Airboat/Offboard Charters - Term Contract - Supplier Inquiry & Response

Louisiana State University's Board of Supervisors has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for Airboat/Outboard Charters as a term contract through solicitation RFQ-0000002580. The procurement seeks qualified boat transportation suppliers for the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences to support equipment and personnel transport to coastal Louisiana wetland research sites. The contract will run from the award date through June 30, 2026, with options to renew for two additional 12-month periods. Bids are due on July 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM CT, with requirements spanning three geographical areas: Terrebonne basin, Atchafalaya basin, and Barataria area. The pricing structure includes three boat categories: Group A (Airboats), Group B (Outboard boats), and Group C (Larger Boats), with specific quantity requirements for each group. Bidders can submit proposals for one or multiple groups but must provide pricing for all items within selected groups. Boats must meet detailed specifications including passenger capacity, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries registration, USCG equipment compliance, and pilot licensing requirements.

The university intends to award on an all-or-none basis to the lowest responsible and responsive supplier for each group. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the contract emphasizes detailed technical and operational requirements for potential vendors. Fuel will be invoiced separately based on actual miles traveled, with provisions for scheduling and standby rates to accommodate weather-dependent research activities. The solicitation covers jurisdictions including Winn Parish and Baton Rouge City, indicating a localized but specialized procurement need. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive requirements suggest a significant investment in maritime research transportation services. The contract's structure allows for flexibility in vendor selection and provides clear parameters for boat charter services supporting academic research in coastal Louisiana.