The National Park Service (NPS) is hosting an Industry Day event to engage potential Vessel Construction Managers (VCMs) and shipbuilders regarding the construction of the Ranger IV vessel, intended for Isle Royale National Park. Scheduled for March 4-5, 2024, this event provides an opportunity for contractors to learn about project requirements and to offer input on the development process. The Ranger IV will replace the aging M/V Ranger III, serving both passenger and cargo needs across a 60-mile route between Isle Royale and Houghton, MI. The new vessel will require U.S. Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping certifications and must meet strict operational regulations. Participants can interact with key stakeholders, receive updates on regulations and standards, and schedule one-on-one meetings with NPS personnel. Registration is required by February 20, 2025. The anticipated contract duration is approximately two years, with proposals expected in Spring 2025. The goals include fostering collaboration between the NPS and industry, leveraging industry insights in the RFP development, and understanding recent industry advancements. Overall, the Industry Day serves to align NPS objectives with potential contractor expertise to ensure an effective construction process for the Ranger IV vessel.

The National Park Service (NPS) invites potential Vessel Construction Managers (VCMs) and shipbuilders to an Industry Day on March 4-5, 2025, regarding the construction of the Ranger IV vessel for Isle Royale National Park, Michigan. This event aims to engage contractors in discussions about the upcoming solicitation, gather industry insights, and facilitate partnerships for the new passenger and cargo ferry that will replace the current M/V Ranger III. The Ranger IV is designed for multi-mission operations with specific dimensions and extensive cargo capacity to support various park activities. It requires certification by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and complies with applicable federal regulations. The NPS is considering various acquisition options and anticipates issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) in Spring 2025, with a contract performance timeline of roughly 24 months. Interested parties must register by February 20, 2025, and are encouraged to submit questions for discussion during the event. The agenda includes NPS contracting overviews, park presentations, and opportunities for one-on-one meetings. By promoting industry engagement, the NPS aims to strengthen collaboration and ensure the project meets operational requirements while leveraging industry best practices.

The National Park Service (NPS) is hosting an Industry Day event to engage potential Vessel Construction Managers (VCMs) for the construction of a new passenger and cargo vessel, the Ranger IV, designated for Isle Royale National Park. Scheduled for March 4-5, 2024, at River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, MI, this event aims to facilitate direct interaction between the NPS and interested contractors, gather insights on project requirements, and foster collaboration within key stakeholders. The Ranger IV will replace the outdated M/V Ranger III, serving vital transportation needs between Isle Royale and Houghton, MI. The dimension specifications include a length of 182.5 feet and a cargo space exceeding 3,500 square feet, with designs adhering to USCG and ABS certification for compliance with federal regulations. The projected contract period is approximately 24 months, with a request for proposals expected by Spring 2025. Participants interested in proposing for this project need to register by February 20, 2025, via email. The agenda includes presentations on NPS contracting, Isle Royale's overview, and opportunities for one-on-one meetings, alongside a Q&A session to address contractor inquiries. This event underscores the NPS's commitment to incorporating industry expertise in the development of the Ranger IV vessel project.

The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a Sources Sought Notice concerning the acquisition of vessel construction management services for the new Ranger IV, a passenger and cargo vessel. This initiative aims to replace the aging M/V Ranger III and is intended to support operations at Isle Royale National Park. The NPS seeks input from both large and small businesses to gather information for an acquisition strategy, potentially including small business set-asides. Key requirements for the Ranger IV include certification by the United States Coast Guard and compliance with specific marine regulations. The design phase is complete, with expectations for a request for proposals in Spring 2025. Interested businesses must provide information regarding their capabilities, including bonding capacity and experience with similar projects, by a specified deadline. The notice also outlines topics for participation in the potential Industry Day discussion. This approach fulfills the NPS's obligation to engage with the market and ensure compliance while procuring services and maintaining operational efficiency at the national park.

The document outlines the proposal for constructing the Ranger IV, a new passenger and cargo vessel by ISRO (Isle Royale National Park) aimed at enhancing visitor access and operational support for the park in Lake Superior. The Ranger IV will be an all-steel, double-hulled, diesel-powered vessel equipped with a battery energy storage system for zero-emission transit at lower speeds. Key features include a cargo capacity of 3,500 square feet, supply operations for food and fuel, trash removal from islands, and staff transportation, seating for 150 passengers, and accommodations for crew members. The vessel is designed to operate from mid-April to October, completing 45 to 50 round trips annually. The overarching goal of the project is to balance operational needs with environmental and aesthetic considerations, ensuring an efficient and eco-friendly transport solution for the park's visitors and employees. This initiative reflects federal priorities in improving infrastructure and accessibility within national parks.

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking responses to questions related to the ISRO Ranger IV project. The acquisition may utilize a Vessel Construction Manager (VCM), and the NPS is open to bids from shipyards acting in dual roles as both VCM and construction yard, pending the outcome of market research. Budget projections for the project from previous studies will not be disclosed. The NPS will provide a “Phase I Design,” which encompasses a comprehensive array of engineering analyses and documentation. A detailed list of deliverables is outlined, including various reports and drawings essential for the project's progression. Additionally, the NPS is considering a milestone-driven payment structure to mitigate financial risks and align builder and customer interests, acknowledging the importance of timely material purchasing in managing construction costs. The overall approach emphasizes thorough planning, risk management, and coordinated design efforts as essential to the Ranger IV project’s successful execution. This inquiry process demonstrates the NPS's commitment to gathering input before formalizing contracts for vessel construction and ensuring that all stakeholders are properly informed and prepared.