NOTICE TO OFFERORS
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – RFEI 27-01
City of Annapolis Inquiry for Operating Ferryboat – Water Ferry Service, City of
Annapolis Maryland
The Central Purchasing Office of the City of Annapolis is soliciting Letters of Interest / Statement
of Qualifications from interested boat pilot operational firms for the operation of a
passenger/bicycle water ferry service for the City of Annapolis, Maryland.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF WORK: The request for expression of interest / statement
qualifications intends to identify interested boat pilot operational firms presently available to be
prequalified to participate in the request for proposal to operate and maintain the ferryboat service
for the City of Annapolis, Maryland.
Weekend service is defined as Friday, Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday services
will be scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In support of the Water Ferry service, the City of
Annapolis will make available to the operator, at no boat or slip lease cost, up to two vessels. The
water ferry(ies) will be utilized for planned routes and may be utilized for boat charters, tours, and
other purposes" as defined boat charters, tours and other commercial purposes as defined by the
size of the vessel approved by the US Coast Guard. The operator will be responsible for providing
all operating, insurance and general maintenance costs for the vessel during the operating
season. Additionally the operator will be required to provide dockage for this vessel in addition to
operating, insurance and general maintenance costs.
1. The Equipment. The equipment provided by the Owner shall be a fully equipped and outfitted
diesel-electric Water Ferry for the transport of passengers and bicycles. The Water Ferry
operated by the Operator as set forth herein on waterways adjacent the City of Annapolis.
The basis of design for the Water Ferry will be a front-loading vessel with a length overall
(LOA) of 36.0’ – 45.0’, with an integrated bicycle rack. (a) The Operator will operate and
maintain the Water Ferry in a safe and proper manner, considering all safety requirements for
the operations of the Water Ferry on adjacent waters by the City of Annapolis. The Operator
shall be responsible for the following matters with reference to the Water Ferry: Two Water
Ferry vessel will be available and provided to the boat operator.
2. Ferry Operations. (i) Proper and safe operation of the Water Ferry in accordance with the
Operations and Maintenance Manual provided by the Owner. (ii) Providing routine
maintenance, including engine and safety equipment, on the Water Ferry in accordance with
the schedule and procedures of the Operation and Maintenance Manual provided by the
Owner. (iii) Providing the necessary fuel, oil, coolants, fluids, filers, light bulbs, fuses, belts
and hoses in accordance with specifications set forth by the manufacturer of the Water Ferry.
(iv) Repairing all damage to the Water Ferry resulting from their operation, including scratches,
hull damage, or other damage due to lack of proper maintenance. (v) Arranging for haul-out
by the Owner. (vi) Wrapping and winterizing the Water Ferry by October 31st in accordance
with the manufacturers recommendations
3. Personnel. The Operator will provide experienced, licensed personnel for the operation of
the Water Ferry. The Operator will be responsible for the hiring and training of all personnel,
providing appropriate uniforms and for the employment of such personnel as is necessary for
the proper operation and maintenance of the Water Ferry.
4. Marketing Services. The Operator will provide all marketing services for the Water Ferry
including reservation services, promotions and special events.
5. Operational Schedule. The Water Ferry will be operated by the Operator at a minimum of
three (3) days a week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from April through October, weather
conditions permitting, in accordance with a schedule of operations (the “Operating Schedule”)
to be determined by the Operator and approved by the Owner. Operations of the Water Ferry
will not be suspended on legal holidays.
6. Logistics. The anticipated initial route of the Water Ferry service will entail the navigational
route but not limited to the points from the City Dock to Eastport at 5th Street. Later routes to
Hawkins Cove and Carr's Beach will be added to the ferry system.
LETTERS OF INTEREST: The Letters of Interest will allow the Project Team to compile a list of
interested companies for notices and any announcements relating to this project. Firms
interested in receiving project information should send the Letter of Interest with Statement of
Qualifications form and attached information to Charles M. “Mike” Garascia via
bids@annapolis.gov or by fax at (410) 263-8120 by the date of Friday, September 18, 2026 @
2:00 p.m. Include in your Letter of Interest the name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail
address for a contact person at your firm with the attached provided Proposer Information
Forms to be completed.
RESPONSES: Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Emerging Small Businesses. Minority
Business Enterprises, and Veteran Owned Businesses are encouraged to submit a Statement of
Qualification and the required documents for this request.
Question must and shall be directed to Charles M. “Mike” Garascia, VCA, VCO, VCCO at
cmgrascia@annapolis.gov.
. Charles M. “Mike” Garascia, VCA, VCO, VCCO
Procurement Officer
PROPOSER INFORMATION
Statements and answers relating to each question in this questionnaire may be answered on
the page on which the question is found or by attaching letter-sized supplemental sheets.
CONTACT PERSON:
Name and address of the proposer’s representative for purposes of notices or other
communications relating to the Letter of Interest / Statement of Qualifications:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
PHONE: ______________________________
CELL PHONE: _________________________
EMAIL: ______________________________
The proposer is a:
(Check One)
1. Sole Proprietorship
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2. Partnership
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3. Corporation
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4. Other
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(Explain)_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
NOTICE: If the proposer is owned by partnerships and/or privately-held corporations, then these
other entities must also complete the appropriate pages and furnish (1) the required financial
statement; (2) surety information; (3) bankruptcy information; and (4) information on prior or
pending litigation. Ultimately, every direct or indirect beneficial interest in the proposer which is
greater than five percent (5%) shall be disclosed until all such owners (hereinafter referred to as
“Controlling Parties”) are shown to be either individuals or publicly-held corporations.
It is the intention of the Authority to hold such information confidential.
PROPOSER’S PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT:
(Complete if appropriate)
If the proposer is a partnership, answer the following:
1. Date of organization: _______________________________________________
2. General Partnership: ________________________________________________
Limited Partnership: ________________________________________________
3. Has the partnership done business in the State of Maryland?
Yes _________
No _________
If yes, please answer the following:
WHEN? __________________________________________________________
WHERE? _________________________________________________________
4. Name, address and partnership share of each general and limited partner:
General / Limited
Share
Name & Address
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5. Attach a complete copy of the Partnership Agreement.
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
