Maritime Energy Conservation or Efficiency Pilot/Demonstration Project | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Maritime Energy Conservation or Efficiency Pilot/Demonstration Project (Solicitation DTMA91Q140021)

What is this funding opportunity?

The Maritime Energy Conservation or Efficiency Pilot/Demonstration Project (Solicitation DTMA91Q140021) is a Maritime Administration (MARAD) Office of Environment funding opportunity focused on pilot or demonstration projects that reduce vessel energy use and cut air emissions, including greenhouse gases. The emphasis is on real-world testing that produces credible performance data.

What is MARAD trying to accomplish with these projects?

MARAD is seeking practical, operating-vessel demonstrations that generate defensible, usable performance data. The goal is to support future MARAD emissions reduction and energy efficiency work by proving what works in real service conditions.

What happens to the results and data produced by funded projects?

The opportunity states that the results and data produced by the demonstration efforts will become MARAD property.

What types of vessels are eligible for demonstrations?

Projects must be demonstrated on U.S.-flagged vessels operating on inland waterways, coastal routes, the oceans, or the Great Lakes.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include vessel owners, vessel operators, or public sponsors, as long as they can provide a vessel and a workable project concept that meaningfully improves energy conservation or efficiency.

Do applicants have to provide a vessel?

Yes. A compliant proposal must confirm that the applicant can provide a vessel for testing or demonstration.

What kinds of project approaches are allowed?

Proposed approaches may be technology-based or process-based. Regardless of approach, proposals must include sufficient, verifiable, and detailed documentation to quantify the improvement achieved.

What are examples of projects MARAD is interested in?

Examples mentioned include renewable energy applications for commercial vessels (such as solar or wind), voyage or route planning tools designed to reduce fuel burn, hybrid propulsion concepts relying on power sources beyond the main engines, computerized smart power management and propulsion control systems (including hybrid power distribution), more efficient hull or appendage designs, and improved shipboard energy storage.

Are the listed examples the only allowable project types?

No. The examples are described as not limiting. MARAD is seeking innovations or improved methods that can be demonstrated on an operating vessel and measured in a defensible way.

What documentation is required to support energy savings claims?

Proposals must be supported by sufficient, verifiable, and detailed documentation to quantify the improvement achieved. Proposals should include a projection of expected fuel or power savings expressed as energy saved, ideally with baseline data where applicable.

What operational information about the vessel needs to be included?

A compliant proposal must include operational details such as where the vessel operates, ports served, waterways used, frequency of operation, and cargo carried.

What does MARAD want to know about implementation on the vessel?

Applicants must explain how the technology or technique would be integrated into ship-specific operations, how flexible and adoptable it is across different vessels, and what training (if any) is required for crews or operating personnel to use it safely and effectively.

Are software-focused projects treated differently?

For computer-based techniques (such as route planning), MARAD specifically looks for information on software flexibility and adaptability, compatibility with different operating systems, training needs, and whether the tool can integrate with a database that allows customization for ship-specific characteristics.

What type of award instrument does MARAD use?

MARAD provides support through cooperative agreements.

Is cost sharing required?

Yes. MARAD expects cost sharing and states it will not pay more than 50 percent of total project costs.

How much funding is available?

The total funding referenced for the opportunity is $500,000. The source data lists an award ceiling and floor of $500,000, while the narrative emphasizes that MARAD will cap its participation at no more than 50 percent of each project’s total cost.

How many awards does MARAD expect to make?

MARAD anticipates funding up to three projects, but reserves the right to fund fewer projects or none at all based on proposal quality and fit.

How long is the period of performance?

The period of performance is 36 months from the date of award.

When was the expected project start date?

The expected start date was around September 1, 2014.

What are the required content elements of a compliant proposal?

The opportunity calls for a tightly written proposal that includes: (1) a brief, clear description of the energy conservation/efficiency measure; (2) vessel operational details and operating geography (ports, waterways, frequency, cargo); (3) projected fuel or power savings expressed as energy saved (ideally with baseline data); (4) an explanation of how broadly the approach could apply to other ship types or operating profiles; (5) identification of partners and their roles (if any); (6) a detailed total project budget; and (7) confirmation the applicant can provide a vessel for testing/demonstration.

How will proposals be evaluated?

Proposals are evaluated using equally weighted criteria, with technical considerations weighed more than price. Evaluation factors include alignment with existing MARAD initiatives, use of new or improved energy-saving technologies or techniques, the applicant’s ability to share costs, the ability to complete the project within three years, and how adaptable the technology or method is across multiple vessels or vessel classes. Software-centric proposals are also reviewed for practical implementation considerations such as interoperability and training/integration burden.

How important is price compared to technical factors?

The solicitation indicates technical considerations are weighed more than price, even though the criteria are described as equally weighted.

Is there a page limit for submissions?

Yes. Proposals are capped at six pages total, including appendices and attachments.

What happens if a submission exceeds the page limit or does not address the criteria?

Any submission exceeding the six-page limit, or failing to clearly address the evaluation criteria, will not be considered.

How and where were proposals (quotes) submitted?

Quotes were required to be submitted electronically to judy.bowers@dot.gov.

What was the submission deadline?

Quotes were due by 2:00 pm Eastern on Friday, July 25, 2014.

Is SAM registration required?

Yes. Applicants needed an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration to be eligible for award.

Is this announcement the only solicitation?

Yes. The announcement states it serves as the only solicitation and that a separate written solicitation would not be issued.

Are past performance references required?

Yes. The announcement requests past performance references covering similar work performed within the prior two calendar years.

How many past performance references are needed?

At least two references are required for company submissions, and at least three references are required for individual submissions.

What details must be included for past performance references?

References must include accurate points of contact and brief descriptions of services provided, for similar work performed within the prior two calendar years.

Who is the point of contact for contracting questions or access issues?

The listed contact is Judy Bowers, Contracting Officer, Maritime Administration, at 202-366-1913.

What is the primary focus of the demonstrations: lab testing or operational testing?

The opportunity emphasizes real-world pilot or demonstration projects on operating vessels, with measurable outcomes and credible performance data.

Does MARAD care about whether a solution can be used on other vessels?

Yes. Proposals must explain how broadly the approach could apply to other ship types or operating profiles, and evaluation also considers adaptability across multiple vessels or vessel classes.

Does MARAD require crew training plans to be addressed?

Applicants are expected to describe what training (if any) is required for crews or operating personnel to use the technology or technique safely and effectively.