Passenger Ferry Engine Re-Power

The State of Vermont is seeking bids for a passenger ferry engine re-power project involving the Island Runner, a 56-foot aluminum vessel operating in Saint Albans Bay between Kill Kare State Park and Burton Island State Park. The procurement requires the complete removal of two existing 3208 Marine Cat diesel engines and their replacement with new engines that meet equivalent horsepower specifications and are compatible with the current Hamilton HJ292 Jet drives. This contract opportunity, posted on October 6, 2025, has a proposal submission deadline of November 3, 2025, and is specifically located within Windsor County and the Newport Center Census Designated Place (CDP). Potential bidders must provide engines that precisely match the technical requirements of the existing vessel propulsion system, ensuring minimal disruption to ferry operations. While the attached Request for Proposal (RFP) document appears to have a retrieval error, interested vendors should carefully review the technical specifications and compatibility requirements for the engine replacement project.

Although specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, marine vessel engine replacement projects typically require vendors with specialized maritime engineering and propulsion system expertise. The procurement appears to be open to qualified marine engine suppliers and marine equipment contractors who can demonstrate technical competence in marine diesel engine installation and compatibility with jet drive systems. No incumbent vendor information or specific budget range is provided in the current documentation. The project seems focused on maintaining the operational capacity of the Island Runner ferry, which serves an important transportation link between state parks. Potential bidders should be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation of engine specifications, performance capabilities, warranty information, and installation methodology to demonstrate their qualifications for this state-level procurement opportunity.