Addendum No. 2.pdf

DEP Solicitation No. 2023010 Addendum No. 2 Page 1 of 6

ADDENDUM No. 2

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

DEP Procurement Section

3800 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS#93 Tallahassee, Florida 32399‐3000

March 09, 2023

Addendum To: DEP Solicitation No. 2023010, entitled “Re‐Advertisement for a Custom‐Built Pontoon Vessel(s) for Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park”

The Department hereby answers questions posed by prospective Vendors. This addendum does not need to be returned with the response.

Question Number

Solicitation

Section

Solicitation Page Number

Question / Answer

1. N/A N/A

Is a 36” wide aluminum pontoon with the same shape (vee bottom square pontoon) acceptable to bid?

No.

2. N/A N/A

Why was the previous advertisement cancelled? Were the bids received too high? Do you have an estimated price for the 4 vessels?

The previous ITB was cancelled due to a change in the SOW.

There are no estimate(s) available.

3. 4.1 17

Per: “The vessel must comply with the United States Coast Guard Standards.” Please specify the USCG Standards referenced?

All applicable USCG Standards for COI, Safety, Operation and Construction for vessels carrying more than 6 people.

4. 4.1 17

Per: “The Department reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to purchase additional vessels at the contracted price for up to three (3) additional vessels for a total of no more than four (4) vessels.”, what is the time frame for the commitment of this purchase? Are all 4 vessels to be exactly the same? A Certificate of Inspection (COI) to meet USCG requirement is line itemed at $30,000 per vessel however a cost savings has been discussed and can be achieved by batch manufacturing these 4 vessels, is that process within consideration?

Unknown timeline for the purchase. Yes, all four (4) vessels will be the same. Bundling the manufacturing of these vessels is NOT an option.

Addendum No. 2 Page 2 of 6

5. 4.1 17

Scope of work states 30 feet and 10 feet in width with a 60 HP outboard; per questions below and review of availability of USCG certified vessel manufacturer, this specified size vessel to accommodate 42 people may not be achievable;

and as such, no acceptable bids may be received; will appropriate sized and scoped vessels meeting USCG requirements be considered and/or a reduction in the number of passengers be acceptable to meet USCG regulations?

Yes, however the vessel must fit into the existing boat dock slip without alterations to the dock. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to confirm the vessel will fit.

6. 4.3 17

Per: “Minimum 5 foot sealed and close cell foam filled sections” ‐ is this presented requirement consistent with USCG requirements?

This will be determined by the Manufacturer.

7. 4.3 17

Per: “Vessel Draft fully loaded not to exceed 16 inches” with 42 passenger (40 passengers and 2 crew members) listed capacity (at USCG 185 pound per person); will the presented hull design physically allow a 16” draft to be achievable, an unladen vessel drafts at ~10 inches? Why would non‐feasible requirements be presented on a vessel prior to USCG stability test requirements which determine the passenger rating? Note 42 passengers at 185 pounds is 7,770 pounds and this does not include the additional weights of two battery powered wheelchairs which can add 400 pounds; this will be over 8,000 pounds (8,170 pounds) which is over 4 tons. Without performing full calculations it is doubtful that either draft or capacity can be achieved with a 30’x10’ vessel; additionally, this appears to be underpowered when equipped with a prop guard if/when the unit is wound with eel grass. Numerous aspects of this ITB may be unachievable as presented.

The ITB should be followed as outlined.

8. 4.3 17

Per: “Two‐Rail Safety System to prevent falls over the side of the vessel.” is this design acceptable to the USCG? Why would non‐acceptable USCG requirements be mandated on this vessel?

ADA requirements and general safety of the passengers.

Addendum No. 2 Page 3 of 6

9. 4.3 17

Per: “The Contractor shall provide one (1) new custom‐built fiberglass pontoon vessel at a minimum 30 feet in length and 10 feet in width passenger barge with a 60 Horsepower (HP) 4‐stroke gasoline powered…”, the term pontoon is also referred to a passenger barge. What specific hull design is requested/required? Fiberglass (spontoon) ‐ catamaran, Pontoon (round), barge (flat)? Is a 60 Horsepower motor acceptable to USCG to power a fully loaded passenger vessel?

The bidder shall determine the best option for the type of floatation configuration utilizing the 60 HP engine outlined in the ITB.

10. 4.3 18

Per: “Port and Starboard Side Seating for 40 passengers”, the vessel presented size and configuration may not allow for this number of passengers; will the maximum number of passengers allowed by the USCG for this size vessel be acceptable?

Yes.

11. 4.3 18

Per: “(2) ADA Complaint Wheelchair locations in the very front of the vessel” – what is the maximum weight of the wheelchair with passenger to be used for calculations on weight distribution?

Approximately 400 Lbs./182 Kg. per unit.

12. 4.3 18

Per: “Center Aisle ADA”, please specify the exact distance required per the specified referenced ADA requirement?

36 Inches of free space for travel is the required minimum.

13. 4.3 18

Per: “(1) 60 HP 4‐Stroke Gasoline Powered Outboard Engine will be utilized as the power plant for this vessel” what is the minimum size acceptable motor that the USCG will allow on the specified vessel? Twin motors offer better handling and reliability will those be considered acceptable?

The ITB should be followed regarding HP ratings. Twin engines are NOT acceptable.

14. 4.3 18

Per: “The Contractor will provide electric tilt and trim features for all vessels.”, a vertical jack plate will allow the motor to be raised and lowered vertically to accommodate changes in high/low water conditions will those be considered for usage?

Yes.

Addendum No. 2 Page 4 of 6

15. 4.3 18

Per: “The Contractor will confirm the new vessel(s) will fit into the existing boat docks. No modifications or alterations of the existing docks is permitted.”, it is noted that no special accommodations are included for boarding/deboarding of wheelchairs, how will modifications to the dock, if needed, be addressed?

This item will be addressed by the owner and is not part of this ITB.

16. 4.3 18

Per: “The Contractor shall be responsible to place all new FDEP purchased vessels into the water at Wakulla Springs State Park. This may require special lifting equipment and the Contractor should review the existing boat launch conditions in advance.”, there are numerous costs/fallacies/issues associated with requiring vessels to be lifted with a crane and placed on a flatbed trailer and towed with a large truck each time they are to be serviced off site. Including in this issue is the antiquated and dangerous rail/cable system that is used to pull vessels. Vessels should be launched and retrieved by standard boat trailer to assure routine and appropriate maintenance. This listed requirement is symptomatic of why the last vessels failed due to neglect and deferred maintenance. Emplacing vessels via a trailer is a cost effective, practical, reasonable and simple method why is this method not being used?

No trailer launching locations are available.

17. 4.3 18

Per: “The Contractor shall be responsible for all transportation and delivery costs to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs, Florida for up to four

(4) vessels.”, are these vessels to be identical, even if not acceptable by the USCG standards?

All vessels shall be identical.

18. 4.3 18

Per: “NO trailers will be purchased for any vessel.”, emplacing vessels via a single trailer is a cost effective, practical, reasonable and simple method, especially to have routine maintenance performed and for USCG inspections, why is this standard method placing vessels on a trailer not being used?

See answer to Question #16.

19. 4.3 18

Per: “Provide a diagram of the vessel showing the top, side, front, and rear‐view. Top view to show seating arrangements, control location, operators seating, length, and width.”, will alternate size and arranged vessels which are acceptable to the USCG to be considered?

See answer to Question #5.

Addendum No. 2 Page 5 of 6

20. 4.3 18

Per: “Please note: these vessels will operate in freshwater conditions and all anodes will be magnesium. No Aluminum or Zinc anodes will be accepted.” The type of anodes specified are supplied by the motor manufacturer and are changed out as part of routine maintenance; this specification appears to be related to anodes for aluminum hull boats. Will use of recommended anodes be acceptable?

Yes, if the anodes are for use in a freshwater environment.

21. 4.3 18

Per: “All outboard motors shall be equipped with a Prop Guard.”, does DEP have a recommended prop guard to be used?

Utilize a prop guard that provides maximum protection to the water wildlife and will not diminish performance of the engine or the vessel’s ability to move and maneuver in all directions.

22. 4.3 19

Per: “Invoicing and Payment. The Contractor shall invoice the Department at the fixed price as stated in the Contract.”, numerous upfront costs for obtaining finalized quotes due to material cost fluctuations, marine architectural designs, commitment funding, and delivery funding is required; this fixed price will require sequential draws, is this process acceptable?

No.

23. Form D 29

The Description states aluminum pontoon vessel and the ITB states fiberglass – this is assumed to be fiberglass vessel, correct?

Fiberglass is correct. Form D has been revised and is attached below.

In accordance with Section 2.6, Addenda/Amendments to the ITB, the Department hereby formally amends the Solicitation. The amendment is indicated in blue with strikethrough for deletions and underlines for additions.

– Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank –

Addendum No. 2 Page 6 of 6

STATE OF FLORIDA

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

PRICE SHEET

REVISED FORM D – PER ADDENDUM #2

Pricing must be all‐inclusive (transportation, permitting, warranty, etc.) as outlined in the Scope of Work. Failure to provide a price will result in the Bid being deemed Non‐Responsive at the sole discretion of the Department. The Department reserves the right to go to the next lowest responsive Bidder should the lowest Bidder be unable to meet the terms and conditions of the

ITB.

The Department reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to purchase additional vessels at the contracted price provided below for up to three (3) additional vessels for a total of no more than four (4) vessels.

*** Used to develop the recommendation of award in accordance with Section 2.3.3 of the ITB

Name of Respondent/Company

Printed/Typed Name of Authorized Signatory and Title

Signature Date

Footnotes, notations, and exceptions made to this form will not be considered.

DESCRIPTION FIXED PRICE

All‐inclusive price for one (1) new custom‐built aluminum fiberglass (per Addendum #2) pontoon vessel as described within the Scope of Work.