DRBA seeks bids for new ferry designs
Delaware River & Bay Authority is requesting design proposals from naval architects for as many as three new vessels the authority plans to build.
In addition to designing the ferries, a naval architect would assist the DRBA in overseeing and managing ship construction to ensure that vessels are built according to specifications and within budget.
The request for proposals details the scope of the job and nature of services required, reports or other items to be delivered, and format to be used for all proposals.
Proposals will be received until 11 a.m., Thursday Oct. 4. No one from DRBA responded to requests for comment.
The new ferries would provide service between Lewes and Cape May, N.J., where the authority operates ferries Twin Capes, Delaware, New Jersey, Cape May, and Cape Henlopen.
Since July 1, 1964, when service began, more than 34 million passengers and 11 million vehicles have made the 17-mile trip across Delaware Bay aboard Cape May-Lewes Ferry vessels.
Each of the existing ferries can accommodate up to 100 vehicles and 1,000 passengers, providing an 80-minute mini-cruise across the bay.
A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal Building, 1200 Sandman Blvd., North Cape May, N.J. For additional information, contact Donna Bristol, DRBA purchasing, at 302-571-6357, or go to www.drba.net.
