RFP McNeil #2 Drydock

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) K13803 for comprehensive maintenance services for the McNeil Island Barge #2, a 120-foot passenger-carrying deck barge used for vehicle ferry transport. The procurement seeks a contractor to perform dry-docking, routine maintenance, and complete a United States Coast Guard (USCG) dry-dock inspection by June 30, 2025, with all work to be performed within the Puget Sound Region by September 30, 2025. Specific deliverables include preparing and coating the vessel's deck, safety rails, mooring bits, lane striping, freeboard, voids, bilges, and underwater hull, as well as removing and replacing zinc anodes supplied by DOC. The project requires detailed surface preparation, multiple coating applications using specific PPG Protective and Marine Coatings products, and comprehensive documentation of work performed. Evaluation will follow a three-stage process focusing on administrative screening, bid evaluation, and contract negotiations, with DOC selecting the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder (LRRB) based on criteria including ability, capacity, skill, character, integrity, reputation, and performance history. The RFP was issued on May 6, 2025, with bids due by May 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM, and an anticipated contract execution date of May 27, 2025.

The DOC encourages participation from Minority, Small, Veteran, and Women's Business Enterprises (MSVWBE) with an aspirational 5% goal, though there is no mandatory minimum participation requirement. Bidders must provide comprehensive documentation including a transmittal letter, certifications, a bidder profile, and an issues list, and must comply with state registration, insurance, and training requirements. Insurance requirements include commercial general liability ($1M per occurrence), professional liability ($2M), workers' compensation, and cyber liability ($2M). While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract includes provisions for potential steel repairs discovered during inspection, with contractors required to submit plans and quotes for DOC approval. The project allows for lump sum and unit cost estimates covering various activities such as drydocking, berthing, temporary services, anode renewal, USCG inspections, hull washing, surface preparation, and coating. Prevailing wage rates must be used for estimating, and Washington State sales and use taxes are to be excluded from bid prices. Though an exact budget is not specified, the comprehensive nature of the maintenance work and the detailed technical specifications suggest a significant investment in maritime infrastructure preservation.