DCR 959 Waquoit Bay Boat Building Services

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is soliciting bids for a specialized boat building contract for Waquoit Bay Reserve, seeking a 24-foot welded aluminum high-speed landing craft with specific research vessel requirements. The procurement, identified as DCR 959, aims to obtain a boat with detailed technical specifications including a 200hp Suzuki outboard motor, specialized features like a davit, divers door, and bow door, and requires comprehensive sea trials to verify performance capabilities. The Request for Response (RFR) was posted on April 28, 2025, with bid responses due by May 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM (EST), and an anticipated contract start date of June 1, 2025. Bidders must submit a comprehensive Bidder Response Form, demonstrating company qualifications, relevant experience, staff capabilities, and provide two business references. The contract will have an initial duration of 10 months, expiring on December 31, 2025, and will be funded through an annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) federal grant. Evaluation criteria will likely include the vendor's technical capabilities, boat specifications, project understanding, and ability to meet the precise research vessel requirements.

The procurement will be executed through the Commonwealth's Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP), which prioritizes Massachusetts-based small businesses. The estimated contract value is $149,000, with payment structured in four equal installments corresponding to completed project milestones, each requiring approval from Waquoit Bay's Forest and Park Supervisor III. This particular contract is not subject to Supplier Diversity Plan requirements, which simplifies the bidding process. Potential bidders must complete several mandatory forms, including an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization Agreement, a Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing (CASL), and a Prompt Payment Discount Form. Additional compliance documents include a W-9 form and an Environmentally Preferable Products/Practices (EPP) form, which offers potential evaluation points for sustainable business practices. Contractors will need to demonstrate their ability to provide boat building services, including acquiring necessary parts and completing the build within the specified timeframe, with a focus on meeting the precise technical requirements for a research-oriented marine vessel.