USFFC Flag Barge

USFFC Flag Barge

Solicitation Number: N00024-20-R-2275

Agency: Department of the Navy

Office: Naval Sea Systems Command

Location: NAVSEA HQ

Synopsis:

DISCLOSURE:

This is a Request for Information (RFI) notice only. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and a formal solicitation is not available at this time. This RFI is for informational planning purposes and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an RFP, contract, or order for any actual procurement of materials, machinery, supply or service. The Government will not pay for any effort expended or any material provided in response to this announcement. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are solely at the responding parties' expense.

This RFI is open to all interested domestic parties. Should an RFP for procurement be issued, boats constructed or located outside the U.S. are not permitted. 

Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract or agreement. The Government will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative because of this RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. Specific responses to the approaches will not disqualify or have an impact on participation and evaluation on future solicitations.

PURPOSE:

The overall objective of this RFI is to provide industry and interested parties with information that will assist in the understanding of current technical requirements for a potential Flag Barge. No specific information is required in response to this RFI; however, interested parties may respond and indicate interest as desired.

The Navy plans to award a contract in FY21 for an estimated one boat, to be delivered to Norfolk, VA.

The notional schedule listed below is provided for planning purposes only. The Government is not obligated to pursue this schedule or a future solicitation because of this RFI.

1. Release draft RFP 2nd QTR FY21.
2. Release final RFP 2nd QTR FY21.
3. Anticipated award 3rd QTR FY21.

DESCRIPTION:

Pursuant to policy detailed in OPNAVINST 4780.6F, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) operates a Flag Barge for official purposes, which includes hosting events that enhance the mission of the command.  Some examples of authorized uses include for official tours of waterfront capabilities to showcase the U.S. Navy’s warfighting readiness as produced through the Fleet’s core processes of force development, force generation, and force employment; hosting promotion, frocking, re-enlistment, and retirement ceremonies; U.S. and foreign visitors in support of diplomatic and community relation goals; gatherings to present awards or other forms of professional recognition; gatherings hosted by a commander to discuss official business and which enhance the professional relationship between the commander and subordinates; and events that otherwise further important Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or other joint interests.

The boat will be operated within the Hampton Roads area and have dedicated boat slip.

General Characteristics

• Hull Material: Fiberglass or Aluminum (No wooden hull boats)
• Style: Traditional motor yacht
• Age: Constructed and delivered after January 1, 1985.
• Length Range: from 60’ to 80’
• Breadth Maximum: 25’
• Maximum Draft: 7’  
• Pilot House: Accommodations for coxswain and navigator. Pilot house separate from other spaces.
• Required Open Deck Space: Minimal on aft weather deck and required areas for deck crew to handle lines.
• Number of crew­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­: Seven (7) crew; Thirty (30) passengers
• Propulsion System: Twin, inboard diesel engines, shafting and propellers. Bow thrusters are optional.
• Speed: Minimum of 6 kts.  
• Accommodations: Approximately 30 Persons for 2 Hours once a day
• Galley: Cabinets, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, dishwasher, and sink with available counter space for appliances and food preparation.
• Seating: Twenty (20) total between two distinct/separated salon/lounges areas
• Salon: Two (2) lounge areas (one may be outdoor and/or semi-enclosed)

Boat will provide service to Senior Military personnel, government officials, business leaders, and foreign Heads of State. Onboard furnishings should be conducive to a business environment and not “theme” oriented.

***Wooden Hull boats will not be considered due to long-term maintenance costs. ***

RESPONSES & SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION:

Interested parties are free to submit any information that may assist the Navy in its market research.

Interested sources are encouraged to submit a capability summary that does not exceed five (5) pages in length.  Submission in PDF format is desired.  Drawings sized to 8.5”x11” or 11”x17”. All other documentation sized to 8.5”x11”.

The following information is requested (Please use as a checklist):

1. Provide company contact information.
   1. Name
   2. Position/Title
   3. Email Address
   4. Telephone Number
2. Please identify if boat is certified to carry passengers, (Subchapter T, etc.).  Please list certifications.
3. Provide any significant maintenance history (replacement/overhaul of major equipment, hull, electrical, etc.) of candidate boat.
4. State any known maintenance required.
5. Please state location of vessel and expected cost to provide “as-is” and cost of any required upgrades/maintenance to meet the requirements of this Request.
6. Please state boat construction location.
7. State the age of the vessel.
8. Indicate if the boat has ever been used in official government service in any capacity.
9. Please indicate the last approximate date of the last known survey or United States Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (USCG COI).
10. Provide the approximate price for:
    1. Candidate vessel.
    2. Shipping to Norfolk, VA
11. General description of the company
    1. Small Business (Y/N)
    2. HUB Zone small business (Y/N)
    3. Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (Y/N)
    4. Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) (Y/N)
    5. Women-owned small business (WOSB) concerns eligible (Y/N)
    6. 8(a) Certified (Y/N):

Respondents are responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response.  The Government will not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified.  Information provided shall be treated as Business Sensitive and will not be shared outside of Government activities and agencies without the permission of the provider.  Please do not provide classified information or use the marking “CONFIDENTIAL” as this marking is considered classified by the Government which would require special handling of the information.

Defense and commercial contractors, including small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, HUB zone small businesses, and woman-owned small businesses are encouraged to monitor FBO for updates and to participate in any future solicitation, if one is issued.

This RFI is the continuation of market research under Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and is not a RFP.  Questions or comments regarding the intended procurement plan or the draft requirements may be directed to: Maureen Barlow, Contracting Officer – NAVSEA 02(maureen.d.barlow@navy.mil),  Contract Specialist – NAVSEA 02 (tammy.ryman@navy.mil) and Peter Herrman, Assistant Program Manager – PEO Ships/PMS 325G (peter.herrman@navy.mil).

Responses are requested by 2:00 PM (EST) on Friday, February 12, 2021.