Description
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) from marine vessel owners to participate in a program in which selected vessel propulsion and/or auxiliary engines will be replaced with new engines that emit significantly lower levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) compared to the vessel’s existing engines. Selected marine vessels must exhibit an absolute reduction in emissions after engine replacement, and for a continuous ten-year period commencing with the completion of sea trials must be operated at least 75 percent of the time within the USEPA designated New York-Northern New Jersey-Connecticut-Long Island and Philadelphia – Wilmington – Atlantic City Ozone Non-Attainment Areas (NAA, see Attachment D), hereinafter designated NAA. The District will only reimburse the owners of each selected marine vessel the full cost of purchasing replacement engines (propulsion, auxiliary or both), includes applicable taxes. No other costs (such as removal and installation costs and any costs associated with vessel downtime) will be reimbursed under this program. This vessel engine replacement program follows similar regional programs (EPA Regions 1 and 2) undertaken in 2005 and 2007 that sought emission reductions from harbor vessels. The District is undertaking this current Marine Vessel Engine Replacement Program, herein referred to as “MVERP 2020,” as mitigation for the NOx air emissions anticipated to be generated by several upcoming coastal storm damage reduction projects. Although not required for these projects, PM emission reductions will also be a co-benefit of this program. This co-benefit will contribute to PM emissions reductions and help maintain areas in compliance with PM2.5 standards, while also moving remaining counties still in nonattainment closer toward attainment. For the purpose of this program, marine vessel engines will include the propulsion and/or auxiliary engines of: Tug boats and tow boats Private ferries not included under the New York State Energy Resource and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) RFI 759-02: Private Ferry Emission Reduction Program Excursion vessels Government vessels Any other boat or vessel of which operations can meet the terms of this program, including operating in the NAA for 10 continuous years and providing substantial NOx reductions Under the MVERP 2020, the District will reimburse Awarded Firms for the cost of replacement engines (propulsion, auxiliary or both) for each marine vessel that will operate at least 75% of its time annually in the NAA for ten continuous years following completion of sea trials. (NAA - Attachment D). The number of vessels to be selected for engine replacement under this program will be based on total tons of NOx needed to be offset during the various storm damage reduction programs. The marine vessels to be repowered will be chosen through a competitive process. Any vessel owner may submit a proposal in accordance with these RFP requirements. The proposal shall describe the selected vessel(s) and engines, the vessel(s) vocation (i.e., tug, ferry, work/crew, etc.), the new engines to be installed, and the schedule for installation. Eligible vessel owners are encouraged to submit one application for all vessels being considered for repowering. Only the most competitive vessels based on the magnitude of NOx reduction as well as the cost effectiveness ($/ton of reduction) of the reductions will be chosen and funded. The selected vessel owner(s) will be reimbursed for the cost of purchasing the new engines upon completion of sea trials. The vessel owner(s) will be responsible for installation of the new engine(s), and must document the destruction/scrappage of the old engines that were replaced (e.g., engine block must be rendered inoperable). Vessel owners will also be responsible for any downtime required for installation of the new engine(s). This program will not reimburse vessel owners for any costs or lost business associated with the engine repower or vessel down time. Owner(s) of vessels selected for funding will be expected to enter into a contract with the District, agreeing, among other things, to scrap their existing engines and provide proof of destruction, provide a duty/activity log of the present and future activities of the vessel, and operate the vessel within the NAA at least 75% of the time each year (hours and fuel basis) over the term of the contract. Owner(s) shall also agree to quarterly reporting requirements. Vessel owners must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for award of a contract. Information on registration can be found at www.sam.gov. More definitive guidance and instructions will be incorporated in the solicitation and resultant contract.