Site Visit* Ferry Transport Service

The Louisiana Office of State Procurement is seeking a ferry transport service contract for the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, through an Invitation to Bid (ITB) with solicitation number 3000024841. The contract requires a contractor to provide daily ferry transport services across the Mississippi River, connecting Highway 418/Highway 15 Landing with the Angola Landing, with specific operating hours from 3:30 AM to 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The successful vendor must supply a minimum 1,000 horsepower twin screw tug and a barge with an enclosed passenger compartment capable of accommodating 25 passengers, fully compliant with U.S. Coast Guard maritime regulations. The initial contract period is 12 months, beginning July 1, 2025, with options to renew for two additional 12-month periods, potentially extending the total contract duration to 36 months. The bid opening is scheduled for June 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST, with a non-mandatory site visit available by contacting Danielle Matherne. The state will award the contract on an all-or-none basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specified requirements.

The procurement does not explicitly designate specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, though standard state and federal non-discrimination provisions apply. Contractors must be registered in the LaGov system and will be subject to comprehensive insurance requirements, including Workers Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Marine Protection and Indemnity, and Excess Liability, with specific minimum coverage limits. Vendors must also comply with security clearance processes for entering prison grounds and adhere to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the contract includes two line items: a primary service contract for 365 days of ferry transport and an additional line item for 20 extra round trips outside normal operating times. Payment will be processed electronically using either the LaCarte procurement card (for purchases under $5,000) or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The contract's funding is contingent upon legislative appropriation, with the state reserving the right to terminate if sufficient funds are not allocated.