Derelict Vessel Removal 2025

Volusia County is seeking qualified marine salvage contractors through a Request for Statement of Qualifications (RSQ) #25-SQ-111JJ to provide comprehensive derelict vessel removal services for the St. Johns River. The procurement aims to select multiple firms to remove abandoned vessels, including all submerged parts, with a contract duration of three years and potential for two one-year renewals. Contractors must provide all necessary labor, materials, equipment, and supervision for vessel removal, adhering to strict environmental and safety protocols such as using turbidity barriers, preventing water quality violations, monitoring for manatees, and ensuring proper pollutant disposal. Key deliverables include complete vessel removal, transportation to the Tomoka Farms Road Landfill, and obtaining required permits, with the county reimbursing actual permit and landfill fees. Evaluation criteria will assess documentation completeness, firm qualifications, company resources, project approach, licensing, experience, and financial stability, with scoring ranging from 0-5 points across three main weighted categories. The proposal submission deadline is May 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm, with a question submission deadline of May 15, 2025, and the project is funded through grants from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must have a certified manatee observer and diver, demonstrate environmental compliance, and follow Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Best Management Practices. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, respondents must provide detailed information in six designated tabs, including employee qualifications, equipment resources, project methodology, licensing documentation, performance references, and financial statements. The county may utilize a Dun and Bradstreet report to assess financial stability and can request certified financial audits from the last fiscal year. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Auto Liability, Excess Liability, Contractors Pollution Liability, Marine Protection & Indemnity, and Marine Pollution Liability, with most liability policies requiring $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 in coverage. While a specific budget range is not provided, the multi-year contract and grant funding suggest a significant investment in derelict vessel removal services for Volusia County.