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 Study on the Economic Impact of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Net Zero Framework (NZF). This study will analyze 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, by 12:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will perform a targeted cost analysis of the IMO's NZF, adopted in April 2025. The study must examine, at minimum, the economic consequences of the NZF's:
- Global GHG pricing/levy proposals (scope, price trajectory, pass-through mechanisms)
- Emissions trading and crediting systems
- Carbon offsets and related crediting rules
- Fuel/energy standards or fuel blending mandates
- Technology mandates, exemptions, and phase-in schedules
- Monitoring, reporting, and verification, auditing, and compliance regimes
- Fund governance, revenue collection, and allocation rules
- Enforcement, penalties, and potential border or trade adjustment measures
The analysis should quantify impacts where feasible, identify key assumptions and uncertainties, and analyze distributional effects across U.S. industries, ports, and regions. It must compare outcomes under the proposed NZF, alternative designs, and delayed implementation scenarios, recommending practical safeguards, alternative policy instruments, or design changes to reduce economic burdens on U.S. interests.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Cooperative Agreement (no profit allowed, consistent with 2 CFR 200.400(g))
- Period of Performance: 3 months
- Maximum Funding: $280,000
- Set-Aside: None specified; open to all domestic applicants other than individuals.
- Proposal Due: June 3, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT
- Published: May 8, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Method: 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).
- Proposal Length: The technical proposal is limited to 12 pages; only the first 12 pages will be reviewed against this limitation.
- Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the cost proposal, understanding of the project and U.S. priorities, technical capabilities, methodology, and ability to deliver a comprehensive and usable product.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be registered and current with SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
This is a solicitation for a cooperative agreement, not a contract, 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.