Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Watson LMSR Vessels

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding Solicitation RFP 693JF726R000009.

• Contract Length: The solicitation states a 5-year base period. While Section M.1 mentions a 10-year option, the clarification confirms the base solicitation is for 5 years, and 10-year options will be considered.
• Permits/Licenses/Leases Submission: Section C-4(C) requires these documents 30 days after contract award. However, the clarification states they must be submitted with the proposal.
• Soundings Submission: Section C-8(A)1 requires updated soundings (within 6 months) 30 days prior to contract commencement. The clarification confirms that older soundings are acceptable with the proposal, provided updated soundings are submitted within 6 months and at least 30 days prior to the contract start date.
• Fender Removal/Installation Estimates: Section C-10(A) assigns responsibility for fender removal and installation but does not provide an estimate of ship movements. The clarification provides an estimate of roughly 2 evolutions per year.
• Port Services Availability Evidence: Section L.4.1 Factor 4 requires letters or evidence of port services availability. The clarification states that evidence is sufficient and actual letters are not required. If ships have historically been berthed at the proposed location, a list of companies that berthed there is sufficient evidence.

These clarifications address key bidder questions regarding submission requirements, contract options, and evidence of capabilities. Bidders should ensure their proposals reflect the clarified submission timelines and documentation requirements, particularly for permits/licenses/leases and soundings.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to common questions regarding the U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD) layberthing requirements for Large, Medium-Speed Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSR) class vessels within the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). It addresses inconsistencies and clarifies requirements related to Solicitation 693JF726R000009.

• Heavy Weather Mooring Wind Speed: The solicitation had inconsistencies regarding wind speed requirements. MARAD will issue an amendment to define the wind design basis using the site-specific 50-year return interval criteria required by UFC 4-159-03. The wind requirement will be reduced from 130 mph to 85 mph.

• Ramp Usability: MARAD will accept alternate proposals regarding ramp configurations. While the requirement is for both stern and side port ramps to be usable for rapid loading/offloading, proposals accommodating only the side port ramp must explicitly detail how they meet RRF operational readiness, including handling heavy/oversized equipment. Facilities accommodating both ramps are preferred, but MARAD will consider market realities for layberthing.

• A solicitation amendment will be issued to clarify and reduce the heavy weather mooring wind speed requirement.

• The clarification on ramp usability indicates flexibility in technical acceptability, provided operational readiness is addressed.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for exclusive long-term layberthing services for up to two (2) Watson class LMSR RRF vessels on the U.S. West Coast. The U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) requires these services. The Government may substitute vessels of similar size or smaller.

• Layberthing Services: Provision of safe, exclusive, long-term layberthing for specified vessels.

• Facility Requirements: The layberth facility must meet extensive requirements including:

  • Safety & Security: Compliance with OSHA, USCG, and MARAD security protocols, including a perimeter fence, access control, security guards, CCTV, and lighting.
  • Access: 24/7 access for personnel and vehicles, including fire fighting vehicles. Roads and bridges must be adequately maintained and sized.
  • Utilities: Provision of metered shore power, potable water, telephone service, and sewage disposal. Connect/disconnect services are also required.
  • Environmental: Compliance with oil spill response plans and recycling regulations.
  • Mooring: A heavy weather mooring plan compliant with specific standards (UFC 4-159-03) for sustained wind speeds of 130 mph is required.
  • Fendering: Resilient fenders are required to prevent damage to vessels.
  • Pier Apron: Must support specified loads and allow for vehicle and cargo operations.
  • Port Services: Availability of ship repair, pilotage, tugs, bunkering, and oily waste disposal services within specified distances/times.

• Deliverables: Includes a Heavy Weather Mooring Plan, Physical Security Plan, Annual Soundings, Plan of Action and Milestones, permits/licenses, Oil Spill Plan, Potable Water lab report, mooring fitting pull test results, and proof of insurance.

• Contract Type: 5-year IDIQ, fixed-price/cost-reimbursement award.

• Period of Performance: Multiple CLINs with periods of performance extending from 04/15/2026 to 04/14/2031, with potential for longer terms.

• Proposal Submission: Proposals must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer by the specified due date.

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal meets all Technical Acceptability requirements and offers the lowest evaluated price (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable - LPTA).

• Proposal Organization: Proposals must be submitted in two separate PDF volumes: Technical Proposal and Price Proposal.

• Due Date: Specified in the solicitation.

• The acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED" with options for "SMALL BUSINESS" and other set-asides.

• NAICS Code: 488390 (Other Support Activities for Transportation), Size Standard: $47 Million.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses by reference.

• The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if deemed necessary.

• Offerors must demonstrate compliance with all requirements in Section C for technical acceptability.