Study on the Economic Impact of the International Maritime Organization Net Zero Framework
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) is soliciting proposals for a Cooperative Agreement to conduct a targeted cost analysis of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) "Net Zero Framework" (NZF). This study will examine the economic consequences of the NZF's policy mechanisms for the United States, focusing on impacts to the U.S. maritime sector and economy. Proposals are due June 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will analyze the NZF's specific policy mechanisms, including global GHG pricing/levy proposals, emissions trading, carbon offsets, fuel/energy standards, technology mandates, monitoring/reporting, fund governance, and enforcement. The study must quantify impacts where feasible, identify key assumptions and uncertainties, and analyze distributional effects across U.S. industries, ports, and regions. Key areas of interest include alterations to operating/capital costs for U.S. shipping, effects on import/export unit costs and trade competitiveness, changes in demand for U.S. energy/technology/maritime services, administrative burdens, and risks of leakage or ineffective mitigation. The study requires comparing outcomes under the proposed NZF, alternative designs, and delayed implementation scenarios, recommending practical safeguards or design changes to reduce economic burdens on U.S. interests. A comparison against a "No Action" approach is also required.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Cooperative Agreement
- Period of Performance: 3 months
- Maximum Funding: $280,000
- Set-Aside: Open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals. Applicants must be registered and current with SAM.gov.
- Proposal Due: June 3, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT
- Published: May 4, 2026
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated based on the cost proposal, understanding of the project and U.S. priorities, technical capabilities, methodology, and the ability to deliver a comprehensive and usable product. Proposals are limited to 12 pages.
Submission & Notes
Proposals must be submitted in PDF format via email to Christian Onwudiegwu (christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov) and Kelly Mitchell-Caroll (k.mitchell-carroll@dot.gov). This announcement is an expression of interest and does not commit MARAD to make an award. Proposals will be screened for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, which must be identified and justified if used.