Lay Berthing Services for Long-Term Safe Lay Berth for Watson LMSR Vessels

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking long-term layberthing services for up to two Watson-class LMSR Ready Reserve Force vessels, Travis E Watkins and Mitchell Red Cloud, on the U.S. West Coast, with the ability to substitute vessels of similar or smaller size. The contract has a five-year base period and a potential ten-year option, with performance expected to begin after award following a 30-day preparation window. Proposal submissions are due by May 8, 2026, after an extension from the original May 4 deadline. The core service requirement includes secure mooring infrastructure capable of withstanding heavy weather conditions, with the design wind speed reduced from 130 mph to 85 mph in response to industry feedback, while remaining compliant with UFC 4-159-03 standards based on a 50-year return interval for environmental loads. Offerors must demonstrate the availability of port services through historical berthing records, provide updated hydrographic soundings within six months of contract start, submit proof of permits and facility leases, and confirm the ability to support both stern and side port ramp operations for vessel loading and unloading, with approximately two fender installation or removal evolutions per year. Technical acceptability is the primary evaluation criterion, with no numerical weights assigned; the award is likely based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable, emphasizing operational readiness over cost trade-offs. No pricing details, CLIN structure, or contract value are provided in the available documentation. The place of performance is the U.S. West Coast, with no specific port designated. The contract includes no packaging, marking, or preservation requirements, and no payment office, invoicing system, or contracting officer details are specified. Submission of proposals is expected to be sent to the MARAD office in Washington, DC, with no mention of electronic submission. Offerors are not required to provide specific representations or certifications beyond demonstrating facility capability and regulatory compliance, and no set-aside provisions apply.