How to bid on ferry dry-dock services for VDOT's Surry

What the Virginia DOT is buying

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) needs a shipyard with dry-dock facilities. This is for the annual United States Coast Guard (USCG) inspection haul-out services for their ferryboat, Surry. The selected vendor must provide all necessary equipment, services, and skilled labor to complete this work.

This opportunity is for firms that can handle vessel shipyard haul-out services and related maintenance for a ferryboat, ensuring it meets USCG inspection standards.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on August 11, 2026. All responses must be submitted by September 08, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. This is a firm deadline, and late submissions are typically not accepted. Ensure your response is complete and submitted before this time.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for shipyards and marine service companies with established dry-dock capabilities. Firms should have experience with USCG inspection requirements for vessels and be able to provide comprehensive services including equipment, labor, and facilities. The work location is Surry, Virginia, so proximity or logistical capability to operate in this area is important. This falls under the facilities category for government contracting.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation documents, you need to go to eVA, Virginia's eProcurement portal. The solicitation number is 126120. You can view the posting publicly without an account.

To submit a response, you will need to sign in with a free eVA vendor account. Make sure to complete your registration and sign in before the September 08, 2026, 10:00 AM ET deadline.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all requirements outlined in the solicitation, especially those related to USCG inspection standards and the specific services needed for the ferryboat Surry. Highlight your firm's experience with similar vessel types and regulatory compliance.

Clearly detail your dry-dock facilities, equipment, and the qualifications of your skilled labor force. Provide a comprehensive proposal that addresses all aspects of the requested services, demonstrating your capability to perform the work efficiently and effectively in Surry, Virginia.