Bid guide
How to bid on Water Ferry Service for the City of Annapolis
What the City of Annapolis is buying
The City of Annapolis is seeking qualified firms to operate and maintain a passenger and bicycle water ferry service. This is an Expression of Interest (RFEI) to prequalify firms for a future Request for Proposal (RFP).
The city will provide up to two vessels at no boat or slip lease cost. The selected operator will be responsible for all personnel, fuel, insurance, maintenance, dockage, marketing, and general operating costs. The service must run at least Friday through Sunday from April through October, with specific weekend hours.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This RFEI was published on August 14, 2026. The deadline for submitting your Expression of Interest is September 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. Submissions received after this time will not be considered.
The purpose of this RFEI is to identify interested and qualified firms that can then participate in a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is ideal for boat pilot operational firms with experience in passenger and bicycle water ferry services. Firms should have the capacity to manage all operational aspects, including staffing, maintenance, insurance, and marketing.
The relevant category for this work is transportation, specifically water transportation services. Firms should be prepared to operate and maintain vessels provided by the city, adhering to safety and operational manuals.
How to respond
To access the full posting and related documents, you need to go to the City of Annapolis bid postings page. The posting and any related-document links are available there.
You must submit your response as directed in the posting before the September 18, 2026, 2:00 PM ET deadline.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your Expression of Interest, clearly demonstrate your firm's experience in operating and maintaining passenger vessels, especially those that transport bicycles. Highlight your safety record and your ability to manage all aspects of a ferry service, including personnel, maintenance, and customer service.
Detail your proposed approach to marketing the ferry service and handling reservations. Since the city provides the vessels, emphasize your expertise in vessel maintenance and adherence to operational guidelines. Ensure your submission addresses all requirements outlined in the RFEI to show a thorough understanding of the scope.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from City of Annapolis; the original posting controls.