Marine Consulting Services to Support Work Group on WSF

Background
The Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) of the Washington State Legislature is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms to provide independent technical expertise and information to a Work Group examining long-term, financially sustainable options for Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) investments in vessel preservation and replacement, as well as associated terminal improvements.

WSF operates the largest ferry system in the United States and is part of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The overall budget for WSF for the 2023-25 fiscal biennium was over $1.3 billion, accounting for 14% of WSDOT’s budget. The primary purpose of the Work Group is to enhance understanding of different potential strategies to address long-term funding needs for WSF.

Work Details
The selected consultant will:
- Prepare for and attend approximately six, two-to-three-hour hybrid meetings of the Work Group, providing technical expertise in response to questions during meetings led by a separately contracted facilitator.
- Prepare presentations, white papers, or other materials as requested by the Work Group or JTC Project Manager.
- Participate in approximately one-hour project coordination meetings with the JTC Project Manager and Work Group Facilitator every two weeks.
- Respond to questions or information requests outside of meetings.

Topics for which technical advice will be provided include:
- Procurement and contract delivery options for vessels, including leasing;
- Alternative vessel types, propulsion systems, and fuels considering environmental impacts and life-cycle costs;
- Options for upgrading existing aging vessels;
- Evaluation of in-state versus out-of-state shipyards for vessel construction.

Period of Performance
Contract start date approximately June 1, 2026, with work completed by December 15, 2026.

Bidder Requirements
Proposals must demonstrate experience and knowledge in naval architecture and marine engineering, capital planning and life-cycle cost analysis for marine vessels, fleet maintenance planning, vessel acquisition strategies, and technology assessments including propulsion systems. Preferred experience includes demonstrated work with auto/passenger ferry vessels.