RFQ SOW Minimum and essential electrofishing boat.pdf

To support maximum competition under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)— specifically FAR Part 6.101 (Competition in Contracting)—while still fulfilling the operational and technical needs of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services for invasive catfish control in the Chesapeake Bay, the following is a list of minimum and essential characteristics required for a fully integrated scientific electrofishing boat system.

These characteristics are mission-driven, performance-based, and ensure fair and open competition without favoring a specific brand—while still maintaining the necessary technical integrity, safety, and functionality for the application.

Minimum and Essential Characteristics (For a Fully Integrated Scientific Electrofishing Boat System)

1. Purpose-Built Electrofishing Vessel

• The vessel shall be specifically designed and manufactured for electrofishing operations.

• Hull must not be a repurposed recreational, commercial, or utility boat.

• Design must account for weight distribution, equipment load, and operator safety during electrofishing activities.

2. Integrated Electrofishing System

• The electrofishing system must be integrated into the boat’s electrical and structural systems at the point of manufacture.

• System shall include:

o Control box with adjustable output settings (voltage, pulse frequency, waveform) o Mounted anode booms (minimum of 2), designed for deployment from bow o Hull-integrated cathodes o Foot pedal or remote control operation capability o Emergency shutoff and ground fault protection o Data logging system with:

Voltage, current, waveform, duty cycle, frequency GPS (lat/long/elevation) Temperature, time, and effort data USB data export

• Display Requirements:

o Sunlight-readable LCD screen (min. 5", 800x480 resolution) o Day/night mode with visual/audio electrofisher operation alerts

3. Operator Command Station

• Boat shall feature a centralized command station for operating the electrofisher, outboard motor, and other vessel functions, including:

o Centralized electrofisher controls o Hydraulic steering system o Power trim and throttle controls o Generator start, lighting, and bilge switches o Integrated gauges and fuel tank selector o Battery selector switches for main and outboard o 12V accessory power and breaker panel o Digital voltmeter o GPS/Fish finder system

• All electrofishing controls must be consolidated at the helm and easily accessible to the operator.

4. Hull & Deck Specifications

• Hull must be constructed of marine grade fully welded aluminum, minimum 0.125" gauge.

• Hull must be configured as a flat-bottom or shallow-V for safe and effective operation in shallow, slow-moving tidal tributaries.

• Length shall be between 18–21 feet, suitable for 2–3 operators (minimum) and scientific gear.

• Non-skid sealed deck (diamond plate or equivalent)

• All-aluminum construction for walkways, decking, and compartments

• Industrial-grade powder coating for durability

• LED navigation, deck, backup, and work lights

• Lockable dry storage compartments

• Built-in USCG- and EPA-compliant fuel tank(s)

• Tie-downs along gunwales for nets/poles

• Bilge pump (auto/manual)

• Noise-insulated generator housing with service access

5. Stability and Safety Features

• Vessel must meet U.S. Coast Guard safety standards.

• Deck must be non-slip and electrically insulated.

• Dry-deck surface with OSHA-compliant removable safety railings

• Built-in flotation: USCG-compliant closed-cell polyurethane foam for level flotation

• Pressed-in or structural corrugations for hull strength

• Spray-sealed internal voids to prevent aquatic invasive species transport

6. Livewell System

• Vessel must include an integrated, aerated livewell for holding fish during population assessments and data collection.

• Capacity must support the live holding of a moderate biomass of captured fish (minimum 70 gallons).

• Dividable into 2 compartments for species separation

• Located near front work platform for efficient fish transfer

7. Power & Electrical System

• Electrofishing unit must be powered by an onboard generator mounted within the boat frame or deck, isolated from operator areas. Specs below

• Commercial-grade inverter generator, fuel-injected, low sound (<65 dB)

• Minimum specs:

o 120/240V output o Push-button electric start o 18+ hour runtime o Floating neutral for electrofisher compatibility o Must power electrofisher, lighting, and battery charging system

• Generator and wiring must be installed to comply with safety standards for marine electrical systems.

• Dual marine battery system (charged by generator)

• Waterproof electrical connections and breaker panels

• Built-in lighting and power distribution to all systems

8. Outboard Motor (Factory-Installed)

• Boat must come equipped with an outboard motor (minimum 90 HP, max 200 HP), pre-installed and aligned at the point of manufacture.

• Commercial-grade lower unit

• 4-stroke engine

• Engine must be EPA-compliant and suitable for brackish or freshwater operation.

• Steering, fuel, and ignition systems must be fully integrated with vessel controls.

9. Custom-Fit Dual-Axle Trailer

• Boat shall be delivered with a dual/tandem axle trailer specifically designed and fitted to the boat hull.

• Trailer must include:

o Load-rated tires and spare tire with mount o Electric, disk or surge brakes o Roller bunk system (minimum 32 rollers) o Waterproof LED lighting

10. Turnkey, Field-Ready Delivery

• Entire system (boat, electrofishing gear, motor, trailer) must be delivered as a turnkey, fully assembled, field-ready package.

• Minimal post-delivery assembly required beyond standard launch preparation.

• Must include user manual and safety documentation.

11. Training and Technical Support

• Vendor must provide on-site or remote training for safe and effective use of the electrofishing system.

• Technical support and warranty services must be available for a minimum of 1 year post-delivery.

12. Compliance with Applicable Laws & Standards

• System must be compliant with:

o U.S. Coast Guard vessel safety requirements o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) engine emissions standards o Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) electrical safety standards o Any applicable state boating requirements (Maryland, Virginia)

These minimum requirements are designed to ensure:

• Mission-critical functionality for invasive catfish control

• Operator safety in electrified and aquatic environments

• Long-term durability and operational readiness

• Open and fair competition in alignment with FAR Subpart 6.3 – Other Than Full and

Open Competition, while meeting the needs of the FY 2024 congressional directive