Small Boat Mooring Field

The City of Newport, Rhode Island has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP #2025-MAR-002) for a Small Boat Mooring Field project in Newport County. The procurement seeks an experienced firm to design, build, and install 10 moorings in the Spindle area of Newport Inner Harbor for vessels up to 25 feet in length. Specific technical requirements include 12-16" reinforced concrete blocks, 1/2" - 5/8" chains, line holding buoys, and mooring pennants, with all chains and shackles mandated to be American-made. Proposals are due by March 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM local time, with project completion required by June 16th, 2025. The moorings will be located in the South-East corner of Newport Harbor, southwest of the #6 Green Day Marker on NOAA Chart 13223. The proposal evaluation will be based on five criteria: experience (25%), knowledge and understanding of the scope of work (20%), qualifications of the project manager (15%), written references (20%), and cost (20%).

The contract includes prevailing wage requirements, with all construction over $1,000 subject to state prevailing wage laws, and vendors must submit certified payrolls for all contractors and subcontractors. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the project does have strict requirements for manufacturing origin and technical specifications. Contractors will be responsible for purchasing all mooring parts and equipment, specifically requiring Grade 30 galvanized proof coil chains and galvanized screw pin type shackles. The water depth in the project area ranges from 5 feet at low tide to 10 feet at high tide, accommodating both power and sail vessels. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed technical requirements and evaluation criteria suggest this is a professional-level maritime infrastructure project with specific performance expectations.