Inboard Diesel Motor for Coastal Fisheries

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the procurement of one new inboard diesel motor to power the research vessel Laguna, a 40-foot trawler built in 1984. The engine must meet specific technical specifications including 400-800 horsepower, an inline 6-cylinder, 4-stroke turbocharged configuration capable of 1800-2300 rpm operation, and a weight not exceeding 3,000 pounds, with acceptable examples including the 2025 Cummins QSM11 and CAT C12ACERT or TPWD-approved equivalents. The procurement requires delivery of a complete engine package that includes a new wiring harness, electronic binnacle controls, and a digital LCD instrument panel, along with all necessary parts for complete operation, illustrated parts lists, service manuals, and technical documentation. The engine must be compatible with the vessel's existing Twin Disc transmission (Model MG-5114A), and the unit price must include all shipping, handling, fuel surcharges, tariffs, and delivery fees on an FOB destination basis to the TPWD Annex Facility in Rockport, Texas. Bids are due by 2:00 PM Central Standard Time on March 12, 2026, with delivery required within the timeframe specified by the successful bidder, subject to TPWD's receipt of one week advance notice prior to delivery. The equipment will be subject to acceptance inspection and performance testing within five working days of receipt, and the manufacturer must provide a minimum two-year or 2,000-hour warranty covering defects in material and workmanship, commencing upon TPWD's acceptance determination. Evaluation criteria include lowest price, ability and qualifications, delivery schedule, and past performance, with TPWD reserving the right to award on the basis of lowest line-item bid, lowest total, or any other combination serving the state's best interest.

Respondents may claim Texas bidder preferences or other applicable preferences under Title 34 TAC Rule 20.38, though the solicitation does not specify any formal set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises or specific organizational restrictions. Only new equipment is acceptable; remanufactured or gray-market items are prohibited, and all equipment must be brand new with no prior use. No current incumbent vendor or existing contractor is identified in the solicitation, as this represents a new procurement for vessel equipment replacement. The response period is binding for 60 business days from the bid due date of March 12, 2026, and TPWD will conduct reference checks and may investigate respondent qualifications and facility capabilities prior to award determination. No specific budget range or award value is listed in the solicitation documents, with the final award amount dependent on the winning bid submitted by the selected vendor.