Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels 693JF7-26-SS-0001

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN) 693JF7-26-SS-0001 Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels Solicitation Number: [693JF726DxxTBAxx] U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) Date: December 3, 2025 Point of Contact: Henry Puppe, Contracting Officer, MARAD Email: henry.puppe@dot.gov PURPOSE The Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Department of Transportation, is conducting market research to identify capable sources for the provision of **lay berthing services** providing exclusive-use, long-term safe lay berth capabilities for up to two Ro/Ro CAPE R vessels: MV CAPE RISE (T-AKR-9678) and MV CAPE RACE (T-AKR-9960) on the U.S. East Coast. BACKGROUND MARAD maintains Ready Reserve Force vessels to support rapid activation for DoD sealift missions. This requirement focuses on continuous, secure, and safe lay berthing with pier-side maintenance, utilities, and environmental compliance for the CAPE R-class vessels, which have considerable size and draft needs. Requirement Overview Exclusive-use berthing for two Ro/Ro CAPE R vessels simultaneously Secure perimeter with controlled access Continuous, uninterrupted access Pier-side maintenance support: power, potable water, sewage disposal, waste handling Conformance with environmental regulations (federal/state/MARPOL/NEPA compliance) Favorable geographic location on the U.S. East Coast to enable rapid DoD deployment Period of Performance Base Period: April 16, 2026 April 15, 2027 Options: Nine option years (April 2027 April 2037) Socio-economic Considerations Two or more qualified small business sources exist; small business set-aside possible depending on responses. Historically, awards have been a mix of small and large businesses contingent on port/location suitability. Instructions for Response Interested parties are requested to submit capability statements addressing: Ability to support exclusive long-term lay berthing for two large Ro/Ro vessels simultaneously Experience with lay berthing similar large vessels, especially CAPE R-class or Ro/Ro ships Details on facility location (East Coast preferred) including available utilities and security features Past performance and relevant contracts with MARAD, DoD, or related federal agencies Socio-economic status (Small Business, HUBZone, SDB, etc.) Any limitations or constraints. Responses are requested by: 12/15/2025 Submission Details *Submit responses electronically via: henry.puppe@dot.gov Please include Sources Sought for CAPE R Lay Berthing Services [Your Company Name] in the subject line. DISCLAIMER This Sources Sought notice is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals or bids. No contract will be awarded based on responses to this notice. This notice does not commit MARAD to award a contract or pay for any information submitted. Respectfully, Henry Puppe Contracting Officer, RRF Sealift Support Maritime Administration (MARAD) U.S. Department of Transportation