17 FT center console boats and trailers

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is seeking to procure two 17-foot center console boats and two trailers for survey and assessment of nesting sites for seabirds and shorebirds in coastal marine areas. The solicitation specifically identifies the Boston Whaler 170 Guardian 2026 model as the representative vessel, which must feature an unsinkable foam-filled hull, 25-gallon fuel capacity, hydraulic steering, and compatibility with a 115 HP Yamaha outboard motor. Trailers must be aluminum with stainless steel hardware, torsion axles, LED lighting, and carpeted bunks. Vendors must provide comprehensive rigging services, including gauge and wiring installation, trailer fitting, water testing, cleaning, and operational manuals. The procurement will be evaluated on a lowest responsible and responsive bidder basis, with bids to be submitted online through the SCEIS portal or by mail by December 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. EST. Vendor questions were required to be submitted by November 12, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST, and award notification is expected on December 2, 2025, with delivery required by February 28, 2026, to The Boat Shed in Georgetown, South Carolina.

The solicitation includes provisions for South Carolina resident vendor preferences, resident contractor preferences, and end-product preferences for qualifying offerors. A state vendor number is mandatory for bid submission, and all materials must be new, complying with U.S. Coast Guard standards, NMMA certification, and American Boat watercraft council recommended practices. Vendors must be registered as South Carolina vendors and submit a signed solicitation form acknowledging the terms. Notably, engine installation is not included in the bid cost, as engines will be sourced separately from Central Florida Yamaha under a state term contract, with all rigging components provided by that vendor. Bidders must include battery costs in their boat bid price and adhere precisely to specified requirements, such as using aluminum side guides and a 4-way trailer plug. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, vendors must price their bids on a unit price basis across three line items: two boats, two trailers, and shipping/delivery costs. The contract term runs from December 3, 2025, through February 28, 2026.