Repower and Motor Replacement – Motor Vessel SeaArk VC Commander (Anomaly II)

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) 808-26-253550 for comprehensive repower and motor replacement services for the Motor Vessel SeaArk VC Commander (Anomaly II), a 2005 25-foot research vessel. The project scope requires removing and disposing of two existing Honda 4-stroke 135-horsepower outboard motors and replacing them with two new Yamaha outboard motors (models LF115XB and F115XB), along with replacing a leaking hydraulic steering helm with a fully compatible unit. Bidders must submit pricing across three specific line items: complete removal and disposal with motor installation, motor registration and full vessel repower, and steering helm replacement. Qualified bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in similar marine repair work and provide comprehensive insurance documentation, including Workers' Compensation ($1,000,000 per accident), Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), and other required coverages. The bid is due on December 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST, with an expected notice of intent to award on December 4, 2025, and a contract start date of December 5, 2025. The project must be completed within 90 days of award, with potential contract extensions available through written agreement.

While the contract value is under $100,000 and does not mandate a formal Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting plan, THC will make good faith efforts to utilize HUB vendors. The procurement is classified under NGIP Class/Item 120-63 (Motors, Outboard, Gasoline) and 959-24 (Boats and Motors Maintenance and Repair). Bidders must electronically submit all documentation as a single PDF file, including signed certifications, conflict of interest disclosures, experience and reference information, and proof of insurance. Award determination will be based on providing the best value to the State of Texas, considering factors such as price, specification compliance, delivery terms, performance indicators, and economic impact. The contract includes potential renewal options, with the ability to extend for one year and two additional one-year renewals contingent upon continued funding availability. Bid prices must remain firm for 90 days from the IFB closing date, and all submissions will be comprehensively evaluated to ensure alignment with the state's procurement requirements and project objectives.