Ranger IV Vessel Construction Management

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS), seeks a qualified contractor to provide Vessel Construction Management (VCM) services supporting the design development, construction, oversight, testing, and delivery of the new Ranger IV passenger and cargo vessel. Ranger IV will replace the existing M/V Ranger III and support passenger transportation, cargo delivery, and operational requirements at Isle Royale National Park. The contractor will support MARAD in refining vessel technical requirements, reviewing design documents, validating construction cost estimates, evaluating constructability, and overseeing shipyard construction to ensure the vessel meets NPS operational needs, applicable maritime regulations, and industry standards.

The contractor will provide technical and engineering oversight throughout vessel construction, including quality assurance, inspections, system integration, commissioning, dock and sea trials, and final acceptance activities. The vessel must meet applicable U.S. Coast Guard requirements and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) classification standards for unrestricted service. Services will also include oversight of technical documentation, as-built drawings, preventive maintenance plans, logistics and spare parts planning, and post-delivery warranty administration. MARAD will manage the contract and coordinate NPS participation in design reviews, inspections, and acceptance activities. The anticipated project period is five years, with contractor support extending from contract award through vessel acceptance and the applicable warranty period.