Safety and Rescue Watercraft-Work Boat

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is seeking to procure a specialized aluminum work boat and trailer through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Mecklenburg County's bridge maintenance and rescue operations. The specific procurement is for a 24' center console V-shaped aluminum boat with detailed requirements for the hull, internal power system, a 250 hp 4-stroke outboard motor, fuel system, and a tandem axle trailer. The boat is intended to serve multiple critical functions, including bridge repairs, inspections, and potential lifesaving vessel deployment along coastlines and inland waterways. Written questions for the bid (Bid Number 54-RC-PR14866) were due by March 24, 2025, with electronic bid submissions required by April 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET. Evaluation will focus on the lowest responsive bid that comprehensively meets all specified technical and operational requirements, with vendors required to provide unit prices for each major boat component and include all delivery, shipping, and administrative fees.

The solicitation emphasizes compliance with North Carolina's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, actively encouraging participation from minority and small businesses. Vendors must complete several attachments, including financial certifications and documentation detailing the location of workers to be utilized in the project. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement appears to be a one-time acquisition with a comprehensive set of technical specifications that will require vendors to demonstrate significant maritime and manufacturing capabilities. The bid process includes provisions for vendor diversity and inclusion, suggesting a potential preference for local or state-based businesses that can meet the technical requirements. Vendors will need to provide detailed documentation proving their ability to manufacture or supply a fully equipped work boat that meets the stringent operational specifications outlined in the NCDOT solicitation.