A14_MR_(Sources_Sought_Notice)_1.docx

United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

CONTRACTING OPERATIONS STRATEGIC

In Reply Refer to:

D5215 (DSC-CS)

Jason Burdett, Contract Specialist, National Park Service Subject: Sources Sought Notice Reference: ISRO 295911 Ranger IV

This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for the purpose of conducting market research. Proposals are NOT being requested, nor accepted at this time. Responses are being requested from both large and small businesses.

Purpose: The purpose of this notice is to gain knowledge regarding the type of interested businesses and their qualifications. The National Park Service (NPS) will use information obtained through this notice to develop an acquisition strategy.

The Government anticipates conducting a competitive acquisition for this requirement. The amount of interest or lack thereof will determine the possibility of a small business or other socio-economical small business set-aside for the solicitation. Analysis of the quality of responses to this source sought announcement will be considered in the market research being conducted, and in the making of any small business set-aside determination for this requirement.

Additional Information: No proposal package, solicitation, specification or drawings are available with this notice.

Cost Reimbursement: Response to this announcement is strictly voluntary; no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this sources sought announcement or any follow-up information requests.

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code: 336611

Small Business Size Standard: 1,300 employees

Solicitation: The NPS anticipates issuing a request for proposals in the Spring of 2025.

Bonding: The NPS anticipates performance and payment bonds will be required.

Project Description:

Vessel Construction Management Services Contract for the construction and delivery of a new passenger and cargo vessel, Ranger IV, to support National Park Service operations at Isle Royale National Park. The new vessel will replace park’s current passenger and cargo vessel, the M/V Ranger III, which requires replacement.

The overall objective of the Contract is to construct and acquire a new multi-mission vessel, referred to as the Ranger IV. Ranger IV will be a passenger and cargo ferry that will operate between Isle Royale, the key feature of Isle Royale National Park (ISRO) located in the northwest corner of Lake Superior, and the park’s headquarters 60 miles away in Houghton, MI. The Phase I preliminary/contract level design for Ranger IV was completed in October 2024.

Ranger IV has been designed to provide a robust operating platform for performing a variety of ISRO missions. Ranger IV dimensions are 182.5’ L x 36' B x 18' D with a design draft of 9 ft. The vessel is outfitted with three large passenger areas designed to transport visitors, staff, and family to/from ISRO. To support cargo transport operations, Ranger IV has over 3,500 square feet of cargo space capable of transporting power boats, hand-loaded boats, passenger baggage, refrigerated/frozen foods, non-perishable foods, general cargo, construction materials, and trash. Ranger IV is designed with integrated diesel tanks in addition to external stowage with deck crane capacity to accommodate fuel transport containers supplying ISRO with diesel, propane, gasoline, and aviation gas; in support of varying ISRO missions.

Ranger IV will require United States Coast Guard (USCG) and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certification and shall meet all technical and operational requirements for annual operation between the park’s headquarters and Isle Royale to perform the required vessel missions set forth in the Contract. Ranger IV is designed for unrestricted service under the 2024 ABS Marine Vessel Rules with the following notations: A1, Passenger Vessel, Great Lakes Service, Ice Class IE, Circle E, AMS, HAB, and COMF. The ship is designed in accordance with 46 CFR, Subchapter H (Passenger Vessels) requirements for inspected vessels and shall comply with all applicable federal regulations.

The NPS will acquire the delivery of Ranger IV through a Contract with a Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) which has experience procuring vessel(s) of similar size and complexity. Domestic sources shall be used to the maximum extent practicable for suitable and reasonably available equipment and components. The commercial entity (the VCM) will be an independent contractor bound by contract to deliver the Ranger IV vessel compliant in all aspects with the specifications and contract, on time, and for the agreed firm fixed price.

CAPABILITIES STATEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

1. Ability to provide a firm fixed price for VCM Services and Vessel (to include delivery)?

2. NPS will provide Phase I Design, is this sufficient to provide a firm fixed price for vessel, including delivery?

3. Can delivery occur 24 months from date of award? If not, what is your estimated delivery time frame?

4. What if any materials needed cannot be sourced in accordance with the Buy American Act (BAA)?

5. Are there any materials that fluctuate that the NPS should consider including an equitable adjustment clause.

6. What warranty terms are industry standard?

7. This vessel will operate in fresh water, is there any benefit or concern that should be considered if the vessel is built in a saltwater shipyard and then delivered to fresh water?

Industry Day An Industry Engagement is being considered to discuss the Government's plans for this requirement. If scheduled, a separate special notice will be posted.

Submittal Contents: Interested (small and large) businesses should submit the following information:

1. Company name, DUNS number, address, point of contact, telephone number, and email address.

2. Business type: Classification as a Large or Small Business under the above listed NAICS, Small Business Administration (SBA) certified Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), SBA certified Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). The size of a small business firm includes all parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, etc.—see 13 CFR 121.108.) Misrepresentation of size status can result in penalties.

3. Statement regarding your company’s bonding capacity. Letters from bonding companies are not required at this time.

4. Information demonstrating experience and capability on projects of same or similar size, scope and magnitude, and constructed under similar conditions.

5. Answers to the questions above.

6. Interest in attending Industry Day

7. In addition, businesses may submit existing marketing materials such as capability statements and brochures.

8. UEI # -

Submittal Due Date/Time: 3:00PM Central Time, February 7, 2025

Submit To: jason_burdett@nps.gov image1.jpeg