WA State Parks 75’ MV Thunderbird 2026 Repair

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is issuing a Request for Proposals for comprehensive repair services on the 75-foot MV Thunderbird vessel, a landing craft requiring substantial structural, mechanical, and systems work to be completed by June 30, 2026, to enable operational service by July 15, 2026. The procurement encompasses four primary work packages: drydock and refloat operations, surface preparation of damaged steel, structural renewal through steel replacement where excessive corrosion has occurred, and coating application per Sherwin-Williams specifications. Qualified bidders must demonstrate at least ten years of marine vessel work history on comparable projects, possess adequate shipyard facilities capable of hauling and refloating the vessel within 100 nautical miles of Deception Pass State Park, hold a Washington Unified Business Identifier number, and provide evidence of financial stability and compliance with wage and labor laws. The evaluation methodology utilizes a points-based system allocating 30 points for qualifications and capabilities documentation, 30 points for relevant project experience, 40 points for pricing and rate schedules, with pass/fail requirements for proof of suitable shipyard facilities and project references from work completed within three years. An optional pre-bid conference is scheduled for February 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Washington State Parks Marine Crew Dock in Oak Harbor, Washington; the question and answer period runs through February 20, 2026, with responses posted by February 24, 2026; and bid responses are due electronically to BidBox@parks.wa.gov by March 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM PST, with the contract period extending from May 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.

The procurement incorporates set-aside designations providing a 10-point preference for Washington Small Businesses and Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses meeting specific criteria, with voluntary participation goals established for minority-owned businesses (10%), women-owned businesses (6%), veteran-owned businesses (5%), and small businesses (25%). While subcontracting is anticipated, the prime contractor must perform a material and meaningful portion of work in-house. The contract requires comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence and Automobile Liability Insurance at the same limit if vehicles are utilized. The contract establishes a fixed lump-sum pricing structure with limited adjustment mechanisms, including a quarterly escalation formula for steel-based materials tied to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index capped at actual material costs with a $25,000 threshold, and provisions for additional compensation when federal or state law changes or tax increases exceed $50,000 in aggregate costs. No specific overall contract award value or budget range is disclosed in the procurement documents; however, the scope encompasses extensive vessel repair work including structural steel replacement per ASTM A36 standards, all welding performed by USCG pre-qualified welders with AWS-certified inspections, and comprehensive testing of all modified systems and machinery.