Swiftwater Rescue Craft IFB

The North Carolina Department of Insurance has issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) #12-001270 for Swiftwater Rescue Craft to be used by the North Carolina Emergency Training Center. The procurement is a brand-specific solicitation seeking specific Zodiac rescue boats (ERB 400, FC 420, FC 470), NRS rescue boats, paddles, Tohatsu motors, engine accessories, trailers, and self-bailing rafts. This IFB requires vendors to provide fully assembled equipment precisely matching specified manufacturers and models, with no substitutions permitted. The bid was released on May 1, 2025, with written questions due by May 9, 2025, and bid responses required by May 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET. The anticipated contract award date is May 28, 2025, with delivery mandated within 180 consecutive calendar days after purchase order receipt to the New London, NC Emergency Training Center. Vendors must be authorized resellers and provide manufacturer warranties, with the state planning to award to the lowest responsive bidder meeting all technical specifications. The procurement's key objective is to acquire specialized rescue equipment for training first responders in swift water environments.

The state encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), with a specific goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as 1st or 2nd tier subcontractors. Vendors must be registered in the North Carolina Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) and comply with state requirements including E-Verify and various certifications regarding competitive bidding, work authorization, and non-discrimination. The solicitation specifically targets small, minority, physically handicapped, and women-owned businesses for potential participation. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive nature of the equipment procurement suggests a significant investment in specialized rescue training infrastructure. The state reserves the right to make separate awards or cancel the solicitation if deemed most advantageous, maintaining flexibility in the procurement process. Vendors must submit comprehensive references for the exact model of equipment offered and demonstrate full compliance with North Carolina General Statutes governing public procurement.