9280-25-R-IFBD-00002

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is soliciting bids for a reef augmentation project located in Mississippi Sound, specifically within Harrison County. The procurement seeks a contractor to augment multiple one-acre oyster reef plots, with two designated plots within each of four 50-acre lease areas, totaling eight acres of enhancement. The primary deliverable involves evenly spreading 100 cubic yards of #57 limestone gravel (0.5"-1.0" particle size) across each designated plot during spring-summer 2025. Contractors must provide precise GPS-guided placement within 10 meters of specified plot boundaries and will be subject to quality control verification through side-scan sonar imagery before and after material application. Sealed bids are due by 2:00 PM CDT on October 25, 2024, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting scheduled for August 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM CDT. Bidders are required to submit a 5% bid bond, and the successful contractor must furnish a 100% performance and payment bond. Evaluation criteria will focus on responsiveness, responsibility, and overall bid advantageousness to USM.

The procurement appears open to all qualified vendors without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must provide detailed information about material lead times, delivery capabilities, and pricing structured as FOB Destination Freight Allowed. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the project represents a continuation of oyster reef base construction initiated in spring/summer 2024. The contract will be awarded to the most advantageous bidder, with USM reserving the right to accept or reject any submissions. Though a precise award value is not explicitly stated, the project involves substantial material procurement and precise marine construction work, suggesting a potentially significant contract value. Payment terms are structured as 2% discount if paid within ten days, with a net 45-day payment period consistent with Mississippi state law. Contractors should be prepared for strict compliance with project specifications, with potential non-payment consequences for deviations from the defined scope of work.