Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Ro/Ro CAPE R Vessels

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