Rebid: Replacement of Boat Engines

Louisiana State University (LSU) is soliciting competitive bids for the replacement of two marine engines on the LSU-owned Coastal Profiler La-1918-PU vessel through an Invitation to Bid (RFQ-0000002438). The procurement specifically requires the removal of existing engines and transmissions, and installation of two new Caterpillar C7.1 marine engines rated at 400 BHP@2600 RPM, with no acceptable equivalent alternatives. Bidders must be authorized dealers of the engine manufacturer and provide comprehensive installation services, including digital/analog instrument panels, wire harnesses, and necessary components. The bid is geographically situated across Winn Parish and Baton Rouge City, with a non-mandatory site visit available at the LUMCON facility in Cocodrie, LA, where interested suppliers can inspect the vessel by contacting Chris Cleaver. Critical bid details include a submission deadline of February 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM CT, with an all-inclusive pricing requirement covering shipping, removal, reinstallation, sea trial startup, and warranty. The evaluation will be conducted on an "all or none" basis, selecting the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with LSU reserving the right to award specific line items.

The contract does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement requires a two-year or two-thousand-hour warranty covering parts and labor, with LSU responsible for transporting the boat to and from the supplier's installation site. The supplier will be responsible for dry docking and performing installation work. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the bid includes a separate line item for potential transmission replacement, which LSU may elect to pursue based on their assessment. Though specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the procurement—involving engine replacement, transmission potential replacement, installation, and warranty—suggests a potentially significant contract value. The requirement for specialized marine engine expertise and authorized manufacturer dealership indicates this is a technical procurement targeting experienced marine equipment suppliers with specific manufacturer certifications and marine vessel mechanical expertise.