Marine electronic package purchase & installation

Maine Department of Transportation is requesting bids for marine electronics package purchase and installation on six Maine State Ferry Service vessels serving Penobscot Bay and Blue Hill Bay, with bids due August 16, 2011. The contract carries a preference for in-state bidders where price, quality, and availability are equal to out-of-state competitors.

The scope includes supply and installation of Furuno radar systems (FR8122), radar antennas (XN13A/6), satellite compasses, GPS receivers, chart software (Nobeltec Admiral MAX Pro), echo sounders, VHF radios, and AIS transponders across six vessels: M/V Governor Curtis, M/V Everett Libby, M/V Charles Philbrook, M/V Neal Burgess, M/V Margaret C. Smith, and M/V Henry Lee. Each vessel requires two radar units and two VHF radios; one unit each of remaining equipment. Installation work will primarily occur during biennial shipyard periods in Rockland, Maine, with minor work potentially conducted while vessels remain in service. Bidders must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard ferry regulations, comply with OSHA requirements, maintain a service vehicle with full tool and supply kits, and provide constant availability via pager and cell phone.

Estimated annual contract value is $500,000, determined by authorized work performed at bid rates, with a one-year contract term commencing two weeks after execution. Awards will be made to the highest-scoring bidder using weighted evaluation criteria: price (75%), quality of prior work (15%), and previous customer recommendations (10%). Bidders must submit detailed business descriptions, photographs or written descriptions of three similar projects completed within two years, contact information for three previous customers, the number of licensed technicians available, and completed bid worksheets with hourly rates. Pricing must exclude Maine sales and use taxes and federal taxes on articles not for resale. All transportation charges must be prepaid and borne by the contractor.