Commandant (G-ACS), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001

19 -- INDEPENDENT MARITIME RESPONSE VESSEL POC Dan McCusker, (202)267-2483/Contracting Officer: Thomas K. Brust, (202)267-6450 The Coast Guard has a requirement for a minimum of one and a maximum of ten Independent Maritime Response Vessels (IMARV's). This will be a small business set-aside, commercial item acquisition. A firm fixed price, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity type contract is contemplated. The craft must be a proven technology with past service as a patrol craft, pilot boat, crew boat, rescue boat, salvage boat, etc. or similar commercial or government use. The Coast Guard concept is for a mixed gender crew of four to live aboard the boat for a watch period of up to 72 hours. The primary mission areas of the boat will be search and rescue and law enforcement. The following are expected requirements of the boat. DESIGN: Open ocean capable; LENGTH: less than 65ft; BEAM: less than 18 feet; APPENDAGE DRAFT: 4.5 ft. or less; PROPULSION: twin engine diesel; SPEED AT FULL LOAD: 26 knots; RANGE: 200 nautical miles at 20 knots; ENDURANCE: 72 hours; ACCOMODATIONS: berthing, messing and sanitary facilities for a four member, mixed gender crew. Requests for solicitation shall be made in writing within 15 calendar days from the date of publication of this notice. The Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization has programs to assist minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises to acquire short-term working capital and bonding assistance for transportation-related contracts. Loans are available under the DOT Short Term Lending Program (STLP) at prime interest rates up to $500,000 per contract to provide accounts receivable financing. The DOT Bonding Assistance Program enables firms to apply for bid, performance and payment bonds up to $500,000 per contract. DOT provides an 80 percent guaranty on the bond amount to a surety against losses. For further information and applicable forms concerning the STLP and Bonding Assistance Program, please call (800) 532-1169. However, small business sources should submit information listed in numbered note 25 (0147)

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