Invitation for Bids: Swift Water Rescue Craft Procurement

Background
The North Carolina Department of Insurance is issuing this Invitation for Bids (IFB) to procure Swiftwater Rescue Watercrafts for the North Carolina Emergency Training Center. The purpose of this procurement is to enhance the training capabilities for first responders operating in swift water environments. The goods specified are critical for ensuring effective emergency response and safety in such conditions. This solicitation is brand-specific, meaning that substitutions will not be accepted, and the intent is to award an Agency Contract.

Work Details
The contract involves the provision of various swift water rescue craft and related equipment, including but not limited to:
- AC inflator/blower (3 PSI, 114 CFM, 9.5 amp motor, 10” Hose)
- MK2 Grand Raid inflatable rescue boat (Red, Long-shaft, Aluminum Floorboard) with two NC Spec Fuel Systems included per boat
- RQ3 Rescue Hose Deluxe Inflation System
- Crossline Reach Device
- NRS X-Sled 115 Rescue Boat
- NRS ASR 155 Rescue Boat
- Zodiac ERB 400 inflatable rescue boat (4 meters) with high pressure floor and SCBA & SCUBA connections
- Zodiac FC 420 inflatable rescue boat (4.2 meters) with similar specifications as above
- Zodiac FC 470 inflatable rescue boat (4.7 meters) with similar specifications as above
- Commercial paddles and Tohatsu outboard motors (various models).
The Vendor must ensure that all products meet or exceed the specified requirements outlined in section 5.0 of the IFB.

Period of Performance
The delivery of all items must be completed within one hundred eighty (180) consecutive calendar days after receipt of purchase order.

Place of Performance
The products will be delivered to the NC Emergency Training Center located at 44255 Airport Road, New London, NC 28127.

Bidder Requirements
Vendors must be registered in good standing with North Carolina's Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). They must also provide a signed statement from the manufacturer confirming authorization to distribute or resell the products offered. Additionally, vendors are encouraged to support small and minority-owned businesses by meeting or exceeding a goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as subcontractors.