Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN) 693JF7-26-SS-0001
Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels
Solicitation Number: [693JF726DxxTBAxx]
U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD)
Date: December 3, 2025
Point of Contact: Henry Puppe, Contracting Officer, MARAD
Email: henry.puppe@dot.gov
PURPOSE
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Department of Transportation, is conducting market research to identify capable sources for the provision of **lay berthing services** providing exclusive-use, long-term safe lay berth capabilities for up to two Ro/Ro CAPE R vessels: MV CAPE RISE (T-AKR-9678) and MV CAPE RACE (T-AKR-9960) on the U.S. East Coast.
BACKGROUND
MARAD maintains Ready Reserve Force vessels to support rapid activation for DoD sealift missions. This requirement focuses on continuous, secure, and safe lay berthing with pier-side maintenance, utilities, and environmental compliance for the CAPE R-class vessels, which have considerable size and draft needs.
Requirement Overview
Exclusive-use berthing for two Ro/Ro CAPE R vessels simultaneously
Secure perimeter with controlled access
Continuous, uninterrupted access
Pier-side maintenance support: power, potable water, sewage disposal, waste handling
Conformance with environmental regulations (federal/state/MARPOL/NEPA compliance)
Favorable geographic location on the U.S. East Coast to enable rapid DoD deployment
Period of Performance
Base Period: April 16, 2026 – April 15, 2027
Options: Nine option years (April 2027 – April 2037)
Socio-economic Considerations
Two or more qualified small business sources exist; small business set-aside possible depending on responses.
Historically, awards have been a mix of small and large businesses contingent on port/location suitability.
Instructions for Response
Interested parties are requested to submit capability statements addressing:
Ability to support exclusive long-term lay berthing for two large Ro/Ro vessels simultaneously
Experience with lay berthing similar large vessels, especially CAPE R-class or Ro/Ro ships
Details on facility location (East Coast preferred) including available utilities and security features
Past performance and relevant contracts with MARAD, DoD, or related federal agencies
Socio-economic status (Small Business, HUBZone, SDB, etc.)
Any limitations or constraints.
Responses are requested by: 12/15/2025
Submission Details
*Submit responses electronically via: henry.puppe@dot.gov
Please include “Sources Sought for CAPE R Lay Berthing Services – [Your Company Name]” in the subject line.
DISCLAIMER
This Sources Sought notice is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals or bids. No contract will be awarded based on responses to this notice. This notice does not commit MARAD to award a contract or pay for any information submitted.
Respectfully,
Henry Puppe
Contracting Officer, RRF Sealift Support
Maritime Administration (MARAD)
U.S. Department of Transportation