Narragansett Bay Passenger Ferry Shuttle Services

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Narragansett Bay Passenger Ferry Shuttle Services, targeting seasonal ferry transportation in Providence County. The procurement seeks vendors to provide passenger ferry shuttle services operating annually from approximately the third week in June through Columbus Day Weekend, with an initial contract term covering ferry seasons 2023, 2024, and 2025. Vendors must submit electronic proposals through the Ocean State Procures system by July 6, 2022, at 1:00 PM EDT, with a preceding vendor Q&A period running from May 26 through June 22, 2022. Key requirements include maintaining specific insurance coverage, such as $1M liability per occurrence, $100K workers compensation per accident, $1M automobile liability, and $2M professional liability coverage. The contract will be awarded to the most qualified vendor(s), with evaluation criteria focusing on technical merit, pricing, and participation from Minority, Women, and Disability Business Enterprises (ISBE).

The RFP is open to all qualified vendors without specific set-aside designations, though it strongly encourages Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation and requires monthly utilization reporting through RIDOT's Civil Rights software. Vendors must register in SAM.gov prior to contract award and submit proposals in separate technical, cost, and ISBE participation components. The State reserves the right to cancel the procurement at any time prior to contract award. The documentation does not provide information about incumbent vendors or current contractors, nor does it disclose any existing infrastructure or technology requiring integration. Additionally, no estimated contract value is specified in the solicitation. Proposals must include firm and fixed pricing unless otherwise indicated, and the contract includes the potential to extend services for two additional 6-month periods (May-October) for ferry seasons 2026 and 2027.