24’-27’ Fiberglass Center Console Boat & Heavy-Duty Aluminum Trailer

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting competitive bids for a 24'-27' fiberglass center console boat and a heavy-duty aluminum trailer through Invitation to Bid (ITB) number FWC 24/25-94. The procurement is specifically for a boat approximately 25 feet long, designed for fisheries research, fieldwork, and fishing in saltwater bays and nearshore waters. The boat must accommodate up to five crew members and be capable of carrying oceanographic instruments while meeting marine safety regulations. Twin engines will be purchased and installed separately by the Commission. The trailer must be a heavy-duty aluminum model with tandem torsion axles and hydraulic surge brakes, complying with U.S. Department of Transportation requirements. Bids are due by May 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET, with an anticipated award date of May 21, 2025. The contract will be effective for one year upon issuance of the purchase order. Any bid exceeding 20% over the estimated budget of $82,000 will be considered non-responsive. The award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with boat length not being a determining factor in the selection process.

The FWC encourages participation from certified minority-owned, woman-owned, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises. Bidders are required to be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to the bid opening. The procurement is specifically targeted at Leon County, Florida, with a FIPS Code of 12073. Potential vendors should download the bid documents from the Florida Vendor Information Portal (VIP) website. The estimated budget for this procurement is $82,000, which sets a clear financial parameter for potential bidders. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the specificity of the boat and trailer requirements suggests a detailed understanding of the Commission's operational needs. The one-year contract period provides a clear timeframe for potential suppliers to plan and execute the procurement, with the possibility of future extensions or similar procurements based on the Commission's satisfaction with the selected vendor.