46-DNCR-26-2147 RFP Water Taxi Services for the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is seeking qualified vendors to provide daily water taxi passenger service across the Cape Fear River, connecting Downtown Wilmington to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, 365 days a year. The service must transport a minimum of 20 passengers and three wheelchairs daily, operate ADA-compliant ramps and designated seating, and extend hours during special events. Vendors are required to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations including NVIC 07-94 and USC 2101, maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, and ensure all crew hold appropriate Merchant Mariner Credentials. The contract emphasizes a best-value award process, evaluating proposals based on technical approach, response to questions, organizational structure, vendor experience, and license/docking fees, with no preference given to the lowest price. The estimated contract value is $54,000 annually for a base three-year term, covering a $1,000 monthly docking fee and $500 monthly license fee, with potential for extension beyond the initial term. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the NC eProcurement system by May 22, 2026, and include signed execution pages, complete pricing details via Attachment A, HUB supplemental information, customer references, worker location data, and financial condition certification. Vendors must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State, maintain mandatory insurance coverage—including commercial general liability, employer’s liability, automobile, maritime, and alcohol service policies—and cannot subcontract any portion of the work without prior state approval. Key personnel substitutions require written consent, and all personnel may be subject to state-initiated background checks at the vendor’s expense. Performance obligations extend beyond transportation to include dock management at the Piedmont Natural Gas Marine Trail Dock, contribution to the Battleship Improvement and Maintenance Fund, promotional collaboration on bundled packages, complimentary rides for State staff, and monthly reporting of passenger counts and revenue. Transition support of up to six months may be required post-termination, billed at contract rates. No federal identifiers like UEI or CAGE codes are mandated, but HUB status is a key consideration in evaluation. The contract is administered by the Battleship Memorial in Wilmington with oversight from the NC DNCR in Raleigh, and all invoicing is processed manually with payments due to the designated office.