FWC24.25-36 ITB Final.pdf

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

INVITATION TO BID

FWC 24/25-36

15’ X 8’ NEW AIRBOAT NEW HULL, NEW ENGINE, AND NEW TRAILER

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for a new heavy-duty electro-fishing airboat which requires installation of specialized equipment including a 220-pound portable electric generator and 53-pound electrofishing box along with cables, booms, and safety equipment, 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 Companies: The Commission shall only consider responsible companies. Responsible companies 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.

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 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 2 of 55

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 24/25-36

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised October 22, 2024 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

Deadline for Questions

Must be received PRIOR to:

October 31, 2024

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Solicitation Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions November 6, 2024 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

SEALED BIDS DUE

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

Must be received PRIOR to:

November 13, 2024

@ 3:00 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 November 13, 2024

@ 3:00 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 November 20, 2024 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 3 of 55

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 24/25-36

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 1).

Certified Minority-owned, Woman-owned and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, as certified by the State of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity, 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 .

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 4 of 55

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Randy Golightly Randolph.Golightly@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 Diversity 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 Diversity website for information on certified business enterprises that may be considered for subcontracting opportunities.

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 2). 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.

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

mailto:bidrequest@myfwc.com?subject=Extension%20Request https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program mailto:osdinfo@dms.myflorida.com https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 5 of 55

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 1), 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.

IDENTICAL TIE BIDS

Preference shall be given to businesses with drug-free workplace programs. If two (2) or more bids which are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received by the State or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a bid received from a business that certifies that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program shall be given preference in the award process.

Contractors must complete the Identical Tie Bid / Drug Free Workplace form (Attachment B) provided and return it with their bid.

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 6 of 55 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.

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 2). BIDS RECEIVED AFTER THE SPECIFIED DATE AND TIME WILL BE REJECTED.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 7 of 55

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;

• review, verify, and approve invoices from the Contractor; and, if applicable, complete the

Certificate of Contract Completion form; and https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199/0119/Sections/0119.07.html

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 8 of 55

• 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.

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.

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 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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 9 of 55 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.

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

http://www.sunbiz.org/ http://dos.myflorida.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 10 of 55

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 24/25-36

15’ X 8’ NEW AIRBOAT NEW HULL, NEW ENGINE, AND NEW TRAILER

PURPOSE

The intent of this specification is to describe and establish construction requirements for a new heavy duty airboat to be used FWC by the COMMISSION as an electro-fishing airboat which requires installation of specialized equipment including a 220 pound portable electric generator and 53 pound electrofishing box along with cables, booms, and safety equipment. The intent is to purchase one (1) new hull, new engine, and new trailer meeting the listed specifications. The new airboat shall be capable of transporting two people in continuous operation through marshes during both high and low water conditions. This new airboat is intended to be used in harsh service.

The new airboat required and covered by this specification shall be the manufacturer’s latest basic production model and shall be equipped with all new standard equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s latest literature, a copy of which shall accompany the bid along with any and all specifications necessary to verify that the unit either meets or exceeds each and every of the following:

complete new hull, new engine cage, new rudders, new controls, elevated seating for two (2) occupants, 200 lbs of equipment (generator and electrofishing box), 525 horsepower, PCM 7.4L/454 cubic inch, General Motors LSX V-8 new engine, or approved equivalent new non-turbocharged marine airboat with new propeller, produced by a licensed airboat manufacturer that has been in the business of constructing new airboats for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months and has constructed a minimum of thirty (30) new airboats.

Item supplied shall include the following or it will not be accepted:

1. INITIAL TERM COMPLETION DATE

Project shall be completed by the Contractor by May 30, 2025.

2. GENERAL

2.1. The new airboat shall be fully operational upon delivery.

2.2. The new airboat shall be fully operational upon delivery.

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

2.4. The new airboat shall be constructed in accordance with or exceed industry standards for this type of vessel. Reconditioned or used parts will not be accepted.

2.5. New hull shall be constructed of Marine Grade Aluminum Alloy.

2.6. Because this is a commercial work boat with space needs; all required floatation is requested to be placed under the front foredeck.

3. BOAT CONSTRUCTION

3.1. Fifteen-foot (15’) Marine Grade Aluminum new hull (one [1] piece bottom, no splicing of new hull)

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 11 of 55

3.2. Eight-foot (8’) beam width.

3.3. Minimum twenty-four-inch (24”) gunwale height at mid-ship.

3.4. Minimum twenty-two-inch (22”) transom height with lip at top (splash guard) to extend back a minimum of ten inches (10”).

3.5. 0.190-inch 5086 Marine Grade Aluminum in bottom and transom.

3.6. 0.125-inch 5086 Marine Grade Aluminum sides and bulkhead.

3.7. Seven (7), 2” x 2” x ¼” aluminum T-bars on seven-inch (7”) centers, entire length of new hull.

3.8. Minimum six-foot six-inch (6’ 6”) bottom width, top beam a minimum of ninety-six inches (96”).

3.9. The bottom of sides shall have a twenty-degree (20°) chine turned down to aid in maneuverability.

3.10. All nuts, bolts and screws shall be stainless steel, except in engine stand where extra strength is needed.

3.11. Foredeck to extend back a minimum of thirty-six inches (36”) with non-skid grey finish to be strengthened as necessarily to adequately support two (2) 200-pound persons.

3.12. Foredeck equipped with flush mounted aluminum deck lid, framed with two-inch (2”) aluminum channel with two (2) drain tubes extended into hull.

3.13. Three-inch (3”) gunwale walk-around on each side with non-skid grey finish.

3.14. Heavy duty stainless steel bow eye, two and one-half inches (2 ½”) minimum.

3.15. Two (2) heavy duty stainless steel stern eyes, two and one-half inches (2 ½”) minimum.

3.16. All finishes shall be TIG welded.

3.17. Two (2), drain holes with plugs.

3.18. All required USGS floatation material shall be installed under the front foredeck.

4. POLYMER

4.1. New exterior hull bottom shall be fitted with black one-quarter inch (¼”) thick Ultra High Molecular Weight Polymer (one piece).

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

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 12 of 55

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

4.5. Polymer screws shall be arranged at a minimum three-inch (3”) centers along seams and outside edges, and a five-inch (5”) by six-inch (6”) pattern in all remaining areas.

4.6. Ends of the screws shall not extend more than one-sixteenth inch (1/16”) above the floor of the new hull.

5. SEATING

5.1. New operator (port) and side passenger (starboard) “fat man” style seats twenty inch (20”) in width.

5.2. New operator and side passenger seats shall include a waterproof storage area under both driver and passenger seats constructed with aluminum with a stainless-steel lock and a stainless-steel vent on back of box. To include up to two (2) inward opening compartment doors, one door under driver and one under passenger seat.

5.3. No front passenger seat or stand required.

5.4. Seats shall be covered with replaceable marine grade vinyl material and include matching weather resistant rain covers. Color shall be black.

5.5. All foot-rests be of solid aluminum with non-slip surface covering.

5.6. Handholds shall be installed on bottom of each side of passenger seats and one (1) on driver’s seat for safety.

5.7. Operator/side passenger seat will be independently welded structures that are bolted to one another with all framing and bracing material constructed of three-eighths inch (3/8”) and one-inch (1”) stainless steel tubing of .065 wall.

5.8. Seating must accommodate a space large enough for a portable electric generator below. Front of driver/passenger foot stand shall be a minimum of thirty inches (30”) above the installed flooring. The front edge of the driver/passenger foot stand shall be a set back a minimum of thirty-nine inches (39”) from the rear edge of the foredeck. Upon approval, modifications to these specifications based on boat construction and/or increased efficiency of intended uses will be considered.

6. PROPELLER GUARD

6.1. New framework shall be constructed of one inch (1”) and seven-eighths (7/8”), .065 wall stainless steel tubing, covered with 2” x 4” .135 heavy gauge stainless steel welded wire.

6.2. Wire shall be welded to framing at all contact points.

6.3. There shall be a minimum three-inch (3”) clearance between the new propeller guard, sides and bottom of the new hull.

6.4. New propeller guard shall completely enclose the new engine and propeller area

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6.5. Propeller guard shall have two (2) hinged full size access doors with hydraulic shocks and latching devices for maintenance accessibility.

6.6. The propeller guard shall be constructed so that it may be unbolted from operator/passenger seat stand to allow for removal and new engine service.

6.7. Stainless steel tabs shall be welded onto propeller guard for installation of steering cable w/ rubber coated stainless steel or aluminum clamps.

6.8. The propeller guard shall have a flat plate welded to the top of the guard for mounting a safety flag. The plate shall be positioned so it is accessible from the driver’s seat. Flag height must be in accordance with regulations of ten feet (10’) above lowest part of new hull.

6.9. Safety guard installed on front of prop guard.

6.10. One (1) set of new LED flood lights shall be mounted on port and starboard sides of propeller guard, not to extend above top of propeller guard.

7. ENGINE STAND

7.1. New engine stand shall be constructed using one and one-quarter inch (1 ¼”) by one and one-quarter inch (1 ¼”), .065 wall stainless steel tubing.

7.2. Four (4) mounting points for new engine, Prothane mounts (front) and Moog mounts (rear), or approved equivalents.

7.3. All mounts shall be shock mounted to prevent vibration.

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

8. STEERING

8.1. New heavy duty three-eighth inch (3/8”) Teleflex, or approved equivalent, cable steering with left hand directional control stick mounted to bottom of new rudder.

8.2. New steering cable shall be mounted and secured to the propeller guard using stainless steel hose clamps at fixed mounting points.

8.3. Stainless steel steering bearing shall be one and three-sixteenth inch (1 3/16”) I.D. Argutto, or approved equivalent.

8.4. Stainless steel steering bearing shall be one and three-sixteenth inch (1 3/16”) I.D. Argutto, or approved equivalent.

9. THROTTLE

9.1. New electronic throttle control per new engine manufacturer’s specifications.

9.2. New pedal stop located on driver’s foot stand to be operated with the driver’s right foot.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 14 of 55

10. FUEL TANK

10.1. Constructed of one-eighth inch (0.125”) 5052 Marine Grade Aluminum Alloy, minimum 40-gallon capacity with electric fuel sender.

10.2. New fuel tank shall be mounted on rubber shock mounts to the new hull under the new engine stand.

10.3. Fuel tank shall meet Coast Guard and B.I.A. standards.

10.4. Fuel tank filler neck shall be accessible from ground level on the port side.

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

10.6. All fuel lines shall meet Coast Guard and B.I.A. standards.

10.7. All fuel openings (filler, vent) be located at least eighteen inches (18”) above the.

11. RUDDERS

11.1. Boat shall have two (2), new forty-eight-inch (48”) Airfoil design rudders, constructed of welded aluminum with foam filling.

11.2. Each rudder shall have three-eight-inch (3/8”) diameter stainless steel rods and polymer bushings.

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

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

11.5. Rudders should have a field of turn of at least one-hundred thirty degrees (130°) and a maximum acute angle of the turning new rudder of twenty-five degrees (25°).

12. BILGE PUMP

12.1. Two (2) new, 2000-gallon per hour bilge pumps with one and one-eighth inch (1 1/8”) discharge hoses mounted through new hull; one port and one starboard discharge.

13. INSTRUMENTATION

13.1. New instrumentation and control panel of aluminum box type construction mounted between operators and side passenger’s seat

13.2. Lighted oil temperature, water temperature, oil pressure, amp meter, hour meter, fuel gauge, and tachometer gauges shall be Auto-Meter Carbon Fiber Marine.

13.3. New kill switch, keyed ignition and three (3) new two-position switches shall be installed and connected to navigation lights, LED flood lights, and bilge pump. All electrical equipment shall be inoperable when keyed ignition is in “OFF” position.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 15 of 55

13.4. Control panel shall include at least one (1), 12-volt “cigarette lighter” style plug.

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

13.6. New vinyl instrument panel cover, color black.

13.7. New black rubber booted toggle two-position and momentary-on switches.

14. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14.1. New twelve-volt (12v) system with dual batteries controlled by a marine battery selector switch capable of isolating individual batteries or utilizing both batteries at once.

14.2. Minimum seventy-amp (70A) marine application alternator. Unit shall be new (OEM) Original Equipment Manufacturer, or approved equivalent.

14.3. All high current wires shall be minimum 10-gauge.

14.4. New coast Guard approved navigation lights shall be installed and tested.

14.5. All wiring shall be fuse protected and enclosed in convoluted high abrasive tubing.

14.6. Two (2) new maintenance-free marine batteries, minimum 650 marine cranking amps, including new plastic battery boxes w/ tie-downs, shall be installed.

14.7. New 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 on the starboard side.

15. HARDWARE

15.1. All hardware, including but not limited to nuts, bolts, washers, screws, rivets, hinges and hose clamps, shall be made of marine grade stainless steel. All fastening hardware shall be of nylon locknut type where applicable.

16. PAINT

16.1. All aluminum and stainless-steel metal works shall be left unpainted, except for the interior of new hull, which shall be painted matching black. Paint shall be applied in compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

16.2. Black non-skid paint shall be applied to the front deck, seating deck, and sidewalk-way surfaces.

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

17. ELECTRO-FISHING STEP DOWN/FRONT SHELF

17.1. Front Shelf built to size and dimensions as described below and in diagram (below).

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 16 of 55

17.2. Step attached horizontal to back of foredeck about 6 inches below foredeck-height to extend into boat cockpit and be constructed of one and a quarter-inch (1 1/4”) X .125 thick stainless steel tubing, covered by three-quarter inch (¾”) number-nine (#9) flat stainless steel expanded metal, or approved equivalent construction.

17.3. Step shall be 55 inches wide and 20 inches deep, have curved corners as pictured, and should be strengthened adequately to support two (2) 200-pound persons.

17.4. Shelf shall be removable.

17.5. Upon approval, modifications to the step based on boat construction and/or increased efficiency of intended uses will be considered.

18. ELECTRO-FISHING BOW RAIL

18.1. New bow Rail shall be built to size and dimensions as described below and in diagram (below) and be constructed.

18.2. New bow Rail shall be constructed of one and a quarter inch (1 1/4”) X .125 thick stainless- steel tubing, covered by three-quarter inch (¾”) number nine (#9) flat stainless steel expanded metal.

18.3. Rail shall be built to allow full access to the foredeck with attachment points appropriately situated at four corners of foredeck. Rail shall rise thirty-nine (39”) inches above the foredeck, have curved corners as pictured, and should be strengthened adequately to support two (2) 200-pound persons leaning into the rail. Rail shall include a brush-guard across the front of the rail from 1 inch (1”) above the deck to 20 inches (20”) above the deck. Both the brush guard and the rail on the front of the rail system should extend out from the front uprights by 3-4 inches.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 17 of 55

18.4. A drillable tab four inches tall (4”), two inches (2”) deep, and one-quarter inch (1/4”) thick capable of supporting 75 lbs shall be welded to the back of the bow rail as pictured. Center of tab shall be set sixteen inches (16”) above the deck.

18.5. Bow Rail shall be easily removable.

18.6. Upon approval, modifications to the Bow Rail based on boat construction and/or increased efficiency of

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 18 of 55

19. ELECTRO-FISHING SHOCK BOX TRAY

19.1. New tray shall be built to size and dimensions as described below and in diagram (below) TO accommodate a Smith-Root Apex electrofishing box which weighs fifty-three pounds (53lbs) and has a footprint with width of twenty and one-half inch (20 ½”) and depth of seventeen and one-half inch (17 ½”).

19.2. New tray shall be constructed using stainless steel tubing and one and a half inch (1 ½”) angle iron frame to hold Apex box. Frame shall have ¼” extra space on each edge to accommodate Apex Box and have welded hooks/attach points as pictured.

19.3. Tray shall be mounted in front of driver seat and not impede foot-pedal operation. Tray shall be mounted at 12 inches above the standing deck and extend out from the front edge of the deck by 6-7 inches with a slight upward angle to accommodate Apex operation.

19.4. Entire tray apparatus shall be easily removable

19.5. Upon approval, modifications to the tray based on boat construction and/or increased efficiency of intended uses will be considered

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 19 of 55

20. ELECTRO-FISHING FLOORING FRONT BOTTOM BOAT

20.1. Flooring shall be built to size and dimensions as described below and in diagram (below) to accommodate installation of a portable generator weighing two-hundred and twenty pounds (220 lbs).

20.2. Flooring installed across entire bottom of boat from foredeck back to first cross brace and up to 2 ft further in center of boat back to seat stand attachment point. Installed at height at front of deck and drop to bottom at rear while remaining near flat to accommodate generator placement near rear of decking.

20.3. Upon approval, modifications to the floor based on boat construction and/or increased efficiency of

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 20 of 55

21. ENGINE

21.1. New 525 hp PCM 7.4L/454 cubic inch, General Motors LSX V-8 new engine, or approved equivalent. New turbo-charged engines are not acceptable.

21.2. New heavy duty PCM 6.2 starter.

21.3. New heavy duty flywheel.

21.4. New engine fitted with an Eakin CH-3, 2.3:1 belt drive reduction unit with an HPPD Plus belt, or approved equivalent.

21.5. New engine to have electrical starter, electric fuel pump, and water separated spin-on canister type fuel filter.

21.6. New engine is to be appropriately vented to prevent excessive crankcase pressure.

21.7. New engine to have a remote oil drain run down new engine stand to floor of boat. Drain to have a stainless steel shut off valve.

21.8. Engine must meet or exceed applicable EPA emission requirements including but not limited to those specified under 40 CFR Part 1045, as verified by the most current Certificate of Conformity with the Clean Air Act.

IMPORTANT: BIDDER SHALL PROVIDE AN EPA CERTIFICATION WITH THEIR QUOTE WHICH

CERTIFIES THAT THE ENGINE MEETS EPA REQUIREMENTS.

22. EXHAUST SYSTEM

22.1. New three-inch (3”) stainless steel headers.

22.2. New exhaust system of stainless steel flex pipe attached to propeller guard above the deck and vented to the rear of the new hull via three-inch (3”) stainless steel dump pipes.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 21 of 55

22.3. Two (2), three-inch (3”) Magnaflow stainless steel mufflers.

22.4. All band clamps, U-clamps and hardware for exhaust system must be stainless steel.

23. WATER COOLING SYSTEM

23.1. New heavy-duty large aluminum radiator with expanded metal radiator guard mounted to rear of radiator.

23.2. Radiator shall be mounted inside propeller guard behind rear seats and above the new engine using rubber shock-mounts and have sufficient cooling capacity to maintain correct operating temperature under tropical conditions maximum new engine load.

23.3. Shall include an aluminum expansion tank.

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

24. PROPELLER

24.1. New factory manufactured Sensenich composite three-blade (3) propeller, eighty-six-inch (86”) JW series, or approved equivalent, of appropriate length, pitch, and weight to ensure maximum performance and new engine life

25. OIL COOLER

25.1. New Large heavy-duty Hayden Oil Cooler with stainless steel braided oil lines connected to new engine and securely mounted inside propeller guard in such a way as to provide appropriate oil flow and cooling.

26. NEW TRAILER

26.1. New trailer shall be heavy duty aluminum construction (minimum 4” frame channel with 3” cross bars) sized to fit a 15’ X 8’ airboat and designed to allow for launch and/or loading from dry ground.

26.2. New trailer shall have tandem axles, each with minimum 3500-lb. load capacity, with super lube type spindles with built-in grease fittings. Springs should be rated to exceed weight of fully loaded and fueled boat plus weight of trailer frame.

26.3. Trailer shall include stainless steel fenders with aluminum step panels fore and aft.

26.4. Coupler shall be two-inch (2”) diameter with minimum 5000-lb. gross load with two (2) safety chains (½” diameter with hooks), swivel type tongue jack with minimum 1800-lb. capacity. Tongue weight shall be 7-10% of total trailer/airboat weight and within safe operating parameters established by the Department of Transportation.

26.5. Industry standard commercial ply-rated fourteen-inch (14”) radial trailer tires with galvanized rims and hubs to support unit specifications.

26.6. New spare tire/hub spindle type mount with matching spare tire and complete rim and spare hub assembly installed on front passenger/starboard side

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-36, Page 22 of 55

26.7. Bow stop with new heavy duty winch (including strap/cable and hook) located such that grass rake doesn’t interfere with operation of winch; minimum four-inch (4”) clearance between winch handle and grass rake. Winch stand shall include galvanized safety chain (1/2” diameter) with hook mounted below bow stop.

26.8. All new bunks shall be constructed of two-inch by six-inch (2” x 6”) marine-treated wood with heavy duty marine carpet. Trailer shall have left and right horizontal full length side guides and two (2) twelve-inch (12”) rear roller ramps

26.9. Trailer shall be equipped with new LED brake/signal/running and side marker lights

26.10. Trailer shall include new heavy duty, stainless steel ratchet tie downs mounted directly on the rear of the new trailer frame on both sides

26.11. Trailer shall meet all U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requirements and shall include capacity labels

26.12. Distance between the front of properly positioned boat and the trailer coupler shall exceed 64” to accommodate electrofishing equipment which extends off the front of the boat.

27. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

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

27.2. Manufacturer warrants the basic new hull and components of the boat to be free from defects in material and workmanship under state use and service. Manufacturer’s warranty obligation limited to performing repairs to include any replacement part(s) at its factory thereof which within 1 year (12 months) after the delivery date become defective.

27.3. Complete unit package (new hull, new engine and new trailer as specified) assembled and ready for pickup by May 30th, 2025.

27.4. Each vendor doing business with the State shall be registered in the My Florida Market Place system.

27.5. Upon delivery, new airboat…