Air Force releases Morris Ferry information request

  • Published
  • By Darbie Sizemore
  • AEDC/PA
Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. --  A Request for Information (RFI) has been released by the Air Force to gauge interest in operating Morris Ferry Dock. 

Morris Ferry is 29 acres of waterfront property on Woods Reservoir that is owned by Arnold Air Force Base. Currently, the property is leased to the Morris Ferry Dock Associates (MFDA) which operates the site as a rustic fishing camp and campground. 

The Air Force's lease with MFDA will end in April 2008. 

"While this is not a request for proposals," said Joel Fortner, acting director of Arnold Air Force Base Public Affairs, "Arnold's leadership is very interested in receiving submissions from interested parties as we continue to evaluate our options regarding this property." 

Based on the RFI response, the Air Force can decide to allow operations to continue at Morris Ferry at current level, allow a scaled back operation or close the property to public access. 

Morris Ferry was established in the early 1950s to provide recreational access to Woods Reservoir. Since operations began, however, most of the camp facilities have been superseded by better, more modern facilities in the local area. 

The RFI is directed to potential individuals or companies who have demonstrated experience in the operations and maintenance of recreation areas to include general stores, boat ramps, boat slips and campgrounds. 

The main objectives of the project are (1) to renovate, demolish or construct new docks, boat slips, store and bathrooms to provide modern, solidly built professional appearing facilities that meet or exceed all current building codes, (2) to possess or obtain all the necessary expertise to endure full and continuous compliance with all Air Force, federal and state safety and environmental requirements, and (3) provide monetary return or in-kind consideration to Arnold Air Force Base. 

To enable interested parties to obtain a better understanding of the property and facilities, a site visit has been scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 6 and an alternative site visit from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 7. Government representatives will be available to meet one-on-one with interested parties between Aug. 8 and Aug 10 by contacting Mr. Bill Lamb at 931-454-4407 or 931-454-7806. 

Responses to the RFI are due to Mr. Lamb by Aug. 13. The RFI has been published in local and regional newspapers and is also available via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, www.fedbizopps.gov.