Request for Proposal (RFP): Boat Transportation for Farm Visit in July 2025
1. Overview: Petersburg School District Food Service Department is seeking proposals from experienced boat operators for transportation services to and from Farragut Farm. The transportation will be needed in July 2025, when tidal conditions permit safe access to the farm. The trip involves specific timing around high tide and requires familiarity with the local terrain. The suggested date is July 24th 2025.
2. Project Details: ● Location: Farragut Farm, is located ¾ mile inland from a shoreline that is accessible by small boat. The walk to the farm is over uneven, slippery terrain. ● GroupSize: We anticipate a group of 9 to 12 individuals and be split between two small boats. The participants are part of a grant-funded project and are not Alaska residents. As such, they may have limited experience with the local terrain and conditions. ● BoatRequirements: ○ Two small boats are preferred for this trip due to their ease of maneuvering and ability to drop passengers directly on the shore. ○ Operators should be familiar with the local waters and challenging terrain.
3. Timeline & Tide Considerations: ● Timing: ○ The boat should arrive no earlier than 1.5 hours before the high tide and depart no later than 1 hour after high tide. This provides a 2.5-hour window for the group to walk to the farm, visit, and walk back to the shore. Individuals operating the boats are welcome to the tour. ○ Hightide on the selected day must be at least 14 feet to allow safe access. We propose July 24th
4. Scope of Work: ● Provide boat transportation for the group from the departure point to the shore near the farm and back. ● Assist in determining the optimal date in July 2025 for the visit, ensuring that tidal conditions meet the required 14’ minimum. ● Ensure that boats are able to safely navigate the local waters and accommodate group members with direct shore access. ● Boat operators should be familiar with the tricky local terrain and assist passengers as needed in disembarking. ● Additional sightseeing, if time and weather permits, for videography.
5. Health and Safety Requirements: ● All passengers should be provided with personal flotation devices (PFDs). ● Boat operators must have knowledge of local maritime safety procedures. ● Transportation services should meet any applicable local maritime safety regulations. ● Licenced or Coast Guard certified ● Insured
6. Physical Considerations for Participants: ● Participants will need to walk ¾ mile from the shore to the farm on uneven and slippery ground. ● Rubberboots and raingear will be required for participants, as the terrain may be wet and muddy. ● Theability to climb in and out of a boat; utilizing a simple ladder ● Participants should be in good physical condition, with adequate balance and stability for walking on uneven footing.
7. Proposal Submission Requirements: Interested parties should submit proposals that include the following: ● BoatandOperator Information: Description of the boats, their capacities, and experience of the operators. ● Proposed Dates: Recommended date options in July 2025 based on tidal conditions and any insights from tide charts. ● Safety Protocols: A description of the safety measures in place, including the provision of PFDs and any other equipment. ● Pricing: Detailed cost proposal for the transportation services, including any additional fees or surcharges.
8. Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on: ● Familiarity with Local Waters and Terrain ● Experience and Qualifications of Boat Operators ● Compliance with Tide and Timing Requirements ● CostProposal ● References and Safety Protocols
9. Submission Deadline: All proposals must be submitted no later than January 31, 2025 . Please send proposals electronically to cjohnson@pcsd.us with the subject line “RFP Submission: Boat Transportation for Farm Visit.”
10. Contact Information: For any questions or additional information, please contact: ● Name:Carlee R Johnson McIntosh ● Email: Cjohnson@pcsd.us ● Phone:907.312.7588