Long-term safe layberthing for two (2) Cape I class RRF vessels CAPE ISLAND AND CAPE INSCRIPTION in the U.S. Pacific Northwest

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) requires services for the exclusive long-term safe layberthing for two (2) Cape I class RRF vessels CAPE ISLAND AND CAPE INSCRIPTION in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, specifically from Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon outbound along the Columbia river then north along the Oregon and Washington coasts to Neah Bay, Washington then through the Straits of Juan DeFuca to Puget Sound southwards to Olympia, Washington. Although the layberths are intended for the vessels identified in this solicitation, the Government may substitute vessels of a similar size or smaller. It is contemplated that the Invitation for Bid (IFB) will include alternative bids for either a 5-year (base year plus 4 one-year options) or a 10-year (base year plus nine one-year options) period of performance. IFB is issue dated December 19, 2012 at www.fbo.gov and at https://voa.marad.dot.gov/index.asp. Bid opening will be held on or about January 30, 2013. Bids from all responsible sources will be considered. ATTENTION: Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)! The Department of Transportation (DOT), Short-Term Lending Program (STLP) offers working capital financing in the form of lines of credit to finance accounts receivable for transportation related contracts. The Maximum line of credit is $750,000. The STLP loan has a variable rate, which is connected to the prime rate. The current rate can be found on the OSDBU website http://osdbuweb.dot.gov or call 1-(800)532-1169.