30’ Centerline Hull Length Marine Compliance Vessels (2ea)

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking to procure two marine compliance vessels through Invitation for Bid (IFB) 25-16, specifically targeting vessels with a 30-foot centerline hull length and 10-foot beam for supporting the DNR Aquatics Division's Geoduck Program. The procurement requires twin-engine outboard vessels with accompanying trailers, to be delivered to Tumwater, Washington. Bidders must demonstrate 5 years of verifiable experience building vessels matching the detailed specifications, which encompass hull construction, equipment, electronics, and safety features. The evaluation process will be comprehensive, allocating 50 points for specifications and 50 points for total cost, with potential additional preference points bringing the total possible score to 130 points. Key procurement dates include a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference on January 23, 2025, questions due by January 29, 2025, bid submissions due by February 28, 2025, and an anticipated contract award on March 4, 2025. The DNR expects product delivery by January 15, 2026, with the first vessel due 10 months after contract execution and the second vessel 120 days following the first vessel's delivery.

The solicitation includes several bid preferences designed to support diverse business participation, including a 10% preference for veteran-owned businesses, a 10% preference for Washington small businesses, and a 5% preference for firms without mandatory individual arbitration clauses and for non-mercury added products. These preferences can provide competitive advantages to qualifying vendors. The agency has budgeted $900,000 for this project, with bids exceeding this amount considered non-responsive. Notably, the procurement includes specific requirements that may limit potential bidders, such as the mandatory 5-year vessel-building experience and detailed technical specifications. The DNR will be evaluating bids based on a combination of technical merits, cost-effectiveness, and potential preference point additions. Additional administrative details include the ability to conduct debriefings on March 10, 2025, and an expected order date of March 24, 2025, with the agency reserving the right to modify the procurement schedule as needed.