Scheduled Fuel Barge Transportation - Gulf Region (RFI)

The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry capabilities for scheduled fuel barge transportation services in the Gulf Region and Lower Mississippi River waterways. This initiative, identified by solicitation number TRANSCOM26W003 and released on May 19, 2026, with responses due by June 2, 2026, seeks to gather detailed information on existing market solutions, vendor capacity, and operational readiness to support the future procurement of fuel transportation services for Jet A Aviation Fuel, Jet Propellant 5, and F76 marine diesel. The RFI is strictly for planning and acquisition strategy development and does not constitute a solicitation, commitment, or pathway to immediate contract award. Responses will inform potential future RFPs and help assess small business participation, subcontracting dynamics, and industry needs, with all submissions treated as nonpublic Government research data. The anticipated period of performance for any resulting contract, if issued, would run from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2032. Industry respondents are expected to provide technical and operational details on their fleet’s ability to deliver continuous, 24/7 fuel transportation with 24-hour vessel replacement capability and surge readiness, including a fourth on-call towboat within 15 days. Must-demonstrate capabilities include compatibility with specified barge tank coatings—epoxy, stainless steel, or uncoated mild steel—and rigorous processes for rust and particulate mitigation, water removal, and cross-contamination prevention through procedures such as buttering and gas-freeing when transitioning between fuel types. The RFI requires disclosure of Unique Entity ID and CAGE codes, small business size status under NAICS code 483211, and compliance with FAR 52.219-14 on subcontracting limitations if applicable. Contractors must address previous experience transporting “dirty” products and detail conversion timelines, water removal logistics, and demurrage compensation practices where relevant. All submissions must be sent via email to designated USTRANSCOM points of contact, with no formal proposal structure or pricing information required. No formal contract clauses, evaluation factors, or payment terms are included, as this remains purely an informational gathering effort for future acquisition planning.