Request for Information Gulf Barge Recompete

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to questions submitted by potential vendors regarding an upcoming acquisition, likely related to towing services. It clarifies aspects of the contract, requirements, and operational details.

• Pricing Structure: The final pricing structure is not yet finalized. The Government plans a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) rate for recurring towing services, with separate pricing for on-call or surge needs. Details will be in the forthcoming RFP.
• Tow Utilization: For the upcoming Option Year 4 (OY4), the Government expects to utilize the first on-call tow full-time and not utilize the second on-call tow based on current mission requirements. Specific utilization rates for previous option years and the base year are provided.
• Required Tows: The requirement is for three full-time tows and one on-call tow.
• Water Stripping Systems: Barges do not have separate water stripping systems; the Government will allow existing cargo tank stripping systems to serve this purpose.
• Barge Type: Standard inland barges are currently used for discharge. The boom/crane for hose lifting is located on-site at the discharge location and does not need to be provided by the barge.
• Inspector Responsibility: Barge personnel are responsible for accounting for product quantities and may witness surveyor's gauges; third-party surveyors are hired by the fuel provider and receiver.
• Cargo Insurance: The Government requires contractors to purchase and maintain cargo insurance at their own expense, equal to the value of the cargo transported, as per draft PWS Section 3.10.1. This is a mandatory requirement to protect government assets.
• Load Port: The Government will evaluate if the Goldline terminal (currently P3 Energy Solutions) in Jennings, LA, needs to be included prior to RFP posting, as standard barges may not transit the route due to width restrictions.

This Q&A document provides crucial clarifications that will inform bidders on pricing, operational requirements, and contractual obligations, particularly regarding insurance and tow utilization. Bidders should consider these clarifications when preparing their proposals for the forthcoming RFP.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) to gather market information regarding scheduled fuel barge transportation services in the Gulf region. The government is seeking solutions for transporting Department of War-owned bulk jet fuel (F76, JAA, JP5) by tug and barge between U.S. ports and points on the Gulf of America and the lower Mississippi River. This is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). Responses will not result in a contract award and will not impact future RFP/RFQ evaluations.

• Transportation of bulk jet fuel (F76, JAA, JP5) via tug and barge.

• Service area includes U.S. ports and points on the Gulf of America and the lower Mississippi River and connecting waterways.

• Tug and barge systems must be compliant with U.S. coastwise laws.

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

• Contractor-supplied equipment and crews must be exclusively available to the Government.

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

• Anticipated follow-on contract award: On or about 01 February 2027.

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

• Physical (paper) copies will not be accepted.

• Deadline for Questions: April 30, 2026, 5:00 PM (CT).

• Responses Due: May 07, 2026, 5:00 PM (CT).

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

• Anticipated NAICS Code: 483211, Inland Water Freight Transportation.

• Small Business Size Standard for NAICS 483211: 1,050 employees.

• Proprietary information should be marked appropriately; confidential information should not be submitted.

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

• An attachment includes a DRAFT Performance Work Statement and a Request for Information Worksheet.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) Worksheet for Scheduled Fuel Barge Transportation in the Gulf Region (TRANSCOM26W002). It is designed to gather information from interested parties regarding their capabilities and interest in providing these services.

• Company Information: Fields for Company Name, Unique Entity ID, CAGE Code, and Points of Contact.
• NAICS Code: Identifies NAICS 483211 (Inland Water Freight Transportation) with a small business size standard of $1,050. Bidders are asked to identify if they are large or small businesses and, if small, their socio-economic category.
• Subjects of Interest: Detailed questions seeking information on:
  • Capabilities for furnishing supplies, materials, equipment, and personnel for tug/barge transportation services, including maintenance, cleaning, repairing, and positioning.
  • Specific requirements for three (3) tank barges (capacities, inland waterway capability, on-call tow requirements).
  • Barge transportation to locations specified in Appendix A of the PWS.
  • Loading/discharging capabilities.
  • Willingness to reposition barges.
  • Provision of USCG Endorsed Tankermen.
  • 24/7 availability of equipment and crew.
  • Cargo pumping and tank stripping systems.
  • Quality Control Plan.
  • Small business partnering (for large businesses).
  • Experience with similar services.
  • Commercial availability and pricing structures for similar services.
  • Applicable industry standards, terms, conditions, and regulations.
  • Understanding of DoW-owned fuel transportation (Jet A, JP5, Marine Diesel).
  • U.S. Coast Guard requirements and vessel suitability.
  • Tug and barge capabilities.
  • Organizational conflict of interest concerns.
  • Challenges for non-incumbent parties.
  • Participation in VISA or VTA programs.
  • Experience taking over services from another contractor.
  • Preferred lead time and contract transition activities.
  • Existing contract vehicles.
  • Suggestions for improvement or innovation.

This RFI worksheet is crucial for potential bidders to understand the government's needs and to provide feedback on their capabilities and market intelligence. Responses will help inform the government's acquisition strategy for scheduled fuel barge transportation services in the Gulf Region. Bidders should carefully review each section to provide comprehensive and relevant information.