Request for Information (RFI) regarding the potential to lease new RO/ROs 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 Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry feedback on the potential to lease new Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) vessels. This RFI explores a hybrid acquisition strategy to recapitalize the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Responses are due by July 6, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
MARAD is investigating the U.S. maritime industry's capability to deliver strategic sealift ships, specifically up to 10 new RO/RO vessels. The goal is to support the National Defense Reserve Fleet and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. MARAD is considering tailoring the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) approach to allow for both government purchase and lease of vessels under the same contract.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
MARAD is exploring a four-ship block buy under a single contract. The proposed hybrid acquisition involves:
- Ships 1 & 2: Government-funded construction, with title transferring to the Government upon delivery.
- Ships 3 & 4: Privately financed by the offeror, with title remaining with the offeror. These vessels would be subject to a 20-year charter arrangement (Time Charter preferred, Bareboat Charter considered), with MARAD desiring an option to buy during or after the lease term.
Key RO/RO vessel characteristics include:
- Maneuverability (Bow/Stern Thrusters).
- Accommodation for 48 personnel plus riders.
- Extensive storage for food (60 days), fresh water (14 days), gray water (7 days), and black water (14 days).
- 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.
Submission & Feedback
Respondents are requested 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 and price differences between buying and leasing.
- Charter rate vs. asset value, delivery time, and liability issues.
- Asset valuation, depreciation, ship design, and title transfer.
- Market timing, fuel choices, power plant obsolescence, and charter variants.
- Early termination provisions, vessel condition at charter expiration, purchase options, and extension terms.
- Maintenance and classification-maintenance standards.
- Jones Act, MARAD, or regulatory considerations, and use/need of Title XI financing.
- Organizational conflicts of interest and comparison to a 100% government-owned construct.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
Anticipated NAICS codes are 532411 (Leasing of Other Industrial Equipment) and 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing). Responses from small businesses are encouraged.
Deadlines & Contacts
Responses are requested no later than 5:00 PM PDT on July 6, 2026. Submissions are limited to 20 pages and must be sent electronically. The email subject should be "Response to RFI – MARAD Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels."
Primary Contact: Brett Scrum (brett.scrum@dot.gov, 202-366-5620) Secondary Contact: Sydney Plante (sydney@dot.gov, 202-993-6827)