Dive Vessel for Coral Reef Protection & Restoration

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for a Dive Vessel for Coral Reef Protection & Restoration. The Department is seeking a single award for a new or refurbished twin hull or monohull, center console dual outboard vessel and trailer with a minimum hull length of 26 feet, storage capacity of at least 30 cubic feet, and twin outboard engines of at least 150 HP each. The vessel and trailer will be used to support DEP and partner initiatives to protect and restore Florida's Coral Reef, with the goal of restoring 25% of the structure and function of the reef by 2050. The contract term will be from the date of execution until June 15, 2024, with no renewal options. Responses are due by 3:00 PM on March 18, 2024, and the anticipated award date is on or about April 1, 2024. The ITB includes detailed technical specifications and allows for the purchase of optional equipment such as a trailer, additional engines, batteries, dive ladder, and dive platform.

The ITB does not mention any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. There is no information provided on any incumbent vendors or current contractors, or any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The Department has an allocated budget of $150,000 for the hull and additional allocations for the trailer and optional equipment. The contract will be awarded to the responsible and responsive bidder who submits the lowest total price, with a Florida-based business preference applied if applicable.