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.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) is conducting market research to identify capable sources for long-term, exclusive-use lay berthing services for up to two WATSON Class LMSR vessels (TRAVIS E WATKINS and MITCHELL RED CLOUD) on the U.S. West Coast. This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to inform future acquisition planning. Responses are due February 06, 2026.
Scope of Work
MARAD seeks facilities and operators capable of providing safe, secure, and continuously available lay berths. Key requirements include:
- Exclusive-use long-term layberthing for up to two WATSON Class LMSR vessels.
- Facility located on the U.S. West Coast (San Diego north through Washington, including Puget Sound and Columbia River).
- Mooring arrangements certifiable to Mooring Service Type III, adequate water depth, and turning room.
- Resilient fendering, pier apron, and staging area for RO/RO stern ramp operations.
- Pier services: metered shore power, potable water, sewage, telephone/data connections.
- Security: continuous access control, perimeter fencing, guard presence, CCTV, lighting.
- Environmental compliance: NEPA coordination, oil spill response plan, permits.
- Access to a full-service port complex (ship repair, tugs, pilot services, bunkering, oily waste disposal).
- Insurance and indemnity consistent with MARAD requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS Code: 488390 (Other Support Activities for Water Transportation)
- PSC Code: R425 (Engineering And Technical Services)
- Response Due: February 06, 2026, by 22:00 UTC
- Published: January 21, 2026
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This is a market research effort. Offerors should indicate their socio-economic category (e.g., Small Business, HUBZone) to help MARAD determine its acquisition strategy, including potential small business set-aside determinations.
Submission & Evaluation
This is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded based solely on responses. Interested parties must submit a capability statement (maximum 10 pages plus attachments). Responses will be used to identify capable sources and inform future acquisition planning.
Additional Notes
Responses should include company/facility identification, confirmation of targeting WATSON Class LMSR vessels, facility description, water depth, mooring, fendering, utilities, security, port access, environmental status, insurance summary, past performance, and socio-economic status. Optional attachments include facility drawings, soundings, support letters, photos, and proof of lease/title. The full requirement will be provided upon request or in a future solicitation.