Passenger Ferry Redeveloper/Operator for Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor

The City of Bayonne, New Jersey, is actively seeking a qualified Redeveloper/Operator to undertake the comprehensive development, construction, and ongoing operation of a premier passenger ferry terminal and associated services at the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor. This Request for Proposals (RFP), issued under the New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 et seq.), forms a critical part of the larger redevelopment initiative transforming 430 acres of the former Military Ocean Terminal – Bayonne (MOTBY) into a vibrant mixed-use complex. The core objective is to establish reliable, competitively priced commuter passenger ferry services between the Peninsula and Manhattan, supplementing existing transportation options. The extensive scope of work requires the Redeveloper/Operator to operate and maintain basic upland improvements constructed by the City, which include a 102-space parking lot, drop-off facilities, utility services, lighting, landscaping, and a waterfront walkway. Furthermore, the selected entity will be responsible for designing, permitting, constructing, operating, and maintaining all other necessary terminal improvements, such as passenger shelters, ticketing facilities, electrical services, parking revenue controls, ADA-compliant gangways, ferry loading barges/vessels capable of accommodating both passenger and excursion vessels, and mooring pilings. The project also allows for optional third-party package delivery services and requires coordination to provide access for tourism services operators at the terminal. Prospective contractors must demonstrate substantial qualifications as a "Redeveloper/Operator," possessing the necessary experience to successfully develop and operate a passenger ferry terminal and provide sustained commuter services. Essential requirements include operating vessels certified by the U.S. Coast Guard and crewed by licensed personnel in strict adherence to all existing State and Federal regulations, particularly those pertaining to terminal and vessel security, scheduled safety inspections, and the Clean Water Act. Proposers must commit to maintaining the ferry service for a minimum of five years, presenting robust plans for its long-term viability. Financial transparency is paramount, necessitating the submission of audited financial statements for at least two, preferably three, years, along with three client references that specifically attest to the proposer's ferry operating experience. Furthermore, contractors must exhibit the capability to meet comprehensive insurance provisions, including a minimum of $10,000,000 for Personal Injury liability and $20,000,000 for Property Damage liability, with the City named as an additional insured. While no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are explicitly detailed, the City encourages inquiries and reserves the right to request interviews with proposers as part of the evaluation process. Proposals must be submitted digitally via email to both the City’s Law Director, Joseph Skillender (jskillender@baynj.org), UNLOCK and the Designated Contact Person, Joseph P. Baumann Jr. (jbaumann@msbnj.com). UNLOCK In addition to digital submission, five (5) hard copies of the proposal are required to be hand-delivered to Joseph Skillender, Director of the Department of Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development, located at 630 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. All submission envelopes and responses must be clearly marked with the proposer's name, address, and the distinct project title: "PENINSULA AT BAYONNE HARBOR FERRY SERVICE." The firm deadline for the receipt of all proposals is April 25, 2025, at 04:00 PM EST. A key submission requirement includes a provision for site and building maintenance or a bond for damages that may occur. It is explicitly stated that the City will not provide subsidies or financial guarantees for the service. All communications and questions pertinent to this RFP process should be directed solely to the Designated Contact Person via email to ensure a fair and consistent procurement process.