Offshore Vessel for Marine Fisheries Research Operations

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking competitive bids for the design, construction, and fitting of an offshore vessel for Marine Fisheries Research operations. The vessel must be between 50-55 feet in length, with a beam of 16-18 feet and a draft of 2-4 feet, featuring a minimum 20-25 foot deck length. Contractors must demonstrate experience in constructing fiberglass semi-planing vessels and be prepared to complete the project by January 31, 2026. The bid submission deadline is November 22, 2024, with a public bid opening on the same date. Evaluation will focus on selecting the responsive, responsible bidder submitting the lowest total price, with the contract effective for two years upon issuance of the Purchase Order and potential for extension. Bidders are required to be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to bid opening, and must submit a comprehensive list of subcontractors with their proposal.

Certified Minority-owned, Woman-owned, and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises are specifically encouraged to participate in this procurement opportunity. The contract includes a payment structure with five installments tied to specific deliverables, and potential liquidated damages may be assessed for late completion. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed specifications suggest a significant investment in a specialized marine research vessel. The procurement is specifically located within Leon County, Florida, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Potential bidders should carefully review all documentation available on the Florida Vendor Information Portal (VIP) website and ensure full compliance with all registration and submission requirements to be considered for this contract opportunity.