RFI 102-24 Commuter Ferry Service

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is issuing Request for Information (RFI) 102-24 for Commuter Ferry Service. The MBTA's current contracts to operate the Commuter Ferry routes and maintain the MBTA's vessels expire on June 30, 2025, and the MBTA is seeking information on alternatives to fulfill the service requirements, including operation, maintenance, vessels, and docking. The RFI aims to engage the market and inform the development of future procurements and contracts to align with current market expectations and capabilities, attract sufficient interest, and provide effective service for customers. The RFI requests information on the respondents' ferry operations and maintenance activities, interest in working with the MBTA, experience in the Boston market, operational engagement, accessibility challenges, vessel availability, and previous work in multi-operator environments. The MBTA will use the responses to this RFI and any subsequent one-on-one meetings to understand current capabilities, possible contract structures, and determine a procurement approach.

The RFI does not provide specific details on pricing terms, set-asides, incumbents, funding requirements or sources, or contract amounts. However, the MBTA is interested in attracting sufficient interest in the next contracts to ensure the bidding process provides good value to taxpayers and passengers, and is open to discussing topics such as risk transfer, asset condition information, and bareboat charter of vessels during the one-on-one meetings. The MBTA serves the state of Massachusetts, and this RFI specifically covers the Suffolk County jurisdiction.