NASBLA Boat Crew Member Certification

The City of Bridgeport is seeking a training provider to deliver NASBLA Boat Crew Member Certification for 20 fire department response personnel through a comprehensive 5-day/35-hour course. The procurement targets maritime emergency response training, focusing on certifying personnel to national standards using the NASBLA Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Manual. The training will be conducted using a "team teaching" model with a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, incorporating instructor lectures, slide presentations, practical exercises, knowledge tests, and a final exam. Classes will be held in Bridgeport Fire Department (BFD) facilities, with practical training executed in Bridgeport Harbor and adjacent waters. The evaluation will be conducted on a 100-point scale, considering technical qualifications, proposal substance, performance capacity, public sector experience, pricing, and potential MBE/WBE credits. Proposal submissions are due on November 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm EST, with questions accepted until November 18, 2024. The initial contract term is one year with options for two additional one-year renewals, potentially extending the contract to five years total.

The procurement encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and City-based businesses, with potential additional evaluation points for such vendors. The project is funded through a Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) FY23 Port Security Grant, which may influence vendor selection and compliance requirements. The City of Bridgeport will retain the right to reject any proposals and will select a vendor based on comprehensive evaluation criteria. Payment terms are set at Net 45 Days, and services are exempt from Connecticut sales tax. The contract includes provisions for potential extensions and is subject to city appropriations, with the contractor required to maintain specific insurance coverage and comply with non-discrimination policies. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the proposal indicates compensation will be based on a base proposal not exceeding a predetermined amount, with potential additional compensation for alternate training components. The strategic importance of this procurement is underscored by Bridgeport's role in regional maritime emergency response, including mutual aid agreements with adjacent towns and participation in state and federal emergency compacts.