RFP McNeil Drydock

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a professional maritime services contractor to perform comprehensive dry-dock maintenance and repair services for the M/V McNeil, a 67-foot steel-hulled passenger ferry operating between McNeil Island and Steilacoom. The procurement, identified as RFP K13861, requires the selected vendor to complete routine maintenance, USCG dry-dock inspection, and internal structural examination of the vessel, which was originally built in 1985 by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. Specific deliverables include pulling and reinstalling shafts and propellers, preparing and coating the underwater hull with two coats of anti-foul paint, painting vessel freeboard and topsides, removing and restoring five main cabin windows with new gaskets, and installing port and starboard wheelhouse doors. The work must commence prior to the January 31, 2025 USCG biannual out-of-water inspection and be completed by March 31, 2025, with all activities performed within the Puget Sound Region. The procurement process involves a three-stage evaluation: administrative screening, bid evaluation, and contract negotiations with the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder. Proposals are due January 16, 2025, by 4:00 PM PST, with contract execution scheduled for January 22, 2025.

The RFP encourages participation from Minority, Small, Veteran, and Women's Business Enterprises (MSVWBE), though no minimum participation levels are mandated. The contract requires 100% performance security through bonds or alternative contract security mechanisms, with comprehensive insurance requirements including Commercial General Liability ($2M per occurrence/$4M aggregate), Professional Liability ($2M/$2M), and several other specialized coverage types. Bidders must register with Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) and the Statewide Payee Desk as payment conditions. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the RFP includes an aspirational 5% Small and Diverse Business Goal for OMWBE certified businesses, Veteran Owned Businesses, and Small/Mini/Micro businesses. Contractors must maintain the vessel's USCG Certificate of Inspection throughout the work period and coordinate all necessary USCG inspections and approvals. The contract includes warranty coverage for all work for one year after vessel redelivery, with security maintained at 10% of the contract value during the warranty period. Though specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the detailed rate proposal form suggests significant flexibility in pricing structures, including unit rates for dry-storage, labor, and material costs.