RFP 225-24 Ferry Service

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is issuing Request for Proposals (RFP 225-24) for comprehensive commuter ferry services across six distinct routes in the greater Boston area, including Hingham, Hull, East Boston, Charlestown, Lynn, and Winthrop/Quincy. The procurement seeks a service provider (or multiple providers) to operate and maintain year-round water transportation services using a combination of MBTA-provided and contractor-supplied vessels. The contract term is 68 months, beginning July 1, 2025, with two optional 3-year renewal periods. Proposals will be evaluated on a best-value basis, with technical factors weighted more heavily than price: bidder experience (10%), technical approach (45%), staffing plan (20%), and supplier diversity (25%). Technically, the service provider must supply vessels (where not provided by MBTA), crew, fuel, maintenance, and handle all operational requirements including ticketing, fare collection, and compliance with safety regulations. The RFP requires a pre-bid conference on October 22, 2024, with proposals due January 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and the MBTA plans to award contracts by April 1, 2025.

The MBTA has established significant supplier diversity goals, encouraging participation from small, minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and other disadvantaged businesses. While no absolute set-aside percentages are specified, 25% of the evaluation criteria are dedicated to supplier diversity, indicating a strong commitment to inclusive contracting. The contract allows bidders to propose services for one or multiple routes, with each route evaluated separately. The MBTA will provide vessels for some routes (F2H, F5, F6) and requires providers to maintain these assets using the Helm Connect Maintenance system. Though specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the service, spanning six routes with significant vessel and infrastructure requirements, suggests a multi-million dollar procurement. The contract includes specific provisions for vessel maintenance, with MBTA responsible for major capital improvements to supplied vessels and docking facilities, and the service provider compensated on a fixed cost per trip basis plus reimbursement for actual fuel expenses.