MARAD - Third Party Vessel Inspection Services for RRF 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. Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, is soliciting proposals for Third-Party Vessel Inspection Services for its Ready Reserve Fleet (RRF) vessels. This is a Single-Award, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The government seeks an independent professional opinion on vessel condition, complementing official ABS and USCG inspections. Proposals are due May 1, 2026.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will provide class-style inspections of MARAD vessels, delivering a comprehensive analysis of each vessel's condition. Key services include:
- Conducting detailed inspections covering documentation, machinery, hull, and coatings.
- Assessing deficiencies identified by USCG 835 or ABS Condition of Class/Finding.
- Delivering detailed post-inspection reports with executive summaries, findings, deficiencies, suggested improvements, maintenance/repair plans, and conclusions.
- Inspections involve both a preparation phase and an on-site phase.
- Specific inspection areas include Hull, Machinery and Engine Room, Cargo Equipment, Coatings and Paints, Safety Equipment, Structural Integrity and Stability, and Pollution Prevention.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Single-Award, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) IDIQ
- Contract Ceiling: $349,990
- Minimum Guarantee: $500
- Ordering Period: 12 months from the date of award.
- Period of Performance: July 2, 2026, to July 1, 2027.
- NAICS Code: 541330 - Engineering Services (Size Standard: $25.5M)
- Published Date: March 30, 2026
- Proposal Due Date: May 1, 2026, by 1700 EST.
- Q&A Cutoff: April 17, 2026, by close of business.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- Competition: Full & Open Competition.
- Eligibility: Any entity, other than ABS, meeting the qualifications outlined in the solicitation.
- Prerequisites: Offerors must be registered in SAM, provide Authorized Representative certification, ensure Lead Inspectors have a minimum of 7 years experience and specific certifications, and submit a Sample Final Report.
Evaluation & Submission
- Award Approach: Lowest Priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA).
- Evaluation Factors: Technical Acceptability, Past Performance, and Price. Technical and Past Performance are evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
- Submission Instructions: Quotations must be emailed to henry.puppe@dot.gov following specific subject line and file naming conventions detailed in Section L.8 of the solicitation. Quotations must remain valid for 120 calendar days.
Additional Notes
Invoices will be submitted electronically via the Delphi eInvoicing web portal (authenticated via login.gov). Travel expenses are reimbursable at actuals, not to exceed Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), and require COR pre-approval.