Request for Information-Gulf Barge Re-compete

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions related to the Gulf Barge Re-Compete RFI, specifically addressing evaluation factors for the award determination.

• Question: Will Voluntary Tanker Agreement (VTA) program enrollment be considered as an evaluation factor or preference in the award determination, consistent with VTA prioritization schedules and peacetime contracting priorities?
• Response: The contracting activity (TCAQ) is currently in the market research phase and has not yet established evaluation criteria. However, they do not expect VTA preference to be a factor in the award determination.

This clarification indicates that VTA program enrollment will not be an evaluation factor or preference in the award determination. Bidders should not consider this as a scoring element when preparing future proposals.

Request for Information (RFI) Worksheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) worksheet from the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) for Scheduled Fuel Barge Transportation in the Gulf Region (TRANSCOM26W001). It seeks to gather information from interested parties regarding their capabilities to perform specific tug and barge transportation services.

• Company Information: Name, Unique Entity ID, CAGE Code, and Points of Contact.
• Business Size: Identification as Large or Small business based on NAICS code 483211 (Inland Water Freight Transportation), with a size standard of 1,050. Small businesses must identify socio-economic categories.
• Capabilities for Services: Detailed descriptions of capabilities in:
  • Furnishing supplies, materials, equipment, and personnel for tug/barge services, including maintenance, cleaning, repair, and positioning.
  • Specific requirements for three (3) tank barges and associated tugs, including capacity (25,000-30,000 barrels per tow, 50,000 barrels total for two barges) and inland waterway capability.
  • Barge transportation to locations specified in Appendix A of the PWS.
  • Loading and/or discharging cargo.
  • Willingness to reposition barges to the area.
  • Providing a USCG Endorsed Tankerman.
  • 24/7 availability of equipment and crew.
  • Providing a cargo pumping system.
  • Providing a cargo tank stripping system.
  • Providing a water stripping system.
  • Establishing and maintaining a Quality Control Plan.
• Large Business Subcontracting: Information on partnerships or subcontracts with small businesses.
• Experience: Details on past similar projects, including contract number, period of performance, prime/subcontractor status, dollar value, and a brief description of the effort supported.
• Commercial Availability: Information on commercial availability of the service, typical commercial contract types, pricing structures, cost drivers, and performance measures.
• Industry Standards: Applicable industry standards, terms, conditions, or regulations related to tugs and barges, inspection, port restrictions, liability for loss/damage, insurance requirements, and re-procurement costs.
• Other Important Information: Understanding of DoW-owned fuel transportation (Jet A, JP5, Marine Diesel), U.S. Coast Guard suitability, tug and barge capabilities, organizational conflict of interest concerns, challenges for non-incumbents, participation in VISA or VTA programs, experience taking over services from other contractors, preferred lead times, and anticipated contract transition activities.
• Existing Contract Vehicles: Listing of available contract vehicles that could be used for this effort.
• Suggestions for Improvement: Ideas for improving the procurement, including software advancements, industry developments, or innovative solutions.

This RFI worksheet is crucial for potential bidders to understand the government's requirements for scheduled fuel barge transportation. It outlines the specific technical capabilities, operational requirements, and experience the government is seeking. Responses will help USTRANSCOM refine its acquisition strategy and understand the commercial marketplace for these services. Bidders should use this document to assess their ability to meet the stated requirements and to formulate their responses.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) Worksheet used by the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) to gather information regarding scheduled fuel barge transportation in the Gulf Region (TRANSCOM26W001). It is designed to solicit capabilities and industry insights from potential contractors.

• Company Information: Requires company name, Unique Entity ID, CAGE Code, and Point of Contact (POC) details.
• NAICS Code: Identifies NAICS 483211 (Inland Water Freight Transportation) with a small business size standard of 1,050. Bidders must identify their business size (Large or Small) and, if small, applicable socio-economic categories.
• Subjects of Interest & Capabilities: Asks for detailed information on the following capabilities:
  • Furnishing supplies, materials, equipment, and personnel for tug/barge transportation services, including maintenance, cleaning, repair, and positioning.
  • Specific requirements for three (3) tank barges (capacities and inland waterway capability), and on-call tows.
  • Barge transportation to locations specified in Appendix A of the PWS.
  • Loading and/or discharging cargo.
  • Willingness to reposition barges to the area.
  • Providing a USCG Endorsed Tankerman.
  • Providing 24/7 availability of equipment and crew.
  • Providing cargo pumping and tank stripping systems.
  • Establishing and maintaining a Quality Control Plan.
  • For large businesses, information on small business partnerships/subcontracting.
  • For companies with no direct experience, plans for utilizing subcontractors or qualified personnel.
• Similar Experience: Requires details on up to two previous projects/contracts, including contract number, period of performance, prime/subcontractor status, dollar value, brief description, and scope of supported effort.
• Commercial Availability: Inquiries about commercial availability of the service, typical commercial contract types, pricing structures, cost drivers, and performance measures.
• Commercial Industry Standards: Questions regarding tug/barge availability for inspection, port restrictions, liability for loss/damage to freight, insurance requirements, liability for injury/property damage, and re-procurement costs.
• Other Important Information: Seeks understanding of DoW-owned fuel transportation (Jet A, JP5, Marine Diesel), U.S. Coast Guard compliance, tug/barge capabilities, organizational conflict of interest concerns, challenges for non-incumbents, VISA/VTA participation, experience taking over services from other contractors, preferred lead times, and anticipated transition activities.
• Existing Contract Vehicles: Request for listing of available contract vehicles (FSS, GSA GWACs, IDIQs, etc.) that could be used for this effort.
• Suggestions for Improvement: Open-ended questions for suggestions to improve the procurement, including software advancements, industry developments, or innovative solutions.
• Expansion Block: A final section for contractors to expand on any previous responses.

This RFI worksheet is crucial for potential bidders to understand USTRANSCOM's requirements for scheduled fuel barge transportation. It outlines the specific technical capabilities, operational requirements, experience, and commercial practices the government is interested in. Responses will help USTRANSCOM refine its acquisition strategy and potential solicitation. Bidders should use this document to assess their ability to meet the stated needs and to formulate their responses to gather market intelligence.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from industry regarding scheduled fuel barge transportation services in the Gulf region for USTRANSCOM. The goal is to understand market capabilities, existing solutions, and industry needs to inform future acquisition strategies. This is for informational and planning purposes only and is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). No contract will be awarded from this RFI.

• Transportation of Department of War-owned bulk Jet A Aviation Fuel (JAA), Jet Propellant 5 (JP5), and F76 marine diesel.

• Services required between all United States ports and points on the Gulf of America and the lower Mississippi River and their connecting waterways and tributaries.

• Tug and barge systems must be compliant with the coastwise laws of the United States.

• Services must be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

• Period of Performance: 1 April 2027 – 31 March 2032.

• A follow-on contract is anticipated to be awarded on or about 01 February 2027.

• Interested parties are requested to complete an attached worksheet and submit it via email to the RFI POCs.

• Responses are due by 5:00 PM (CT) on 01 May 2026.

• Questions are due by 5:00 PM (CT) on 23 April 2026.

• Physical (paper) copies of responses will not be accepted.

• USTRANSCOM encourages responses from businesses of all sizes, including large and small businesses and all socioeconomic categories.

• The anticipated NAICS code is 483211 (Inland Water Freight Transportation) with a small business size standard of 1,050 employees.

• Proprietary information submitted should be appropriately marked. Do not submit confidential information.

• USTRANSCOM will not be responsible for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI.

• Attachments include a DRAFT Performance Work Statement and a Request for Information Worksheet.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for scheduled fuel barge transportation services within the Gulf Region. The primary goal is to ensure the safe and timely transportation of Department of War-owned bulk fuels, including Jet A Aviation Fuel (JAA), Jet Propellant 5 (JP5), and F76 Marine Diesel, between specified United States ports and points on the Gulf of America and the Lower Mississippi River.

• Service Area: Transportation of fuels between ports and points on the Gulf of America and the Lower Mississippi River, including connecting waterways and tributaries. Specific loading/discharging points are listed in Appendix A but may change.

• Equipment: Requires contractor-furnished tugs and tank barges. Tank barges must have a capacity not exceeding 30,000 bbls and be calibrated to at least 25,000 bbls, with a stern manifold configuration. Tows consist of two tank barges navigated by one tug.

• Fuel Types: JAA, JP5, and F76 Marine Diesel.

• Operational Availability: Contractor equipment and crews must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Key Tasks: Loading, discharging, and transporting fuel; ensuring cargo integrity; reporting and communication; maintaining equipment; and complying with all relevant regulations.

• Cargo Pumping: Minimum average discharge rate of 2,000 barrels per hour (BPH) at 100 PSI.

• Tank Stripping: Capable of stripping all but a maximum of two barrels of product per cargo tank.

• Water Stripping: Independent system for removing water from cargo compartments.

• Reporting: Daily equipment position and status reports, pre-arrival reports (24, 12, and 3 hours prior), and Notice of Readiness (NOR).

• Delivery: Cargo must be delivered by the Required Delivery Date (RDD).

• Uninterrupted Service: No more than 10 cumulative days out of service per year, per barge (temporary OOS). Response for Long-Term OOS within 24 hours.

• Quality Control: Contractor must maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP).

• Effective Date: 01 April 2027.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated but implied to be a multi-year contract with potential option years.

• Place of Performance: United States ports and points on the Gulf of America and the Lower Mississippi River.

• Personnel: Requires a USCG Endorsed Tankerman.

• Credentials: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card required for port access.

• Safety & Compliance: Adherence to OSHA, USCG, federal, state, and military regulations. Compliance with MIL-STD-3004-1C for barge cargo tank preparation.

• Insurance: Contractor must maintain cargo, liability, pollution, and environmental insurance.

• Cyber Security: Compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012 and USTRANSCOM cybersecurity incident reporting requirements.

• Appendices: Includes details on Loading/Discharging Points (Appendix A), Government Responsibilities (Appendix B), Reimbursable Expenses (Appendix C), Definitions (Appendix D), Service Delivery Summary (Appendix E), and Applicable Forms (Appendix F).