FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

Airboat Build with Engine

FWC 25/26-44

INVITATION TO BID

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for the fabrication of a complete heavy duty airboat to be used by the Commission, per the specifications contained herein. Only responsive and responsible Contractors will be considered for award of this Invitation to Bid (ITB).

Responsive: To be responsive, a bid must constitute a definite, firm, unqualified and unconditional offer to meet all of the material terms of this ITB. Material terms are those that could affect the price, quantity, quality, or delivery. Also included as material terms are those which are clearly identified in this ITB and which, for reasons of policy, must be complied with at risk of bid rejection for non-responsiveness.

Non-Responsive: Any submission that does not comply with this ITB in any way, does not contain all the properly signed forms, supplements or deviates from the Bid requirements or has an incomplete Price Sheet may be considered nonresponsive at the discretion of the Procurement Manager.

Responsible Vendors: The Commission shall only consider responsible vendors. Responsible vendors are those that have, in the sole judgment of the Commission, the financial ability, experience, resources, skills, capability, reliability and business integrity necessary to perform the requirements of the contract. The Commission may also consider references and quality to determine the responsibility of the bid. The Commission reserves the right to use any information, whether supplied through the Bidder’s submission or otherwise obtained, in determining responsibility.

Sealed Bid: In response to an Invitation to Bid (ITB), a sealed bid is the final submission of a bid from a vendor prior to the bid deadline, after which no further submissions will be considered.

Rejection of Bids: The Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any minor irregularity in the submissions received in response to this ITB. The Commission reserves the right to consider all information, whether submitted or otherwise, to determine responsiveness and responsibility and to reject bids accordingly.

Name of Business: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Business Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State: _____________________________ Zip code: ______________________________________

Phone: ___________________________ Fax: _______________________________ Email: ______________________________________

Federal Employer Identification Number: ____________________ Contractor’s License Number: _______________________________

The undersigned attest to the following:

“We understand all of the terms, conditions and the specifications contained herein and agree to abide by all of the terms, conditions and the specifications in their entirety.

Authorized Signature (Manual): ________________________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature Name (Typed) and Title: __________________________________________________________________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-44, Page 3 of 64

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 25/26-44

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised January 26, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

Deadline for Questions

Must be received PRIOR to:

February 2, 2026

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Solicitation Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions February 5, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

SEALED BIDS DUE

(REMEMBER: The bid number should be clearly marked on envelope)

Must be received PRIOR to:

February 12, 2026

@ 3:30 PM ET

Mailing Address:

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Attn: Purchasing 1875 Orange Ave E Tallahassee, Florida 32311-6160

Submissions are due BEFORE the date and time of the public opening.

Public Bid Opening February 12, 2026

@ 3:30 PM ET

Public Opening Options for Attendance:

-In Person- 1875 Orange Ave E Tallahassee, FL 32311-6160

-Teleconference- Conference call phone number:

1.888.585.9008

Conference room number: 218-721-199

Anticipated Date of Intended Award February 17, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

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GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 25/26-44

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC or Commission) mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. The Commission administers six (6) major programs including habitat and species conservation, freshwater fisheries management, law enforcement, marine fisheries management, hunting and game management and fish and wildlife research.

A Bidder submitting a bid shall be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and where required, the Sunbiz system prior to the bid opening. Business entities which must be on file with Sunbiz include the following foreign and domestic entities: Corporations for and not for profit, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Limited Partnerships (LP) including Limited Liability Limited Partnerships (LLLP), and organizations doing business under a fictitious name (DBA). A Bidder may not be considered for an award, if not registered in the MFMP and Sunbiz system. The Bidder’s registration address and federal employer identification (FEID) number should match the Bidder’s address and FEID number listed on the Bidder Acknowledgment form (page 2).

Certified Minority-owned, Woman-owned and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, as certified by the State of Florida Office of Supplier Development, are encouraged by the Commission to participate in the bidding process.

Bids from Bidders shall include all necessary equipment to complete the job. The bidder is required to supply all specified documentation when submitting a bid for this project.

Please note:

The terms “Contract,” “Agreement” and “Purchase Order” are used interchangeably in the document.

The terms “Commodities” and “Goods” are used interchangeably in the document.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PUR 1000 and PUR1001 are hereby incorporated by reference. PUR1000 and PUR1001 can be found at the Department of Management Services website at the following link:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purc hasing_pur_forms

The following terms and conditions take precedence over the PUR1001 and PUR1000 forms where applicable. The Commission objects to and shall not consider any additional terms or conditions submitted by a Bidder or Contractor, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a Bidder’s response.

In signing and submitting its bid, a Bidder agrees that any additional terms or conditions, whether submitted intentionally or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect. Failure to comply with terms and conditions, including those specifying information that must be submitted with a bid, shall be grounds for rejecting a bid.

The terms and conditions of Attachment A, Purchase Order Terms and Conditions, are hereby incorporated into this solicitation. Any contract resulting from this solicitation will include the terms and conditions of this solicitation and the terms and conditions contained in Attachment A.

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PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Adrian Wiggins Adrian.Wiggins@myfwc.com

TERM

The contract will be effective one year upon issuance of Purchase Order.

If circumstances constituting Force Majeure have occurred, or if anything occurs beyond the Contractor’s control, the Contractor shall submit an extension request in writing. The Project Manager and Contract Manager will review the extension request and if they determine it is justified, will forward to the Bid Request Inbox (bidrequest@myfwc.com) for procurement review and approval/disapproval.

SUBCONTRACTS

Subcontracting IS NOT permitted pursuant to the Terms and Conditions of the Purchase Order.

DIVERSITY

The Commission is committed to supporting Florida’s diverse business industry and population through ensuring participation by minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises in the economic life of the state. The State of Florida Mentor Protégé Program connects minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises with private corporations for business development mentoring. We strongly encourage contractors doing business with the State of Florida to consider this initiative. For more information on the Mentor Protégé Program, please contact the Office of Supplier Development at (850) 487-0915 or osdinfo@dms.myflorida.com.

FWC encourages diversity in its procurement program and requests that all subcontracting opportunities afforded by this solicitation enthusiastically embrace diversity. The award of subcontracts should reflect the vast array of citizens in the State of Florida. Bidders can visit the Office of Supplier Development website for information on certified business enterprises that may be considered for subcontracting opportunities. However, pursuant to Section 287.05701 F.S., the Commission may not request documentation of or consider a vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the vendor is a responsible vendor, nor give preference to a vendor based on the vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests.

VERBAL INSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

Bidders may not consider any verbal instructions as binding upon the Commission. No negotiations, discussions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the Bidder as a result of any discussion with any Commission employee. Only those communications from the Commission that are in writing, may be considered as a duly authorized expression on behalf of the Commission.

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

Any questions from Bidders that require an official FWC answer concerning this project shall be submitted in writing to the Procurement Manager. This includes specification inquiries, such as questions or requests for additional or altered terms and conditions. Questions to the Procurement Manager shall not constitute formal protest of the specifications or of the solicitation. Questions must be received no later than the date and time specified in the Calendar of Events (Page 3). Questions may be sent via email with the solicitation number in the subject line. It is the responsibility of the bidder to confirm receipt of questions if needed.

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If questions are received, an addendum will be issued and shall be posted on the Vendor Information Portal (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com).

LIMITATION ON BIDDER CONTACT DURING SOLICITATION PERIOD

Bidders to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the Commission posting the notice of intended award, (i.e., the 72-hour posting period excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays) any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Manager or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

BIDDER SPECIFICATION CHALLENGE

Any protest concerning the specifications of this solicitation shall be made in accordance with PUR1001, paragraph 20, “Protests”. A notice of protest of the solicitation documents shall be made within seventy-two hours after the posting of the solicitation. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3)(b), F.S., shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

ADDENDUMS

If the Commission finds it necessary to supplement, modify or interpret any portion of the specifications or documents or answer any Bidder questions during the ITB period an addendum shall be posted on the Vendor Information Portal internet site. Each Bidder is responsible for monitoring the Vendor Information Portal website (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com) for new or changing information relative to this procurement. The Commission bears no responsibility for any delays, or resulting impacts, associated with a Bidder’s failure to obtain the information made available through the Vendor Information Portal.

BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT

In order for this bid to be valid, the bid must be completed in its entirety, signed by the Bidder and returned, as part of the bid or the bid will be rejected. By affixing your signature to the ITB Bidder Acknowledgement Form (page 2), the Bidder hereby states that the Bidder has read all bid specifications and conditions and agrees to all terms, conditions, provisions, specifications, and is currently licensed to do business within the State of Florida, if required by State or Federal Law, for the services or commodities the Bidder will provide the Commission under these bid specifications.

REFERENCES

Each prospective Bidder shall provide a minimum of three (3) references for similar projects completed.

Current contact names and phone numbers shall be included with the bid package. See the attached references form for more detail.

EQUAL BIDS

In the event that there is no multiple award contemplated in the ITB, and the Commission receives equal bids eligible for award, the Commission will comply with the following, as applicable: sections 287.057(12), 287.082, 287.087,287.092, 295.187(4)(a), and 295.187(4)(b), F.S. In order to clarify the Bidders’ status with regard to the applicable statutory preference requirements, the Commission may request information from Bidders with equal bids. A Bidder will not be permitted to amend or supplement its Bid in response to such request for clarification. If the tie has not been broken by application of the aforementioned statutes, the Commission will proceed with a random selection to decide the award.

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SUPPORTING/SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The Commission requires that bidders submit all required technical, specification, and other supporting information with their bid, so that a detailed analysis and determination can be made, by the Contract Manager that the product/service offered meets this ITB’s specifications and that other requirements of this ITB have been met. However, provided a bid meets the requirements for a definite, firm, unqualified, and unconditional offer, the Commission reserves the right to request supplemental information from the bidder after the bids have been opened to ensure that the products/services offered completely meet this ITB’s requirements. The requirement for such supplemental information will be at the reasonable discretion of the Commission and may include the requirement that a bidder will provide a sample product(s) so that the Commission can make a first-hand examination and determination.

A bidder's failure to provide this supplemental information or the product sample(s), within the time set by the Commission, will cause the Commission to consider the Contractor non-responsive and reject the Contractor’s bid.

CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLIC RECORDS LAW

Bidders are cautioned that Florida law generously defines what constitutes a public record and grants broad rights of public access to those records; see, for example, section 119.07, F.S. If a Bidder believes that its response contains information that is confidential or exempt from disclosure under Florida Law, the Bidder shall clearly segregate and mark that information (for example, stamp each page "Confidential" and place it in an envelope marked "Confidential") and briefly describe in writing the grounds and specific legal citations for claiming exemption from the public records law. If after the notice of intended decision or thirty

(30) days after bid opening, whichever is earlier, the Commission receives a public record request related to the solicitation, the Commission will provide copies of public records that are not exempt to the requester.

The Commission will endeavor to provide notice to the Bidder of all public records requests received related to documents provided by the Bidder that were marked pursuant to this paragraph. In no event shall the Bidder hold the Commission or any of its employees or agents liable for disclosing, or otherwise failing to protect the confidentiality of, information submitted in response to this solicitation.

MAILING INSTRUCTIONS

All bids shall be submitted in a SEALED ENVELOPE addressed to:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Attn: Purchasing 1875 Orange Ave E Tallahassee, Florida 32311-6160.

The envelope shall be plainly marked on the outside with: BID NUMBER, DATE AND TIME OF THE BID

OPENING.

THE COMMISSION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPENING OF ANY ENVELOPES THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY

MARKED.

PLEASE NOTE: The Commission’s official business hours of operation are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ET, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays. Selecting delivery services, such as next day first delivery, may result in attempted delivery prior to opening or closing, and the Commission will not be available to accept those deliveries. THE COMMISSION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LATE SUBMISSIONS DUE TO COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO SELECTED DELIVERY SERVICES . DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS SHALL BE DEEMED NON -RESPONSIVE

AND SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED .

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SOLICITATION PUBLIC OPENING

The public opening of this bid will be conducted at the date, time and method specified on the Calendar of Events (Page 3). BIDS RECEIVED AFTER THE SPECIFIED DATE AND TIME WILL BE REJECTED.

Any person with a qualified disability shall not be denied equal access and effective communication regarding any bid/proposal documents or the attendance at any related meeting or bid/proposal opening. If accommodations are needed because of a disability, please contact the Purchasing Section at (850) 488-6551 at least three (3) workdays prior to the opening.

AWARDED BID/INSPECTION

The Commission will award the bid to the responsive, responsible bidder who submits the lowest bid price.

If deemed necessary, an interview with the bidder by the Contract Manager may be required before the bid is awarded.

The Commission reserves the right to inspect the prospective Contractor’s materials and background record prior to making an award of the Contract. If the Contract Manager determines the lowest bidder does not have sufficient experience, equipment, etc. to meet the specifications of this ITB, the Commission reserves the right to reject the bidder and evaluate the next lowest bidder.

POSTING OF BID TABS

Bid Tabulations with Contractors identified as awarded bidders will be posted electronically as Agency Decisions on the Department of Management Services Vendor Information Portal as a Public Notice. The Agency Decision may be viewed at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com, and will remain posted for a period of 72 hours. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3)(b), F.S., shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

Awarded Bidders are instructed not to proceed until a Purchase Order, Formal Written Contract, Lease, Notice to Proceed, or some other form of written notice is given to the Contractor by the Commission. A company or person who proceeds prior to receiving a Purchase Order, Formal Written Contract, Lease, Notice to Proceed, or some other form of written notice from the Commission does so without a contract and at their own risk.

Sealed bids, proposals, or replies received by an agency pursuant to a competitive solicitation are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of an intended decision or until thirty (30) days after opening the bids, proposals, or final replies, whichever is earlier.

SCOPE CHANGES AFTER CONTRACT EXECUTION

The Commission shall provide written notice to the successful bidder thirty (30) days in advance of any Commission required changes to the technical specifications and/or scope of service that affect the successful bidder’s ability to provide the service as specified herein. Any changes that are other than purely administrative changes will require a change order.

FWC CONTRACT MANAGER

The FWC employee identified as the Contract Manager shall perform the following on behalf of the FWC:

review, verify, and approve receipt of services/deliverables from the Contractor;

submit requests for change orders/amendments/renewals, if applicable;

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-44, Page 9 of 64 review, verify, and approve invoices from the Contractor; and, if applicable, complete the Certificate of Contract Completion form; and maintain an official record of all correspondence between the Commission and the Contractor and forward the original correspondence to the Procurement Manager for the official file.

DELIVERABLES

The following services or service tasks are identified as deliverables for the purposes of the subsequent Contract:

a. Performance of all services set forth in the Scope of Work.

b. Submission of all invoicing, supporting documentation, Corrective Action Plans and reports.

NOTICE TO PROCEED

The awarded Bidder shall not initiate work under this contract until the required documentation been received by the Commission. The Contractor may begin work once it has received an official written Notice to Proceed (Attachment #) from the Contract Manager.

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

If the Contractor fails to complete the work or the conditions of the Purchase Order and/or Change Orders by the completion date, the Commission shall have the right to deduct liquidated damages from any amount due and payable to the Contractor. Liquidated damages shall be assessed in the amount of $100.00 per calendar day of delay. Exceptions to this provision may be made if a delay is attributable to circumstances that are clearly beyond the control of the Contractor. The burden of proof of unavoidable delay shall rest with the Contractor and shall be supplied in a written form and submitted to the Contract Manager.

WARRANTIES/DAMAGED ITEMS/DELIVERY

The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for providing or ensuring warranty coverage and/or warranty service on any and all items including goods, materials, or equipment provided to the Commission.

If Contractor is not the Manufacturer, all Manufacturer warranties must be passed through to the Commission.

Delivery shall be made no later than the specified Delivery Date. The Contractor shall pay all costs associated with delivery and shall assume full responsibility for all item(s) damaged prior to the F.O.B.

destination delivery and agree to hold harmless the Commission of all responsibility for prosecuting damage claims.

The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for replacement of all defective or damaged goods within thirty (30) days of notice by the Commission of such defect or damage.

GUARANTEE

If products do not comply with the specifications contained herein, the Contractor shall replace the product(s), or the purchase price shall be refunded. The refund or the delivery of the replacement product(s) shall be made within thirty (30) days following the Contract Manager’s notification to the Contractor that the original product(s) was non-compliant. Costs of returning the original product(s) will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

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MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT ON COMMISSION PROPERTY

If the Commission allows the Contractor to have project materials or equipment delivered to and/or stored upon the Commission-managed or owned property before, during, or after the term of the project, the Contractor will be fully and solely responsible for all expenses and liability incurred as a result of the delivery or storage. Should the Commission, in its sole discretion, determine that any project materials or equipment stored on its property must be moved in response to an emergency, the Contractor shall hold harmless, indemnify, defend, and may be responsible for costs of any reasonably necessary actions taken by the Commission.

AUTHORIZED COMPENSATION

It is understood and agreed that all compensation under this ITB is specifically limited to the Contractor’s bid price accepted by the Commission, and to the specific procedure for payment established in this ITB and the Purchase Order executed pursuant to it. The Commission is not liable for any costs, fees, expenses or any other compensation whatsoever incurred or charged by the Contractor, other than the bid price paid for the work specifically described in the Scope of Work, which work is actually accomplished and invoiced by the Contractor subsequent to the Commission’s notice to proceed (or other notice to begin work). Thus, the Commission is not liable for any costs incurred or charged by the Contractor in anticipation of responding to, or performing work described in, this ITB including, but not limited to, equipment or personnel procured by the Contractor in anticipation of such work. The Commission is not responsible to the Contractor for any loss or damages resulting from circumstances unforeseen at the time of publication of this ITB including, but not limited to, those resulting from a “force majeure”.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL REQUIREMENT

All corporations seeking to do business with the State shall, at the time of submitting a bid, be on file with the Department of State in accordance with provisions of Chapter 607, F.S.; similarly, partnerships seeking to do business with the State shall, at the time of submitting such bid, have complied with the applicable provisions of Chapter 620, F.S. For further information on required filing and forms, please go to the following sites: http://sunbiz.org or http://dos.myflorida.com.

USE OF CONTRACT BY OTHER STATE AGENCIES AND ELIGIBLE USERS

As provided in Chapter 60A-1.045, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), and Section 287.042(16), F.S., other State of Florida agencies may purchase from the resulting contract of this ITB, provided that the Department of Management Services has determined the contract’s use is cost effective and in the best interest of the State, and with the Contractor’s consent.

Other State of Florida governmental entities and eligible users may also request of the Contractor to be able to use this contract. If the Contractor agrees to other entities to utilize this ITB contract, such agencies shall coordinate their use of this contract with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in order to reduce scheduling conflicts.

CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The bidder is required to examine carefully the conditions and specifications of this bid and to be thoroughly informed regarding any and all requirements of the conditions and specifications.

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SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 25/26-44

AIRBOAT BUILD WITH ENGINE

PURPOSE

The intent of these specifications is to describe and establish construction requirements for a heavy-duty airboat to be used by the COMMISSION as a workboat. The airboat shall be capable of transporting people in continuous operation during both high and low water conditions. The airboat will be used in harsh conditions.

The airboat required and covered by these specifications shall be the manufacture's latest basic production model and shall be equipped with all new standard equipment in accordance with the manufacture's latest literature, a copy of which must accompany the bidder’s response along with any and all specifications necessary to verify that the unit either meets or exceeds each and every of the following: complete hull, engine cage, rudders, controls, elevated seating for five (5) occupants, 525 horsepower, 7.4L Levitator MS.70 airboat engine with propeller, produced by a manufacturer of airboats that has been in the business of constructing airboats for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months and has constructed a minimum of twenty (20) airboats since the company was established.

An existing Commission trailer will be provided to the manufacturer for this airboat build. The trailer provided is a 2015 Ram-Lin tandem axle aluminum airboat trailer designed to fit a 15’ x 8’ airboat.

1. INITIAL TERM COMPLETION DATE

Project shall be completed by the Contractor by May 22, 2026.

2. GENERAL

A. The airboat shall be fully operational upon delivery.

B. The airboat shall conform to all federal, state, and marine safety regulations.

C. The airboat shall meet eligibility for State of Florida Marine Vessel Registration.

D. The airboat shall be constructed in accordance with or exceed industry standards for this type of vessel.

The use of reconditioned or used parts will not be accepted.

E. Marine Grade Aluminum Alloy to be used.

3. BOAT CONSTRUCTION

3.1. New fifteen (15) foot aluminum hull (one (1) piece bottom – NO splicing).

3.2. Eight (8) foot beam width.

3.3. Minimum, twenty-four (24) inch gunnel height at midship.

3.4. Minimum twenty-two (22) inch height of transom. Transom to have a minimum ten-inch (10”) splash guard extending to rear across entire width of stern.

3.5. Rolled non trip chine. Raised outside edge at radius. Lifting and turning strakes welded to hull.

3.6. Minimum 36" covered foredeck coated with a gray colored non-skid finish and lockable underdeck storage.

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3.7. Lockable underdeck storage with a flush mounted aluminum deck lid, framed with two-inch (2”) aluminum channel with two (2) drain tubes extended into hull.

3.8. Minimum 6” wide walking boards on airboat sides to allow for easy access to rear seats.

3.9. Walking boards to have the same gray non-skid finish as specified for the covered foredeck.

3.10. Foredeck to be strengthened as necessary to provide adequate support for two, 200 lb. persons.

3.11. Deck and sides to be of minimum 0.125" 5052 marine alloy aluminum; bottom and transom to be of minimum 0.190: 6061-T6 aluminum.

3.12. Hull braces shall be evenly spaced across bottom and consist of a minimum of 7 (seven)-longitudinal T-bars 2” X 2” X ¼” 6061- T6 aluminum w/ 0.190 aluminum gussets on every T-Bar at transom.

3.13. A minimum of 1-3" Aluminum I-beam cross brace at midship.

3.14. Two 1.5” threaded aluminum drain plug ports shall be welded where the transom meets the hull bottom and fitted with threaded 1.5” National Pipe Thread (NPT, coarse thread) cleanout plugs.

4. POLYMER

4.1. Exterior hull bottom shall be form fitted with a minimum of ¼” thick Ultra High Molecular Weight Polymer (one piece).

4.2. Polymer shall extend the full width and length of the hull, and shall be siliconized-crack resistant from within 8 inches (8”) of bow to stern section.

4.3. Polymer sheet joints shall have a 45-degree angle overlap so that the forward section overlaps the aft section.

4.4. Polymer shall be fastened to the hull utilizing stainless steel screws with countersunk heads tapped into the aluminum hull.

4.5. Polymer screws shall be arranged, at a minimum, 3" on center along the outside edges and 5" X 6" pattern in all remaining areas.

4.6. Ends of the screws shall be flush with or not more than 1/16” above the floor of the boat.

5. SEATING- (REAR SEAT OPERATION)

5.1. Operator port and side passenger (starboard) “fat man” style seat mounted centered, to the rear of, and a minimum of 8” above passenger bench seat.

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5.2. Operator seat and side passenger seat shall include fully enclosed storage compartments(s) underneath the seats constructed of aluminum with front access door with flush mounted latch.

Storage cabinets shall be powder coated black.

5.3. Separate three (3)-passenger “fat man” bench seat mounted in front of and centered on the operator and side passenger seats.

5.4. Bench seat and operator seat/side passenger seat shall be independently welded structures with the bench seat and stand separate from engine stand and easily removable.

5.5. Passenger bench seat shall include a storage area underneath that is constructed with 13-gauge stainless wire 1” X 2” welded wire mesh, welded at each contact point with the seat bracing.

5.6. Seats to be covered with removable gray vinyl material.

5.7. Seats shall include matching grey weather resistant rain covers.

5.8. All seat framing, and bracing material is to be of three-quarter inch (3/4”) and one-inch (1”) 0.065 stainless-steel tubing.

5.9. All foot rests shall be covered with solid 1/8” aluminum or stainless steel plate with stainless steel support framing underneath. Minimum of 8” between foot rest and front fore deck. All foot rests shall be covered with gray non-skid surface.

5.10. Handholds shall be installed on bottom of each side of passenger seats and one (1) on driver’s seat for safety (can vary if instrument cluster arrangement does not allow this).

5.11. All stainless-steel construction.

6. PROPELLER GUARD

6.1. The framework is to be constructed of 1” 0.065 stainless steel tubing, covered with 12-gauge stainless wire 2” X 4” mesh.

6.2. Wire to be welded to framing at all contact points. In lieu of stainless wire 2” X 4” mesh on a portion of the guard, stainless steel expanded metal shall be placed on sides of the propeller guard closest to the stern and up to the fourth J-bar to protect from objects entering the guard.

6.3. There shall be a minimum 3" clearance for the propeller guard, sides and the bottom of the boat.

6.4. The propeller guard shall completely enclose the engine and propeller area.

6.5. Propeller guard shall have one starboard-side and one port-side access door for maintenance accessibility, of identical metal tubing and wire mesh as the rest of the propeller guard.

6.6. Doors shall be hinged and have gas shock struts and latching devices.

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6.7. The propeller guard shall have three (3) steps that are above and centered on the rear operator/passenger seat(s). The first step shall be even with the top of the operator/passenger seat(s).

The second step shall be midway between the first and third step and the third step shall be even with the top of the propeller guard. Each step shall measure fifteen (15) inches wide and thirteen (13) inches deep. Each step shall be supported by stainless steel tubing that is welding to the framing tubes of the propeller guard.

6.8. One (1) set of LED flood lights, minimum size 4.25” X 3”, shall be mounted inside and on port and starboard sides of propeller guard, below the top of the guard.

6.9. Stern navigational light shall be mounted inside and centered at top of propeller guard.

6.10. The propeller guard is to be built so that it can be removed from the engine stand for engine service.

6.11. Flag mounting bracket/hardware shall be installed and positioned so it is easily accessible from the driver’s seat.

6.12. All stainless-steel construction.

7. ENGINE STAND

7.1. The framework is to be constructed of one and one-quarter inch (1 ¼”) by one and one-quarter inch (1 ¼”), 0.065 wall stainless steel tubing.

7.2. Engine is to be mounted at a minimum of four points. Prothane mounts (front) and Moog mounts (rear), or approved equivalents. All mounts shall be shock mounted to prevent vibration.

7.3. Mounting brackets shall be incorporated into engine stand for fuel tank and dual battery rack.

7.4. All stainless-steel construction.

8. STEERING

8.1. To be 3/8” stainless steel Teleflex, or equivalent, cable steering with left hand directional control stick, with stainless steel hems joints.

8.2. Directional control stick shall have an aluminum billet steering grip.

8.3. Steering cable shall be mounted and secured inside the propeller guard using stainless steel hardware at fixed mounting points.

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9. THROTTLE

9.1. Livorsi electronic throttle control installed per engine manufacturer’s specifications.

9.2. Pedal stop located for use with the operator’s right foot.

10. FUEL TANK

10.1. Constructed, at a minimum, of 0.125” 5052 marine alloy and to hold approximately 40 gallons, with electric fuel sender.

10.2. Fuel tank shall meet or exceed Coast Guard and airboat industry standards.

10.3. Fuel tank filler neck shall be accessible from ground level.

10.4. Fuel tank filler hose shall be placed so that the flow of fuel into the fuel tank is not impeded.

10.5. All fuel lines shall be marine grade and meet Coast Guard and airboat industry standards.

10.6. All fuel openings (filler, vent) to be located at least 18” above the tank.

10.7. Fuel tank mounted in shock absorbing rubber.

11. RUDDERS

11.1. Boat shall have two (2), forty-eight-inch (48") airfoil design rudders, with urethane foam filling for rigidity, constructed of welded aluminum and each shall have a trim tab.

11.2. Each rudder shall have three-eights (3/8”) diameter stainless-steel rods and nylon bushing, to be fitted with polymer bushings located at top and bottom of each rudder.

11.3. Rudders shall be connected to one another at the bottom with three-eighths inch (3/8”) diameter stainless rods and nylon bushings.

11.4. Steering cable attachment points to the rudder shall be located on the bottom of rudders.

11.5. Rudders should have a field of turn of at least 130 degrees and a maximum acute angle of the turning rudder of 25 degrees.

12. INSTRUMENTATION

12.1. Instrumentation and control panel of aluminum box type construction to be mounted between operators and passenger’s seat. Construction of instrumentation and control panel must be safely within the driver’s reach and easily visible while seated. Panel shall be powder coated black.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-44, Page 16 of 64

12.2. Lighted instrumentation to include oil temperature, water temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter, hour meter, gas gauge, and tachometer wired and connected.

12.3. Kill switch, keyed ignition and three (3) two position black rubber booted toggle switches to be installed and connected to running lights, spotlights, and bilge pumps. Two (2) additional two-position switches shall be installed for future accessories to be installed on boat.

12.4. All switches shall be marine grade and labeled to function.

12.5. Control panel shall include two 12-volt “cigarette lighter” style plugs.

12.6. All electrical equipment shall be inoperable when keyed ignition is in “OFF” position.

12.7. Instrument and control panel shall have a vinyl, weather resistant rain cover matching the gray color of the seat covers.

Note: Electric fuel pump wiring should be connected to the ignition switch so there is no chance that fuel is being pumped with the ignition switch in the off position.

13. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13.1. 12-volt system with dual batteries controlled by a marine battery selector switch capable of isolating an individual battery or utilizing both batteries at once.

13.2. All necessary wiring to be included and shall be fuse protected and enclosed in convoluted high abrasive tubing.

13.3. Approved running lights and Coast Guard approved navigation lights shall be installed and tested.

13.4. Two (2) maintenance-free marine batteries, minimum 650 marine cranking amps, including plastic batter boxes with tie-downs, shall be installed.

13.5. Battery rack shall be mounted twelve-inches to fifteen-inches (12”-15”) above the inside floor of the hull, at the front end of the engine stand.

14. HARDWARE

14.1. All hardware including, but not limited to nuts, bolts, washers, screws, rivets, hinges and hose clamps shall be made of marine grade stainless steel.

14.2. All fastening hardware shall be of nylon locknut type, where possible.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-44, Page 17 of 64

15. BILGE PUMPS

15.1. Two (2) 2000 gallon per hour bilge pumps mounted one on the port and one on the starboard side with 1 1/8” discharge hose each with through hull discharge.

15.2. Pumps may be connected to the same switch on the instrument panel.

16. GRASS RAKE

16.1. Thirty-six inch (36”) solid aluminum grass rake with step having non-skid grey finish, side navigation lights, and flush mount/recessed pull-up bow cleat in the center of the top step.

16.2. Grass rake shall be easily removable.

16.3. Design shall include “cushion-type-fail-first” construction to protect the hull in case of impact.

16.4. Shall include covered hull nose roll.

17. PAINT

17.1. All aluminum and stainless-steel metal works shall be left unpainted, with the exception of the interior of hull and grass rake which shall be painted matching black webbing.

17.2. Gray non-skid paint shall be applied to the front deck, foot rests, grass rake step, and side walking boards.

17.3. Instrument panel and enclosed storage area under front operator and passenger seat shall be painted black powder coat.

17.4. All non-aluminum and non-stainless steel, ferrous metal work shall be painted black powder coat.

Note: Metal framework is of stainless-steel construction and should not require painting. Hull and rigging shall be left bare aluminum/stainless steel. The only surfaces to be painted are the interior of the hull, the grass rake, the front deck, foot rests, grass rake step, and walking boards. The interior of the hull and grass rake shall be finished with black webbing, while the front deck, foot rests, grass rake step, and walking boards shall be coated with non-skid deck paint. Paint color should be gray or closest equivalent.

18. ENGINE

18.1. New 7.4-liter Levitator Performance Airboat Engines MS.70 (525 HP) engine with aluminum heads and intake manifold or equivalent, water cooled.

18.2. The engine should have and include an EPA Certification.

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18.3. Engine is to be fitted with 2.3 to 1 belt drive reduction unit or equivalent.

18.4. Exhaust system to be stainless steel flex pipe attached to propeller guard above the deck and vented at the rear of the hull through stainless steel (baffled) mufflers.

18.5. New, minimum 60-amp alternator shall be included.

18.6. Engine shall have an electric starter, electric fuel pump and a water separated spin-on canister type fuel filter.

18.7. Engine is to be appropriately vented to prevent crankcase pressure.

19. PROPELLER

19.1. Shall be a Sensenich 4-blade carbon fiber wide propeller, or FWC staff approved equivalent, of the appropriate length and pitch to ensure maximum performance and engine life.

20. WATER COOLING SYSTEM

20.1. Heavy-duty large aluminum radiator (31” x 25”) with expanded metal radiator guard mounted to rear of radiator. Expanded metal shall be treated (e.g., wire-brushed) to remove any sharp edges.

20.2. Radiator shall be mounted inside propeller guard above the engine using rubber shock-mounts (with enough space to allow an engine cover to pass below) and have sufficient cooling capacity to maintain correct operating temperature under tropical conditions maximum engine load.

20.3. Shall include an aluminum expansion tank with sight window.

20.4. All hoses shall be Marine Premium Grade quality which meets or exceeds airboat industry standards.

21. OIL COOLER

21.1. Large (minimum 24” x 12”) heavy-duty oil cooler with stainless steel braided oil lines connected to engine and securely mounted inside propeller guard in such a way as to provide appropriate oil flow and cooling.

22. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

22.1. Each vendor doing business with the State shall be registered in the My Florida Marketplace System and enrolled in E-Verify.

22.2. Airboat shall be capable of launching, running, and loading on dry ground.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-44, Page 19 of 64

22.3. Upon completion and before acceptance by the State, a thorough inspection will be made of the hull, rigging, equipment and engine.

22.4. All components of boat must conform to the requirements of the best marine quality and marine practice for the intended service of the boat as a state boat in continual harsh service.

22.5. Airboat shall not porpoise (boat shall be set up as to not need a trim tab). A shim of appropriate size shall be used between the hull and polymer in addition to the lift design to prevent porpoising and need for a trim tab.

22.6. Manufacturer warrants the basic hull and non-engine components of the boat to be free from defects in material and workmanship under state use and service for a period of 1 year (12 months) after delivery date. Manufacturer's obligation to making good at its factory any part or parts thereof.

Airboat manufacturer warrants the engine and engine components to be free from defects in material and workmanship under state use and service for a period of 3 years (36 months) or 200-hour factory engine warranty, whichever comes first, after delivery date to include any replacement part(s) and associated repair costs at its factory. The above warranty provisions shall not apply to products that have been subject to misuse, negligence, or accident.

22.7. Upon delivery, the manufacturer shall provide owners/operators manuals that include break-in procedures, maintenance intervals and service policy as well as written warranty, invoice and Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (MCO). Airboat shall be accompanied by legal documents for State of Florida Registration. Boat weight shall be included in the MCO.

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Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-44, Page 20 of 64

PRICE SHEET

FWC 25/26-44

CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT ALTER THE PRICE SHEET IN ANY WAY.

Price quoted shall not contain any Federal or State sales or use taxes. The bidder recognizes that the State of Florida, by virtue of its sovereignty, is not required to pay taxes on services, goods and/or equipment purchased incident to such service. Quoted price shall include all necessary items to complete the project.

ALL ITEMS SHALL BE BID OR THE BID WILL BE REJECTED. THE BID WILL BE AWARDED TO

THE RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE BIDDER THAT SUBMITS THE LOWEST TOTAL PRICE.

MOTOR PRICE: $__________________________

HULL PRICE: $__________________________

TOTAL BID PRICE: (Motor + Hull) $__________________________

BY SIGNING BELOW, I ATTEST THAT I HAVE READ THE ENTIRE BID AND AGREE TO FURNISH

EACH ITEM AT THE PRICE QUOTED ABOVE. I HEREBY AFFIRM I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY

AGREEMENT OR COLLUSION AMONG BIDDERS IN RESTRAINT OF FREEDOM OF COMPETITION.

Contractor: ___________________________

Address: _____________________________

Signed: _______________________________

Print Name: __________________________

Title: ________________________________

Fax: _________________________________

City/State/Zip: ________________________

Telephone: ___________________________

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REFERENCES

A minimum of three (3) separate and verifiable references, from persons or firms for whom the bidder has performed similar jobs as per the bid specifications shall be supplied with the bid. The same client may not be listed for more than one (1) reference, and no more than one (1) of the submitted references shall be related to a past project where staff necessary for the current project were unaffiliated with the bidder and/or employed by a different company. If providing an unaffiliated reference, enter the information in Reference 4 - Collective Experience. The firms and/or contact persons should be available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. FWC staff will attempt to contact each selected reference by phone up to three (3) times. If any reference is not available as stated above, this may be cause for rejection of the Bidder’s bid. Provide a description (scope of work) of each job.

REFERENCE #1

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Telephone Number: _________________________

Project Dates for Work Performed (MM/YYYY): _________________________ to _________________________

Project Location: _________________________________________________________________________________

Brief description of the services performed for the project:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-44, Page 22 of 64

REFERENCE #2

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Telephone Number: _________________________

Project Dates for Work Performed (MM/YYYY): _________________________ to _________________________

Project Location: _________________________________________________________________________________

Brief description of the services performed for the project:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-44, Page 23 of 64

REFERENCE #3

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Telephone Number: _________________________

Project Dates for Work Performed (MM/YYYY): _________________________ to _________________________

Project Location: _________________________________________________________________________________

Brief description of the services performed for the project:

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