Request for Information (RFI) regarding the potential to lease new RO/ROs vessels.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks industry feedback on the potential acquisition of new Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) vessels to support the U.S. maritime industry and national defense/humanitarian missions. MARAD is investigating a hybrid acquisition strategy involving a four-ship block buy, combining government-funded construction for two vessels and private financing for the other two, with a long-term charter arrangement.

• The RFI is for information and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation.

• MARAD is interested in feedback on a potential contract for a four-ship block buy under a single contract with one winning offeror.

• The proposed structure involves government ownership of Ships 1 & 2 (VCM funded, title to Government) and privately financed Ships 3 & 4 (title to offeror upon delivery).

• Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) duties include developing contract design, overseeing detailed design and production, selecting shipyards, overseeing construction, and coordinating government oversight.

• Vessels must be newly constructed, coastwise endorsement eligible, and built in U.S. shipyards.

• MARAD will crew and maintain the vessels for the life of the lease.

• Key vessel characteristics include: maneuverability for docking without tugs (bow and stern thrusters, flap rudder), accommodation for 48 personnel plus riders, 60-day food storage, 14-day fresh water storage, and 7-day gray water storage.

• Propulsion: Slow speed diesel, 12,500 kW main engine, capable of 19 knots full speed and 18 knots cruising speed, with a range of 12,000+ miles.

• Charter period for privately financed vessels is a total of 20 years per hull, structured as consecutive charters.

• Leases are expected to be for a 20-year fixed period or five-year terms with options for additional five-year terms.

• MARAD desires an option to buy during or after the lease term.

• Lease terms and payments are subject to congressional approval.

• Respondents are encouraged to provide candid feedback on the proposed acquisition strategy, including structural concerns, potential disqualifying issues, and alternative structures.

• Specific areas for feedback include commercial maritime industry standards, financing, charter rates, delivery times, liability, asset valuation, ship design, title transfer, market timing, fuel choices, and regulatory considerations (Jones Act, MARAD).

• Responses are limited to 20 pages.

• Submissions are requested by 5:00 PM PDT, July 6, 2026.

• Anticipated NAICS codes: 532411 (Commercial Air, Rail, and Water Transportation Equipment Rental and Leasing) or 336611 (Ship Building and Construction).

• Responses from small businesses are encouraged.

• MARAD will host an Industry Day to exchange and gather more information.

• Submissions should clearly mark any confidential or proprietary information.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks industry feedback on the availability and technical capability of the U.S. maritime industry to deliver strategic sealift ships. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is exploring a potential acquisition strategy for up to 10 new Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) vessels to recapitalize the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) and support humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to contract.

MARAD is investigating a hybrid acquisition approach for four hulls, combining government-funded construction for two vessels (Ships 1 & 2) and privately financed construction for two vessels (Ships 3 & 4). The government intends to lease these privately financed vessels.

Key characteristics for the RO/ROs include:

• Maneuverability for docking/undocking without tugs (Bow Thruster, Stern Thruster)

• Accommodation for 48 personnel plus riders

• 60 days food storage, 14 days fresh water storage, 7 days gray water storage, 14 days black water storage

• Dimensions: Approx. 211m length, 32.3m beam, 14.14m depth, 8.5m draft

• Propulsion: Slow speed diesel, 12,500 kW main engine, capable of 19 knots full speed and 18 knots cruising speed.

• Range: 12,000+ miles at 19 knots.

• A potential contract would involve a four-ship block buy under a single contract with one offeror.

• Ships 1 & 2: Government-funded construction, title to Government upon delivery.

• Ships 3 & 4: Privately financed by the offeror, title to offeror upon delivery, with a 20-year charter arrangement (Time Charter preferred, Bareboat Charter considered).

• MARAD desires an option to buy the privately financed vessels during or after the lease term.

• Lease term and payments are subject to congressional approval.

Respondents are asked to provide candid feedback on the proposed hybrid acquisition strategy, including potential structural concerns, disqualifying issues, and alternative structures. Specific areas for feedback include:

• Commercial maritime industry standards for lease/buy determinations
• Cash flow/Capital considerations
• Price difference between buying and leasing
• Charter rate vs. asset value
• Delivery time
• Liability issues
• Asset valuation and depreciation
• Ship design and configuration
• Title transfer
• Market timing
• Fuel choices and power plant obsolescence
• Potential charter variants (Time Charter vs. Bareboat Charter)
• Early termination provisions, vessel condition at charter expiration, purchase options, and extension terms
• Maintenance and classification-maintenance standards
• Jones Act, MARAD, or regulatory considerations
• Use/need of Title XI financing
• Organizational conflicts of interest
• Comparison to a 100% government-owned construct.

Anticipated NAICS codes: 532411, 336611. Responses from small businesses are encouraged.

Responses requested no later than 5:00 PM PDT, 30 calendar days from the date of posting.

• Submissions are limited to 20 pages.
• All responses should be sent electronically to the specified points of contact.
• Email subject: "Response to RFI – MARAD Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels."