Request for Information (RFI) regarding the potential to lease new RO/ROs vessels.
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- 06032026
- Agency
-
Maritime Administration
Department of Transportation
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Place of performance
- Washington, District of Columbia 20590, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is issuing a Request for Information to gather industry feedback on a hybrid acquisition strategy for newly constructed Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) strategic sealift vessels, with responses due by July 6, 2026.
MARAD proposes a four-ship block buy under a single Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) contract. Ships 1 and 2 would be government-funded and government-owned upon delivery. Ships 3 and 4 would be privately financed by the winning VCM offeror, with the government chartering these vessels on a time charter (preferred) or bareboat charter basis for consecutive 20-year terms totaling 20 years per hull. All vessels must be newly constructed, coastwise endorsement-eligible RO/ROs built in U.S. shipyards. The vessel specifications are fixed: 211-meter length, 32.3-meter beam, accommodation for 48 personnel, 12,500 kW main engine, full speed of 19 knots with 15% sea margin, range exceeding 12,000 nautical miles, and enhanced maneuverability features including bow and stern thrusters and flap-type rudder.
MARAD seeks candid feedback on the overall hybrid acquisition strategy, charter mechanics, financing alternatives, Title XI loan guarantee considerations, organizational conflicts of interest mitigation, comparative analysis against a traditional 100% government-owned VCM construct, commercial maritime industry standards for lease/buy determinations, cash flow and capital considerations, charter rate versus asset value analysis, liability frameworks, and Jones Act regulatory implications. Responses limited to 20 pages (excluding title pages, tables of contents, and schedules) must be submitted electronically to Brett Scrum (brett.scrum@dot.gov, 202-366-5620) or Sydney Plante (sydney.plante@dot.gov, 202-366-4105) using subject line "Response to RFI - MARAD Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels." MARAD intends to consolidate responses and host an Industry Day to support a lease versus buy decision. Small business responses are encouraged. The RFI does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to contract; respondents bear all response costs.
Notice text
3 versions
Update #3 · Latest ·
MARAD is investigating the potential to lease new RO/ROs vessels. Specifically, MARAD is gathering information on tailoring the proven Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) acquisition approach for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel to allow the Government to purchase or lease vessels on the same contract.
See Attached.
Update #2 ·
See Attached
Update #1 ·
MARAD is investigating the potential to lease new RO/ROs vessels. Specifically, MARAD is gathering information on tailoring the proven Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) acquisition approach for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel to allow the Government to purchase or lease vessels on the same contract.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| NSSV RORO Buy Lease_Final (A1).pdf | ||
| NSSV RORO Buy Lease_Final.pdf | ||
| NSSV RORO Buy Lease_Final.pdf |
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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