9280-26-R-IFBD-00023

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is seeking a qualified contractor to perform Reef Augmentation #2, a sealed bid procurement for the enhancement of experimental oyster reef plots located within Mississippi Sound in Harrison County. The project requires the contractor to apply #57 limestone gravel substrate (particle size 0.5" to 1.0") to eight designated oyster reef plots—specifically plots 3 and 4 at each of four sites: Bay St. Louis Northern (UEBN), Bay St. Louis Southern (UEBS), West Pascagoula (UEPW), and East Pascagoula (UEPE)—with each plot receiving 100 cubic yards of material. The limestone must be distributed with precision within GPS-delineated boundaries, maintaining spatial accuracy within 10 meters of designated reef plot edges during a spring-summer 2026 implementation window (April-July 2026). The contractor must provide comprehensive technical support, implement quality control procedures utilizing side-scan sonar imagery before and after material application, and warrant all work against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from delivery. Sealed bids are due by 2:00 p.m. CDT on Friday, February 20, 2026, with submissions directed to the USM Gulf Coast Research Lab Procurement Office at 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564, with electronic submission available through the Mississippi state procurement portal. The contractor must be capable of commencing work upon receipt of a written Notice to Proceed and completing the project within a specified contract timeframe, with liquidated damages assessed for calendar day overruns.

The contract is subject to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) requirements, with contract award contingent upon the successful bidder's satisfaction of these provisions; the University will ensure these enterprises are afforded full opportunity to bid without discrimination. Bidders must submit a certified check or bidder's bond equal to five percent of the total bid price as bid security, with the successful contractor required to furnish performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract amount, both signed by a Mississippi Resident Agent. The contract is subject to federal labor provisions under Public Law 87-581 Work Hours Act of 1962, with minimum wage rates predetermined by the Secretary of Labor. Quoted prices should be submitted on an F.O.B. Destination Freight Allowed basis, with vendors required to specify lead time for obtaining materials and conducting work; payment terms are established at 2% discount if paid within ten days, with net payment due within 45 days per Mississippi law. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the procurement documents; the contract value will be determined by the sealed bids received. The University of Southern Mississippi reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive irregularities, or advertise for new proposals.