Odnr - bid level design package for lake erie wildlife research vessel

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife is seeking a naval architectural and marine engineering firm to develop a comprehensive bid-level design package for a replacement research vessel for the R/V Grandon. The project involves creating a concept design for a 50-60' fisheries research vessel with specific requirements including aluminum construction, under 20 feet beam, maximum 5-foot draft, and capabilities for 16-20 knot speeds with a 400 nautical mile range. Key deliverables include general arrangement plans, specifications, stability analysis, machinery and electrical systems arrangements, and safety plans optimized for research operations in Lake Erie's Central Basin. The proposal will be evaluated across multiple criteria, including company profile (45 points), prior projects (45 points), staffing plan (20 points), and work plan (100 points), totaling 1,075 possible technical points with an additional 160 possible points for cost proposal. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for February 2025, during which the awarded contractor will inspect the existing R/V Grandon in Sandusky, OH, with a final concept design package due by June 30, 2025. Offerors must demonstrate expertise in designing research vessels with a focus on stability, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

While the Request for Proposal does not explicitly outline set-aside designations or specific restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, the document emphasizes the need for a qualified vendor with proven marine engineering capabilities. The project is specifically targeting the replacement of the existing R/V Grandon, suggesting continuity in research vessel operations for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The procurement is focused on Erie County, Ohio, and will support ongoing marine research activities in Lake Erie. Although a specific budget range is not directly stated, the comprehensive nature of the design package and the technical complexity suggest a substantial investment in marine engineering services. The proposal requires extensive technical documentation, including trawling and gill netting capabilities, hydroacoustic sampling provisions, and comprehensive vessel system designs, indicating a sophisticated and potentially high-value contract for the selected marine engineering firm.