Liquefied Natural Gas vs. Waterborne Transport | 693JF719R000009

Opportunity Information: Apply for 693JF719R000009

The Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) released RFP #8211, titled "Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vs. Waterborne Transport," seeking proposals to complete a short, targeted research study on how LNG could be moved by water within the United States. The central purpose is to examine practical, likely waterborne options for transporting LNG from domestic supply locations to U.S. terminals or ports, especially to help address regions that experience natural gas shortages during peak demand periods. MARAD intends for the results to clarify what the U.S. maritime system can realistically do to support LNG supply needs and to give industry and stakeholders a clearer picture of LNG market supply capabilities when delivered by coastwise or domestic marine transportation.

The requested study is expected to map out the LNG supply chain from origin to destination and identify where seasonal or peak-demand shortfalls occur. That includes pinpointing the regions where demand spikes create supply gaps, identifying which ports and terminals would serve as the likely origin and destination points, and describing the supporting infrastructure that would be required at each step along the route. In practice, this means the study should connect the dots between LNG availability, port and terminal capabilities, vessel availability, and the operational cadence needed to keep LNG flowing reliably during constrained periods.

A major requirement is an assessment of vessel capacity and suitability. MARAD wants the study to identify existing LNG-capable vessels, as well as vessels currently on order at U.S. shipyards, that could meet the mission of supplying LNG to shortage regions during peak season. The study must also address whether current vessels can be adapted for this role and what modifications would be necessary, both onboard vessels and at landside connections. Beyond cataloging what exists, the work must evaluate whether additional vessel designs are needed to fulfill coastwise LNG movement needs and whether the market would require new specialty-designed vessels. In other words, the study should distinguish between what can be done with the current fleet (or near-term delivered tonnage) and what would require new construction or purpose-built designs.

Infrastructure considerations are treated as a core part of feasibility. MARAD expects the analysis to identify specific infrastructure needs along the supply chain that would make domestic waterborne LNG deliveries workable and repeatable. This could involve terminal loading and offloading capabilities, storage and transfer systems, compatibility of port facilities with LNG operations, and any required upgrades or modifications that allow vessels and shore facilities to connect safely and efficiently. The emphasis is on identifying what is necessary to support frequent LNG transits, not just one-off movements, since the goal is to meet peak-demand needs where sustained deliveries could be required.

The study also has to address the "market economy" of moving LNG for peak demand coverage, meaning it should discuss the economic and market conditions that would influence whether waterborne LNG transport is viable and competitive as a response to shortages. This includes examining the operational demand for frequent runs, the likely routes, and how supply chain economics align with peak-demand constraints. While the solicitation does not prescribe a specific economic model, it clearly expects more than a purely technical vessel-and-port inventory; it wants a market-grounded view of what would drive or hinder this kind of domestic LNG movement.

From an administrative and funding standpoint, this opportunity is a discretionary award issued as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 20.817 in the Science and Technology/Research and Development activity category. MARAD anticipated a single award with a ceiling of $100,000. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of entity types can apply, subject to any clarifications in the official eligibility language.

The timeline and submission constraints are tight and heavily emphasized. The selected applicant must complete the study within three months of award, which signals that MARAD is looking for a team that can execute quickly using existing expertise, data sources, and proven research methods. Proposals are capped at 10 pages total, including any attachments or appendices, and proposals that exceed the limit will not be considered. Likewise, proposals that do not clearly address the stated evaluation criteria will be rejected, so the application has to be explicitly organized around those criteria rather than relying on general capability statements.

MARAD's evaluation criteria focus on both technical subject-matter knowledge and demonstrated execution ability. Reviewers will look for strong working knowledge of the U.S. maritime industry, including relevant regulations, how cargo moves through maritime networks, and vessel design considerations. They also want expert knowledge of LNG markets domestically and internationally, as well as a solid understanding of LNG supply and transportation routes. Experience producing published reports or peer-reviewed articles is included as a credibility indicator, suggesting MARAD values rigorous, well-supported analysis that can stand up to scrutiny. Finally, the agency will weigh the applicant's ability to deliver within the short timeframe and the overall cost proposal.

• The Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Liquefied Natural Gas vs. Waterborne Transport" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.817.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 19, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 19, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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