Offshore Vessel for Marine Fisheries Research Operations - Rebid

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking competitive bids for an Invitation to Bid (ITB FWC 24/25-60) to procure an offshore vessel for Marine Fisheries Research operations located in Leon County. The project requires a vessel between 50-55 feet in length, with a beam of 16-18 feet, draft of 2-4 feet, and deck length of 20-25 feet, to be completed by November 1, 2026. Bidders must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in fiberglass hull vessel construction and demonstrate sound financial standing. Key procurement dates include bid advertisement on January 24, 2025, with questions due by January 31, 2025, and bid responses to questions by February 5, 2025. Sealed bids are due February 12, 2025, at 2:30 PM ET, with an anticipated award date of February 17, 2025. Vendor qualifications include registration in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to bid opening, and compliance with American Bureau of Shipping Rules, US Coast Guard requirements, and marine safety standards.

The contract will be effective for two years upon issuance of the Purchase Order, with an estimated budget of $765,000. Payment will be structured in five installments: 30% after initial hull layup, 20% after engine and below deck machinery installation, 10% after deck and cabin fabrication, 20% after equipment installation, and the final 20% upon completion and successful sea trials. Subcontracting is permitted with proper documentation. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, bidders must meet rigorous technical and financial qualifications. The vessel must be constructed to meet specific marine research operational requirements, suggesting potential integration with existing marine research infrastructure. The payment schedule indicates a phased approach to vessel development, with critical milestones tied to specific completion dates and technical achievements, and a total contract value of $765,000.