RFP - Disposal of Abandoned and Derelict Vessels

The Port of Newport is soliciting proposals from qualified marine salvage companies, marine construction firms, waste disposal specialists, and boat yards for the comprehensive disposal of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) within their maritime facility. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks a contractor to remove, dismantle, and properly dispose of up to 17 vessels, with immediate priority on three specific vessels: BUSTER, ECLIPSE, and SEA WOLF, which must be removed from the water by November 30, 2025. Contractors must provide comprehensive vessel removal services, including transportation, dismantling, hazardous material identification and disposal, and thorough documentation. Key deliverables include proof of business liability insurance with a minimum $2,000,000 coverage, maintenance of all necessary local, state, and federal permits, and strict compliance with OR-OSHA and OSHA safety requirements. The proposal submission deadline is October 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with a mandatory site meeting scheduled for October 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Port Administration Office. The project is funded by grant revenue from the Oregon Department of State Lands and will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with work to commence after November 1, 2025, and be completed prior to June 1, 2026.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types are explicitly mentioned, the RFP indicates potential flexibility in contractor selection and vessel disposal. Contractors may have the opportunity to assume ownership of vessel parts to reduce costs to the Port, and the Port reserves the right to sell or remove vessels prior to the contractor's disposal process. The project is supported by the BoatUS Foundation's Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, with over $7 million allocated nationwide for ADV removal projects. Vendors providing in-kind services or reduced expenses may receive a tax-deductible document from the BoatUS Foundation. While a specific budget range is not detailed, the project is part of a broader initiative to remove vessels that threaten waterway ecosystems and impede public access, recreation, and commerce. The ultimate goal includes creating a national ADV database to track removal activities and support educational efforts on maritime debris management.