Sources Sought Notice- Layberthing Services for Long-Term Safe Layberth for Ro/Ro Cape H Vessels

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is issuing a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified vendors capable of providing long-term layberthing services for three Ro/Ro CAPE H vessels—MV Cape Henry (T-AKR-5067), MV Cape Horn (T-AKR-5068), and MV Cape Hudson (T-AKR-5066)—on the US West Coast. This market research notice seeks parties with the resources and experience to support exclusive-use berthing for all three vessels simultaneously, including a secure perimeter with controlled access, continuous pier-side maintenance support encompassing power, water, and sewage disposal, and full environmental regulatory compliance. Key qualifications that MARAD will evaluate include vendors' demonstrated ability to support lay berthing operations, prior experience with similar vessel classes, suitable facility location with adequate utilities infrastructure, documented past performance with federal agencies, and socio-economic business status. Interested parties must submit capability statements addressing these evaluation criteria by December 17, 2025, at 4:30 PM EST to lisa.miles@dot.gov, with no telephone inquiries accepted and no feedback provided on submissions.

The procurement does not employ a small business set-aside and may be conducted through full and open competition or designated as a small business set-aside in the final solicitation, with potential for multiple contract awards. The contract base period spans from April 16, 2026, to April 15, 2027, with nine additional option years extending the total contract performance period through April 15, 2037. This ten-year performance requirement represents a substantial long-term commitment, providing successful vendors with extended service delivery opportunities. The applicable NAICS classification is 488390 (Other Support Activities for Water Transportation), and vendors must identify their business size and socio-economic category in their submissions. No award value or specific budget range has been disclosed in the notice, as this is a market research phase designed to assess vendor capabilities and capacity prior to formal solicitation development.