Lake Michigan Boat and Trailer Des Plaines

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is seeking to procure a specialized Lake Michigan Monitoring Vessel through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) designated as B-47557. The procurement involves acquiring a 24-26 foot pilothouse boat equipped with specific marine requirements, including a full-width enclosed pilothouse, comprehensive navigation equipment, a rear deck crane, marine electronics, and a compatible trailer. The vessel is specifically intended for water quality monitoring activities along Illinois' 63-mile Lake Michigan shoreline, with operational capabilities extending up to 5km offshore. Bids must be electronically submitted through the BidBuy platform, with all submissions due by August 18, 2025. The contract term will run from the execution date to September 30, 2025, with a maximum potential contract duration of ten years. Evaluation criteria will focus on responsiveness, vendor responsibility, and the lowest overall total price, with bids required to remain firm for 90 days from the opening date. Delivery of the boat, trailer, and associated equipment is mandated no later than April 1, 2026, to the Illinois EPA Des Plaines Regional Office.

The solicitation encourages participation from diverse vendors, with specific provisions for the Business Enterprise Program and Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plan. Vendors must be registered in the Illinois Small Business Set-Aside Program and may be eligible for tax credits related to hiring qualified veterans and ex-offenders. The procurement allows for subcontractors and includes potential federal funding considerations. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract will be finalized through a BidBuy Purchase Order, with pricing to be determined during the procurement process. Vendors must complete comprehensive documentation, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure form, which requires detailed disclosures about business status, potential conflicts of interest, and compliance with state contracting regulations. The solicitation emphasizes domestic product procurement and may give preference to products manufactured in the United States. A mandatory sea trial will be required to ensure the boat and equipment meet all specified operational requirements before final acceptance.