RFP 27-32/AB harbor tour cruises

The City of Hampton, Virginia is soliciting proposals under RFP 27-32/AB for an operator to provide its official harbor tour product and vessel service, with proposals due November 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EST. The RFP sets subcontracting goals of 3.68% for minority-owned businesses (MBE) and 3.30% for woman-owned businesses (WBE), and requires all participants to be certified by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). The solicitation listing's jurisdiction field reads Buena Vista City, FIPS 51530.

Tours depart from the Hampton Public Pier at the Hampton Maritime Center and cover the Hampton River, Hampton Roads Harbor, Fort Wool, and Norfolk Naval Base, with historical and contemporary commentary. Tours are preferably offered Tuesday through Sunday from April through October, with daily operation required Memorial Day through Labor Day, and a two-hour tour length is preferred. The contractor may use its own vessels or subcontract other boat providers to meet public demand. All vessels must be Coast Guard-inspected and approved, operated by licensed staff, and based at Hampton Public Pier, where the City provides complimentary docking. The contractor must report monthly passenger counts, departures, admissions by category, motor coach usage, private charters, and walk-in visitors to the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau. Food and beverage service is permitted, with Virginia alcoholic beverage licensing where applicable. The City retains the right to contract with alternative maritime services, fast ferries, or charter fishing services. Required insurance includes Commercial General Liability of $5,000,000 per occurrence, Business Automobile Liability of $1,000,000, and Marine General Liability with Protection and Indemnity of $5,000,000 minimum. Federal funding compliance with 2 C.F.R. 200.317-326 and suspension and debarment certifications are required.

The base term is one year, with four optional one-year renewals by mutual agreement and automatic renewal unless written notice is given 30 days before expiration. Pricing is subject to negotiation, and firm fixed pricing applies during the contract term and any extensions. Proposals are submitted electronically as sealed bids through DemandStar. The RFP was posted October 27, 2026.