Out to bid for barge service to meet coast guard guidelines

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is requesting sealed bids for comprehensive shipyard services to restore and maintain the Oil Recovery Barge Netepenawesit, with bids due July 11, 2008. The barge must be returned to its berth in Bucksport, Maine no later than November 15, 2008.

The scope encompasses dry docking, hull preservation, cargo tank and void cleaning, painting systems, mechanical repairs, and compliance inspections across over 30 distinct work items, with a 60-day shipyard period allocated for completion. Contractors must submit firm fixed prices for each work item inclusive of all materials, labor, services, and equipment. All work must comply with U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and NACE paint specialist standards, with oversight by the Department's contracted paint consultant.

Contract administration requirements include daily coordination with the owner's representative, submission of docking plans, insurance certificates, welder qualifications, confined space entry procedures, and detailed condition and inspection reports. The contractor must maintain a weekly updated Gantt chart tracking project progress, manpower allocation by trade, controlling work items, and percentage completion. Temporary services must include hotel accommodations for one owner's representative, adequate fendering, electrical shore power, office space, and certified marine chemist certification confirming the vessel is safe for hot work throughout the shipyard period.

A demurrage charge of $1,000 per day applies if work extends beyond the 60-day period without written extension. Additional work and change orders are compensated on a time-and-material basis with materials marked up at contractor cost plus 15 percent, limited to $2,500 in materials and 150 man-hours per approved change order. The State of Maine reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive formalities, and award to the lowest responsible bidder based on best-value considerations. A preference applies to in-state bidders or those providing Maine-produced services. Sealed bids must be received at the Division of Purchases office in Augusta, Maine prior to the closing date and time, with late submissions rejected.