J--NOAA Ship Oregon II Replacement Rescue Boat

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to solicitation questions regarding the NOAA Ship Oregon II Rescue Boat Replacement. It clarifies requirements and addresses bidder inquiries.

• Boat Certification: The boat must have a valid USCG certificate of approval to function as a Rescue Boat. This can be a new or renewed certificate.
• Boat Dimensions: The maximum allowable length overall (LOA) for the boat is under 19 feet to ensure safe operations on the NOAA Ship Oregon II. The space available around the davit is limited, ideally requiring the boat to be 9 feet or less from the stern for proper clearance.
• Battery Charger: Flexibility exists for the battery charger/shore power, provided the boat's power configuration is compatible with the shipboard power system, as detailed in Section 3.1.7.5 of the Statement of Work.
• Materials: Aluminum is an acceptable material for the boat.
• Attachments: Attachments A and B are not provided with this solicitation. All available attachments can be found on the SAM.gov posting, including the Pricing Schedule, Statement of Need, Davit Operation & Maintenance Manual, and Q&A documents.
• Multiple Bids: Bidders may submit multiple bids for different boat models if they meet all requirements.
• Modifications: Modifications to a SOLAS/USCG approved boat are acceptable, provided they are covered in the certificate.
• Propulsion: The Statement of Work specifies a diesel inboard engine. If a gasoline outboard engine is proposed, adequate justification is required, along with USCG approval for Rescue Boat usage.
• Weight Capacity: Refer to the Statement of Need (SON) for the boat's maximum weight capacity. The davit's higher working load accounts for the cradle weight.

This Q&A document clarifies key technical and logistical requirements, potentially influencing bidder proposals and the selection of boat models. It confirms acceptable materials, dimensions, and the process for modifications, while also highlighting the need for specific justifications for deviations from stated propulsion requirements.

Amendment / Modification

• Amendment 0002 extends the due date for quotes to May 7, 2026, by 11:00 AM ET.

• It also sets a deadline for vendor questions to be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist by April 23, 2026, no later than 11:00 AM ET.

• The due date for quotes has been modified.

• The deadline for submitting questions has been established.

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended to May 7, 2026.

• Vendors must submit questions by April 23, 2026.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to solicitation questions regarding the NOAA Ship Oregon II Rescue Boat Replacement. The questions and answers clarify requirements related to the replacement rescue boat and its compatibility with existing equipment.

• Brand/Manufacturer: The Statement of Need does not require a specific brand or manufacturer. Replacement boats must be SOLAS certified and meet similar dimensions to the current rescue boat for davit compatibility.
• Weight Limit: The maximum allowable weight for the replacement rescue boat is "Not to exceed 2500-kg SOLAS Condition B."
• Dimensional Restrictions: The replacement boat must fit within the current Schat-Harding Miranda Davit used for deploying the current rescue boat. The overall length must be within the 17-19ft range.

Bidders should refer to the referenced specifications (Spec 3.1.7.1, 3.1.7.2. B, 3.1.7.2. D, and 1.1.3) and Attachment 3, the Oregon II Davit Operation & Maintenance Manual, for detailed requirements regarding SOLAS certification, dimensions, weight, and davit compatibility. These clarifications do not appear to alter the submission deadline of 11am EST on 03/12/2026.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation 1305M22600051 serves two primary purposes:

• To provide the Government's responses to vendor questions.

• To extend the date and time for receipt of quotes.

• Boat Acceptability: The Statement of Need does not mandate a specific brand or manufacturer for the rescue boat. However, it must be SOLAS certified under Specification 3.1.7.1 (US Coast Guard SOLAS Certification) and meet the length requirement of 17-19 ft for compatibility with the existing davit system (Schat-Harding Miranda MRT 3900). Refer to Attachment 3 (Oregon II Davit Operation & Maintenance Manual) for davit specifications.

• Maximum Weight: The maximum allowable weight for the replacement rescue boat is not to exceed 2500-kg (SOLAS Condition B), as per Spec 3.1.7.2. D. Refer to Attachment 3 for davit specifications.

• Dimensional Restrictions: Beyond the 17-19 ft length, the replacement boat must fit within the current Schat-Harding Miranda Davit used for deploying the current rescue boat (Spec 1.1.3). Refer to Attachment 3 for davit specifications.

• New Quote Due Date: Quotes are now due at 11:00 AM ET on March 24, 2026.

• Original Solicitation: All other terms and conditions of Solicitation 1305M22600051 remain unchanged.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price schedule associated with Solicitation # 1305M226Q0051. It outlines the CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers), work items, units, quantities, and pricing required for the opportunity.

• CLIN 0001: Includes a "One New Rescue Boat (3.1)" and an "Aluminum Trailer (3.1.7.8)".
• CLIN 0002: Covers "Shipping/Delivery Cost to NOAA Ship Oregon II (1.1.5)".
• The schedule provides columns for Unit Price and Extended Price, which bidders are expected to complete.

Bidders must use this price schedule to provide their proposed pricing for the rescue boat, trailer, and associated shipping/delivery. This document is critical for proposal preparation and will likely be a key component of the evaluation process.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items to procure a replacement rescue boat for the NOAA Ship Oregon II. The current boat, NOAA HRM 1716, needs replacement. The new boat must be Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) certified and compatible with the existing Shat-Harding Miranda Davit used for deployment.

• One (1) New Rescue Boat (SOLAS certified)

• One (1) Aluminum Trailer

• Shipping/Delivery to NOAA Ship Oregon II

• The replacement boat must meet specifications outlined in the attached Statement of Need (SON).

• The anticipated contract type is a firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Delivery is required by April 1, 2027.

• Questions Due: March 12, 2026, by 11:00 AM Eastern (submit in writing to Whitney.Weireter@noaa.gov).

• Quotations Due: March 19, 2026, by 11:00 AM Eastern (submit electronically via email to Whitney.Weireter@noaa.gov and Jessica.Loftus@noaa.gov).

• Subject Line Format: RFQ# 1305M226Q0051, Name of Offeror.

• Evaluation: Award will be made on a Best Value basis, considering Technical Capabilities, Past Performance, and Price.

• Price Schedule: Attachment 1 Price Schedule must be submitted in Microsoft Excel format.

• This RFQ is 100% set-aside for Small Business concerns.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 441222, Boat Dealers, with a small business size standard of $40.0M.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

• Offerors are responsible for ensuring their quotes are received by the specified deadline.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses and provisions by reference. Full text is available upon request or electronically.

Statement of Need (SON)

Procurement of one 17-19ft Rescue Boat to replace the aging Rescue Boat, NOAA HRN 1716, on the NOAA Ship Oregon II.

• The replacement boat must be compatible with the current Schat-Harding Miranda Davit (MRT 3900 Davit, BHY 5300 Winch).

• Delivery of one boat within 365 days from contract award notification.

• Delivery to NOAA Ship Oregon II, Pascagoula, MS.

• Request for ship's force assistance with testing and delivery must be submitted two business weeks in advance.

• Boat must be capable of operating for at least 4 hours at a speed of at least 6 knots in calm water with a full complement of persons and equipment.

• Must achieve plane (approximate speed of 15-17kts) with two persons aboard and all equipment.

• US Coast Guard SOLAS Certification required.

• Must meet SOLAS Condition B, not to exceed 2500-kg.

• Hull: Rigid Hull of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) or Aluminum, International Orange, with sponson or fender.

• Propulsion: Inboard Marine Diesel Engine (SOLAS-approved, EPA Tier III compliant or better) or Marine Jet/Propeller Drive (SOLAS-approved).

• Fuel capacity for at least 4 hours at max operating speed.

• Electrical: 12-volt DC battery system with two AGM batteries, 50-volt AC battery charger, standard North American outlet design.

• Navigation lights and horn as required by COLREGS.

• VHF Radio with DSC programmed with marine frequencies and NOAA channels.

• Period of performance: 365 days from contract award notification.

• Place of performance: Delivery to NOAA Ship Oregon II, Pascagoula, MS 39567-4102.

• Must fit within the current davit.

• Must be compatible with the current davit/cradle system on ship.

• Technical manuals (hard copy and PDF) required.

• Weight-test lifting system to 150% max capacity.

• Pre-delivery builder's trials.

• Eight-hour boat commissioning, sea trials, and orientation course.

• One-year warranties from the date of boat acceptance.

• Aluminum trailer included.

• NOAA Emblems to be applied.

• Labeling and marking systems as specified.

• Attachment A: HRN 1716 Delivery Certificates

• Attachment B: HRN 1716 Small Boat Operation Manual

• Attachment C: Oregon II Davit Operation and Maintenance Manual

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Operation & Maintenance Manual for the NOAA/OREGON II MRT 3900 Davit and BHY 5300 Winch, including a Certification Dossier. It provides detailed information for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of the equipment.

The manual is divided into five parts:

• Part One: General Information - Covers specifications, general description, operating procedures, and fault finding.
• Part Two: Drawings - Includes an index of various technical drawings such as general arrangements, hydraulic circuit diagrams, and schematics.
• Part Three: Service & Spare Parts - Contains information on service rates, annual maintenance, load test requirements, and spare parts lists for the davit, winch, and hydraulic system.
• Part Four: Contract Specific Information - Includes details on release hook supply, starter/transformer information, and related spare parts.
• Part Five: Certification Index - Lists various certificates of test, examination, and conformity for the davit, winch, electric motors, hydraulic components, wire ropes, and connecting hardware.

This manual is crucial for any bidder involved in the maintenance, repair, or operation of the specified davit and winch system. It details operational procedures, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting guides, spare parts identification, and certification requirements, all of which are essential for understanding the full scope of work and ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards.