Two Crane Barge Vessels

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP 7402-MK) for the procurement of two new crane barge vessels equipped with motors, electronics, and trailers to support the agency's Oil Spill Division in removing derelict vessels within GLO jurisdiction. The vessels must meet comprehensive specifications including a maximum length of 22 feet, aluminum construction, dual 200 horsepower outboard engines rated for saltwater use, advanced navigation and communication equipment (including Garmin GPS and sonar systems), electric davit cranes rated for 1,000 pounds, and dedicated trailers compliant with USCG and TXDOT requirements. Qualified respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of marine vessel construction experience and provide evidence of successful salvage operations completed within the last five years. The GLO will award one contract based on best value determination using weighted evaluation criteria consisting of cost (40%), demonstrated relevant experience and past performance (30%), and proposed methodology and schedule for completion (30%). Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of March 27, 2026, with responses released April 1, 2026, and a proposal submission deadline of April 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Contract execution is estimated for May 29, 2026, with all vessels required to be delivered by August 31, 2027, and the contract becoming effective August 31, 2026. The cost proposal must include all labor, materials, equipment, insurance, bonds, transportation, and other costs necessary for manufacturing and delivery.

The RFP does not indicate any specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that may respond. All vessels must be new equipment only and include manufacturer warranties, with successful proposals requiring submission of manufacturing specifications and detailed blueprints for GLO approval prior to receiving a Notice to Proceed. The contract includes mandatory insurance requirements of $1 million commercial general liability per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, in addition to statutory workers' compensation and U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers Insurance. The selected contractor must arrange shake-down cruises under simulated working conditions and conduct separate two-day training programs for GLO personnel in both Region 1 and Region 5. All vessels must undergo a five-day acceptance inspection and performance testing prior to final GLO acceptance. The RFP does not disclose a specific contract award value or budget range for this procurement.