Water Quality Protection Research Vessel Replacement

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is seeking to procure a new research vessel (R/V) to replace its existing R/V Pelagos through a competitive bid process, designated as Contract M08001C01. The procurement is specifically for a current model year, unused research vessel designed for water quality monitoring in Milwaukee-area rivers and Lake Michigan from March through December. The vessel must be 38-50 feet long, with a maximum of 99 gross register tonnage, a minimum range of 300 miles, and capable of maintaining a cruising speed of 14-18 knots. Key deliverables include the vessel itself, an 8-hour on-the-water training session within one week of delivery, and assistance with functional and performance testing. The bid allows for both a base diesel research vessel and alternate bid options for alternative fuel configurations (electric, hybrid, biodiesel) and an optional chirp sonar transducer. Bids are due by 10:00 a.m. central time on September 30, 2025, and will be submitted through the Bonfire online procurement platform. The contract will be awarded to the responsible bidder with the lowest compliant bid, with MMSD reserving the right to reject any or all submissions.

The District has established specific small business enterprise goals, targeting 13% for Minority Business Enterprises, 5% for Small/Veteran Business Enterprises, and 2% for Women's Business Enterprises. Potential bidders must complete several mandatory documents, including an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Data Form that requires detailed reporting of workforce demographics, a Certification of Non-Discrimination form, and a Bid Worksheet. The procurement emphasizes non-discrimination, prohibiting discrimination based on characteristics such as age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, physical condition, developmental disability, sexual orientation, and national origin. Bidders must provide workforce diversity information, referencing local market availability data for the Milwaukee-Waukesha Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area, which indicates 26% minorities and 48% females in the local labor market. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated in the documents, the comprehensive technical specifications and alternative fuel options suggest a significant investment in a sophisticated research vessel that meets the District's water quality monitoring requirements.