Research Skiffs for Fisheries Independent Monitoring

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is conducting a competitive sealed bid procurement for the design and construction of research skiffs for fisheries independent monitoring purposes. The procurement is under the jurisdiction of Leon County, Florida, and seeks pricing for one 22-foot skiff, two 24-foot skiffs, and one 24-foot skiff with an alternate helm configuration, though the FWC reserves the right to adjust quantities based on budget appropriations and legislative authority. All vessels must be conventional flat-bottom, shallow-draft mullet skiffs constructed from composite materials and built to comply with federal and state marine safety regulations and Florida Marine Vessel Registration requirements. The FWC will separately procure and provide engines and rigging components for contractor installation. Key specifications include stainless steel fasteners, maximum completed vessel weight of 2,000 pounds (excluding engine and gear), Coast Guard-approved flotation foam, self-bailing decks, and properly vented fuel tanks. Bidders must submit written questions by March 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, with sealed bids due March 30, 2026 at 2:30 PM ET to the FWC Purchasing office in Tallahassee. The public bid opening will occur on March 30, 2026 at 2:30 PM ET, with an anticipated award date of April 1, 2026. The contract term is one year from Purchase Order issuance with delivery required by September 1, 2026, and the FWC has the option to renew annually for up to one additional year under identical terms and conditions. Award will be made to the responsive, responsible bidder submitting the lowest total price per skiff size and configuration, with evaluation including total cost for both the initial term and any renewal year pricing.

Bidders must be registered in MyFloridaMarketPlace and with SunBiz prior to bid opening and must provide minimum three references for similar projects. Bidders are required to submit completed vendor certification forms, subcontractor lists, forced labor attestations, and a Subcontractor Minority Status Report with each invoice, though no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or minority-owned businesses are detailed in the available procurement documents. Subcontracting is permitted under the contract structure. Liquidated damages of $100 per calendar day will be assessed for delays beyond the completion date unless circumstances are beyond the contractor's control. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in this procurement, and no specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in the available documentation. Prospective bidders should contact the FWC Purchasing office or download the complete Invitation to Bid document from the Florida Vendor Information Portal website for comprehensive specifications, terms, conditions, and pricing submission requirements.