Vessel Acquisition Manager (VAM) Services for the Maritime Administration

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is conducting market research to identify qualified Vessel Acquisition Managers (VAM) who can acquire, re‑flag, convert, and sustain strategic sealift ships for the National Defense Reserve Fleet/Ready Reserve Force. The effort will cover the full life‑cycle of roughly 20 vessels over a five‑year period, including market surveys, acquisition negotiations, classification, conversion, trials, and ongoing maintenance/operations. Responses are limited to a 10‑page capability statement due 1 Sept 2026; no contract award is guaranteed at this stage. • Goal: Replace ~26 aging sealift ships between 2021‑2048 by purchasing and converting commercial Ro/Ro vessels. • Scope of Services: market survey & selection, acquisition/re‑flagging, conversion & modernization, trials & delivery, fixed‑fee and cost‑reimbursable maintenance/operations, sustainment & transition management. • Contract Outlook: Up to two contractors may be selected for a five‑year performance window, potentially covering ~20 vessels. • Mandatory Requirements: U.S. citizenship compliance, prior vessel owner/operator experience, appropriate accounting system for cost‑reimbursement contracts. • Submission: 10‑page capability statement (company profile, socioeconomic status, technical capacity) emailed to [email protected] and [email protected] by 2:30 PM ET, 1 Sept 2026.