Ferry Transit Services

The Regional Transit Authority of New Orleans is seeking a qualified vendor to operate and maintain its ferry transit system on the Mississippi River. The contract is a cost‑reimbursement arrangement with a fixed management fee, requiring the contractor to provide day‑to‑day ferry operations, crew staffing, ticketing, safety compliance, and full maintenance of vessels and associated barges and terminals. Invoices are submitted monthly with payment due within ten days. The award will be for an initial five‑year term with two optional one‑year extensions. Key points include: • Operate three ferries (Thomas Jefferson, RTA 1, RTA 2) and manage six barges, providing scheduled service on two routes (Canal Street‑Algiers Point and Chalmette‑Lower Algiers). • Perform all routine and preventive maintenance, inspections, and cleaning of vessels and facilities; major capital repairs are RTA’s responsibility. • Compensation is actual‑cost reimbursement plus a fixed management fee; no cost‑overrun escalation, and any savings remain with RTA. • Monthly invoicing with a ten‑day payment window; repairs ≤ $25 k require no prior RTA approval, larger expenditures need prior approval. • Must maintain extensive insurance coverage (General Liability $2 M, Marine P&I $2 M, etc.) and list RTA as primary additional insured.