The Maryland Department of Natural Resources needs a tugboat for its marine construction division. This tugboat will provide a state-of-the-art multi-mission platform capable of safely performing its duties year-round and in all weather conditions. Examples of vital and rigorous tasks performed aboard this vessel include, but are not limited to, pushing two 26’ x 80’ barges to and from job sites and maneuvering the barges within the jobsite during the project. This vessel will accommodate a crew of up to 10. Fuel efficient engines and hull design should provide the ability to efficiently transport crews and equipment for projects throughout the inland waters of the Chesapeake Bay in a vast range of depths and flow conditions. The purpose of this solicitation is to procure a tugboat vessel able to accommodate a crew of up to 10. Fuel-efficient engines and hull design should provide the ability to efficiently transport crews and equipment for projects throughout the inland waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Until recently, the H.J. Elser has been essential to the department to aid in fulfilling DNR vessel needs. The Elser is a 48’ steel hull constructed vessel built in 1969. This vessel has more than fulfilled its duties over the years and is ready to be retired. The new vessel must adhere to or exceed all standards listed below. It must also come with a US Coast Guard certificate of inspection for up to 10 passengers operating upon inland waters. The contractor will be responsible for assuring all of these standards and certifications are met and for fees associated with inspections to that effect. Standards to Follow for the Design and Construction of a DNR tugboat: Coast Guard standards subchapter T NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) AWS (American Welding Society) IEEE (International Electric and Electronic Engineering) EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) OSHA (US Occupational Health and Safety) This solicitation seeks to solicit design and construction of a tugboat that will meet DNR’s needs and accommodate the equipment and specifications required for the tugboat’s mission, while also optimizing safety, stability, operability, and functionality. Additionally due to time and funding constraints, modifications to an existing, proven hull design are preferred. Below are descriptions of general tugboat structure, propulsion, and safety needs as well as descriptions of desired features.
