Liquefied Natural Gas vs. Waterborne Transport | 693JF719R000009

FAQs: MARAD RFP #8211 - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vs. Waterborne Transport

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This is a Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) request for proposals (RFP #8211) for a short, targeted research study titled "Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vs. Waterborne Transport."

2) What is MARAD asking applicants to do?

MARAD is seeking proposals to complete a focused research study on how LNG could be transported by water within the United States, with an emphasis on practical and likely domestic/coastwise options.

3) What is the main purpose of the study?

The central purpose is to clarify what the U.S. maritime system can realistically do to support LNG supply needs by domestic waterborne transportation, especially for regions that face natural gas shortages during peak demand periods.

4) Why is MARAD interested in waterborne LNG transport?

MARAD wants to better understand whether moving LNG by coastwise or other domestic marine routes could help address seasonal or peak-demand shortages, and to give industry and stakeholders a clearer picture of market supply capabilities when delivered by water.

5) What kinds of routes or movements does the study focus on?

The study is expected to examine practical, likely options for moving LNG from domestic supply locations to U.S. terminals or ports, with attention to routes that could support shortage regions during constrained periods.

6) What does MARAD mean by mapping the LNG supply chain?

The study is expected to map the supply chain from origin to destination and describe what is required at each step. That includes likely origin and destination ports/terminals and the supporting infrastructure and operations needed to move LNG reliably during peak demand.

7) Does the study need to identify where shortages occur?

Yes. A key expectation is to identify where seasonal or peak-demand shortfalls occur, including pinpointing the regions where demand spikes create supply gaps.

8) Do applicants need to identify specific ports and terminals?

Yes. The work is expected to identify which ports and terminals would likely serve as origin and destination points for domestic waterborne LNG deliveries.

9) What infrastructure topics must be covered?

Infrastructure is a core part of feasibility in this RFP. The study should identify infrastructure needs along the supply chain such as terminal loading and offloading capabilities, storage and transfer systems, facility compatibility with LNG operations, and upgrades/modifications required for safe and efficient vessel-to-shore connections.

10) Is MARAD looking for one-off shipment concepts or repeatable operations?

The emphasis is on what is necessary to support frequent LNG transits and repeatable deliveries, not just isolated or one-time movements, because the goal is to help cover peak-demand needs where sustained deliveries could be required.

11) What vessel-related analysis is required?

A major requirement is assessing vessel capacity and suitability. The study must identify existing LNG-capable vessels as well as LNG-capable vessels currently on order at U.S. shipyards that could support deliveries to shortage regions during peak season.

12) Does the study need to address vessel modifications?

Yes. MARAD expects the study to address whether current vessels can be adapted for this role and what modifications would be needed, including changes onboard vessels and at landside connections.

13) Does MARAD want the study to consider new vessel designs?

Yes. The work must evaluate whether additional vessel designs are needed for coastwise LNG movement needs and whether the market would require new specialty-designed vessels, distinguishing what can be done with the current fleet versus what would require new construction or purpose-built designs.

14) What does "market economy" mean in this RFP?

The RFP expects discussion of the economic and market conditions that would influence whether waterborne LNG transport is viable and competitive as a response to peak-demand shortages. This includes considering the operational demand for frequent runs, likely routes, and how supply chain economics align with peak-demand constraints.

15) Is the study purely technical?

No. While technical feasibility (vessels, ports, terminals, and infrastructure) is central, MARAD also expects a market-grounded view that explains what would drive or hinder domestic waterborne LNG movement.

16) What funding mechanism is being used?

This opportunity is a discretionary award issued as a cooperative agreement.

17) What is the CFDA number and activity category?

The CFDA is 20.817, and the activity category is Science and Technology/Research and Development.

18) How many awards does MARAD anticipate making?

MARAD anticipated a single award.

19) What is the maximum award amount?

The anticipated funding ceiling is $100,000.

20) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of entity types may apply, subject to any clarifications in the official eligibility language.

21) How long will the selected applicant have to complete the study?

The study must be completed within three months of award. This short period indicates MARAD is looking for an applicant that can execute quickly using existing expertise, data sources, and established research methods.

22) What is the proposal page limit?

Proposals are capped at 10 pages total, including any attachments or appendices.

23) What happens if a proposal exceeds the page limit?

Proposals that exceed the 10-page limit will not be considered.

24) Are there specific content requirements tied to evaluation criteria?

Yes. Proposals that do not clearly address the stated evaluation criteria will be rejected. Applications should be explicitly organized around the evaluation criteria rather than relying on general capability statements.

25) What technical expertise is MARAD looking for?

MARAD is looking for strong working knowledge of the U.S. maritime industry, including relevant regulations, how cargo moves through maritime networks, and vessel design considerations.

26) What LNG-specific expertise is expected?

Reviewers will look for expert knowledge of LNG markets (domestic and international) and a solid understanding of LNG supply and transportation routes.

27) Does MARAD value published research experience?

Yes. Experience producing published reports or peer-reviewed articles is identified as a credibility indicator, suggesting MARAD values rigorous analysis supported by evidence that can stand up to scrutiny.

28) What execution factors will reviewers consider?

MARAD will weigh the applicant's ability to deliver within the short three-month timeframe, along with the overall cost proposal.

29) What should a strong proposal emphasize given the short timeline?

Based on the RFP constraints, a strong proposal should clearly show a realistic plan to complete the required mapping, vessel assessment, infrastructure needs analysis, and market-economy discussion within three months, and it should present that plan in a way that directly matches the evaluation criteria.

30) What is the expected end value of the study for stakeholders?

MARAD intends the results to clarify realistic domestic waterborne LNG capabilities and provide industry and stakeholders with a clearer picture of LNG supply capabilities when served by coastwise or other domestic marine transportation, particularly during peak-demand constraints.