Specifications for Barge Services During Emergency Situations

Keys Energy Services, a municipal electric utility in Key West, Florida, is seeking qualified contractors to provide barge services during emergency situations through Bid 09-25. The procurement focuses on securing barge rental, qualified barge operators, and associated services to assist in repairing electrical facilities and infrastructure that cross water during emergencies such as hurricanes. Required barge specifications include vessels 30-40 feet long with spuds for position holding, and contractors must provide comprehensive services including barge rental with captain, mobilization/demobilization, and crane services. The bid requires electronic submission by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, with a virtual bid opening committee meeting scheduled for the same date. Contractors must demonstrate ability to respond within 72 hours of task order issuance, comply with federal regulations including Davis-Bacon Act and FEMA requirements, and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage. Evaluation criteria will likely include responsiveness, technical capability, cost structure, and emergency readiness. The contract term is three years from execution, with potential for two additional one-year extensions.

The bid documents do not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must provide detailed documentation of labor and material costs and demonstrate compliance with federal regulatory standards. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the bid emphasizes the need for rapid, flexible emergency response capabilities in utility restoration efforts. Hourly rates will be a critical component of the evaluation, with specifications for barge rental (including captain), mobilization/demobilization fees, and crane services. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the services and the potential for emergency deployment suggests a significant potential contract value. The procurement is structured to ensure Keys Energy Services has reliable, immediate access to maritime infrastructure support during critical utility restoration scenarios, particularly in the hurricane-prone Florida Keys region.