge Re-compete

The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit market research on qualified sources capable of providing scheduled fuel barge transportation services in the Gulf region. The services involve transporting Department of Defense-owned bulk aviation and marine fuels—Jet A Aviation Fuel (JAA), Jet Propellant 5 (JP5), and Marine Diesel (F76)—via tug and barge systems between U.S. ports on the Gulf of America and the Lower Mississippi River and connecting waterways. Contractors must demonstrate the availability and capability to provide comprehensive transportation services including crew, equipment maintenance, repair, positioning services, and United States Coast Guard-endorsed tankermen at all loading and discharge points. This is explicitly a market research instrument for informational and planning purposes only; no contract will be awarded based on RFI responses, and responses will have no impact on the evaluation of any subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ). The deadline for RFI responses is May 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time, with a question submission deadline of April 23, 2026. The anticipated NAICS code is 483211 (Inland Water Freight Transportation), with a small business size standard of 1,050 employees.

The RFI is not designated as a small business set-aside. No specific budget information or award values are disclosed in the pre-solicitation notice. The requirement involves furnishing three tank barges with individual capacities of 25,000 to 30,000 barrels each, totaling 50,000 barrels for two operating tows and one on-call tow available with 15 calendar days' notice, with all equipment and crews available 24/7 to the Government. Contract performance is anticipated to begin April 1, 2027, with contract award expected on or about February 1, 2027, and the anticipated contract period extends through March 31, 2032. The RFI worksheet requests information on contractor capabilities, relevant experience, commercial availability and market practices, U.S. Coast Guard compliance expertise, vessel qualifications, organizational conflicts of interest, and transition considerations. Additionally, the Government clarified in the Q&A tracker that Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) and Voluntary Tanker Agreement (VTA) participation will not be considered as an evaluation factor or preference in future award determinations.