Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) Shipyard Maintenance and Drydocking

The University of South Florida, acting for the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO), is issuing an Invitation to Negotiate to secure agreements with qualified shipyards for ongoing maintenance, repair, and dry‑docking services for its two research vessels – the R/V W. T. Hogarth and the R/V Weatherbird II. Interested shipyards must register in the USF Sourcing portal and submit sealed bids electronically by 3:00 PM EST on 13 November 2026. The solicitation does not require a pre‑bid meeting or site visit, but all questions must be directed to the listed procurement contact. The contract will likely be a series of task‑order agreements covering routine and unscheduled repairs as needed. • Scope: Maintenance, repair, and dry‑docking of two oceanographic research vessels. • Procurement method: Invitation to Negotiate (treated as an RFP). • Submission: Electronic sealed bids via USF Sourcing portal by 13 Nov 2026, 3 PM EST. • Required registration in USF Sourcing portal. • Primary contact: Clifton James, USF Procurement & Payment Services. • No mandatory pre‑bid meeting or site visit. • Anticipated contract type: Indefinite‑delivery/indefinite‑quantity (IDIQ) or task‑order agreements for ongoing shipyard services.