Lake Superior State University - Purchase of a 23-26 ft Aluminum Research Vessel with Trailer - RFP No. 27-0002 (2026)
Lake Superior State UniversityHigher Ed · Sault Ste Marie, MI- Due
- Nov 20, 2026
- 18 days left
- Posted
- Oct 23, 2026
- Primary contact
- Donald Wiley
- (906) 635-2761
The 30-second brief
Lake Superior State University is seeking proposals from qualified boat manufacturers to build and deliver one new aluminum mono/deep-V hull work boat, 23 to 26 feet in length, with twin outboard engines and a tandem-axle trailer, for use as a research vessel by the Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE). The scope includes providing all labor, materials, equipment, and expertise required to construct, outfit, and deliver the vessel to 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Proposals are due by November 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Questions must be submitted in writing by November 6, 2026. Evaluation criteria include total cost, specification compliance, delivery date, warranty and parts support, and builder experience.
One (1) new 23-26 ft aluminum mono/deep-V hull work boat, Twin outboard engines, Tandem-axle trailer
Total cost, Compliance with Vessel Specifications, Proposed delivery date, Warranty, service, and parts support, Experience building comparable aluminum work or research vessels, References
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Summary
Lake Superior State University is seeking proposals from qualified boat manufacturers to build and deliver one new aluminum mono/deep-V hull work boat, 23 to 26 feet in length, with twin outboard engines and a tandem-axle trailer, for use as a research vessel by the Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE).
The scope includes providing all labor, materials, equipment, and expertise required to construct, outfit, and deliver the vessel to 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Proposals are due by November 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Questions must be submitted in writing by November 6, 2026. Evaluation criteria include total cost, specification compliance, delivery date, warranty and parts support, and builder experience.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
8- Total cost
- Compliance with Vessel Specifications
- Proposed delivery date
- Warranty
- Service
- Parts support
- Experience building comparable aluminum work or research vessels
- References
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
3- One (1) new 23-26 ft aluminum mono/deep-V hull work boat
- Twin outboard engines
- Tandem-axle trailer
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
9- Bid Security (5% of base bid if over $50,000)
- References (3 required)
- Specification compliance documentation
- Line drawings and product literature
- Engine options description
- Lockable storage options
- RFP exceptions
- Signed Signature Page
- Bid Proposal Form
- Submit to
- [email protected] or Donald Wiley, Purchasing Manager, Lake Superior State University, Purchasing Department, 650 W. Easterday Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
- Scope location
- Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Lake Superior State University?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is November 20, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected] or Donald Wiley, Purchasing Manager, Lake Superior State University, Purchasing Department, 650 W. Easterday Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. For questions, contact Donald Wiley.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Lake Superior State University in MI, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Donald Wiley at (906) 635-2761. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: One (1) new 23-26 ft aluminum mono/deep-V hull work boat, Twin outboard engines, Tandem-axle trailer. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Total cost, Compliance with Vessel Specifications, Proposed delivery date, Warranty, service, and parts support, Experience building comparable aluminum work or research vessels, References" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Lake Superior State University?
All active and historical solicitations from Lake Superior State University are tracked and searchable. As a higher ed agency, Lake Superior State University regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of November 20, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Bid Security (5% of base bid if over $50,000), References (3 required), Specification compliance documentation, Line drawings and product literature, Engine options description, Lockable storage optio. Review the full document from Lake Superior State University for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.