30' boat and trailer system

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is conducting an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the procurement of a 30-foot boat and trailer system for its Marine Research Division in Charleston, South Carolina. The solicitation seeks a specialized vessel with a catamaran hull design constructed from marine-grade aluminum 5052, measuring 30 feet in length with a 9-foot beam and capable of supporting 600 horsepower. Specific requirements include a 108-inch wide dropdown bow door with hydraulic operations, bilge pump systems, LED navigation lights, and electrical systems compliant with ABYC-E9 Standards. The accompanying trailer must have a 14,000-pound capacity with tandem axles, electric brakes, and submersible LED lighting. Key procurement dates include a March 11, 2024 deadline for questions, with offers due by March 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM through online submission. The contract performance period is anticipated from April 9, 2024, through July 8, 2024, with award expected on March 28, 2024. Evaluation will focus on the lowest responsible and responsive bidder meeting all technical specifications and requirements.

The procurement includes several important vendor qualifications and restrictions. Offerors must maintain a South Carolina vendor registration and may be eligible for resident vendor preferences, including South Carolina end-product or U.S. end-product preferences if qualifying requirements are met. Contractors must possess comprehensive liability insurance with $1,000,000 limits for commercial general liability, auto liability, and worker's compensation, with SCDNR named as an additional insured. The boat manufacturer must comply with U.S. Coast Guard standards and provide a manufacturer's statement of origin. Critically, the contractor must maintain a service facility within South Carolina to handle warranty work and post-warranty servicing. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the bid requires detailed pricing for both the boat and trailer system, with all associated costs including delivery, installation, rigging, and water testing to be included in the initial bid price. The procurement allows for no additional compensation beyond the submitted bid price, except for applicable sales tax.