Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), 13-Foot Class with center console for steering and trailer
Waiver type - Procurement: Nonavailability
Agency: FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION BUSINESS CENTER (12D0) • Product Service Code (PSC) : 1940 | Last Modified: 08/28/2025
Procurement Summary
To gauge industry interest and availability, a Request for Information (RFI) was posted to SAM.gov on May 13, 2025, for a period of eight calendar days. The Government received one response from Zodiac. Research indicated that Zodiac and Fluid Watercraft could potentially meet the technical requirements. Other manufacturers such as Yamaha and Highfield Boats were identified as capable of meeting the specifications but were not domestically manufactured. The findings concluded that the required RIB is unlikely to be sourced through GSA Schedule vendors due to its unique size and features. While a few vessels were identified that could potentially meet the 55 percent domestic content threshold under FAR 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate, no vendor proposed a technically acceptable domestically manufactured vessel during the competitive Request for Quote (RFQ) process. To promote competition, a combined synopsis/solicitation was posted on SAM.gov on July 1, 2025, set aside 100 percent for small businesses. The solicitation required compliance with FAR 52.225-1 Buy American – Supplies and FAR 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate. The basis for award was Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA), with an award to be made to the vendor who met all minimum technical requirements at the lowest price. The solicitation closed on July 14, 2025, and twelve vendor responses were received. Proposed vessels included the Highfield CL 380 Hypalon, Fluid Watercraft 13 Swift Water Rescue, Gala A400HL, and Ribcraft 4.8 Professional. Among the twelve responses, Fluid Watercraft was the only vendor that met the domestic manufacturing requirement. However, the proposed 16-foot vessel exceeded the specified size and was unsuitable for accessing coastal lagoons. The Fluid 13 Swift Water Rescue model did not meet the technical specifications, as it lacked a center console and was designed for tiller steering, making it inappropriate for the intended use. Based on the results of this comprehensive market research and competitive solicitation, it was determined that no technically acceptable, domestically manufactured RIB meeting the 13-foot class and center console steering requirement is currently available.
Waiver Rationale Summary
The required product is not manufactured within the United States. As a result, the agency secured approval for a Made in America Non-Availability Waiver to satisfy the procurement need, providing the necessary justification to proceed with acquisition under the appropriate strategy, based on the absence of technically acceptable domestic sources. No other domestic product was excluded; rather, no other domestically manufactured Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), 13-Foot class with center console has been identified that meets or exceeds the required capabilities. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Rhode Island State Office in Warwick requires a RIB, engine, and trailer that fully meet the specified special technical characteristics. This vessel is essential to support the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Oyster Reef Initiative, subaqueous soil survey operations (including technical soil services), and other coastal restoration activities. Acquisition of this RIB will enable NRCS staff to perform their assigned duties in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Extensive market research was conducted to identify a qualified domestic manufacturer, and considerable time and resources were dedicated to reviewing and vetting vessel manufacturers. Through this process, Highfield CL 380 Hypalon was determined to be the most suitable RIB vessel for accessing coastal lagoons and other areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. Of the twelve (12) quotes received in response to the RFQ, this offeror submitted a technically acceptable quote at the lowest price, providing best value to the Government. Based on these results, the NRCS is selecting this vessel for acquisition in support of the USDA-NRCS RHODE ISLAND STATE OFFICE.
Yes
Yes
Pending
SMALL CRAFT
336612 - Boat Building
08/28/2025
12FPC425Q0037
12FPC425Q0037
Post-solicitation
0 - 6 months
Individual Waiver
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE