How to bid on a Patrol Boat and Trailer for the Mountain Home Project Office

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, plans to purchase a fully rigged Ranger 2510 Bay boat, a Mercury motor, a trailer, and a wrap. This is a supply purchase for the Mountain Home Project Office.

The agency intends to make a sole-source award to Bradford Marine, identifying them as the only authorized dealer and warranty repair center for Ranger Boats and Mercury Marine within a 50-mile radius of the project office. This approach aims to ensure warranty coverage and authorized support.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 09, 2026. The deadline for responses is September 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. All submissions must be received by this time.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is primarily directed at Bradford Marine, as the agency has stated its intent for a sole-source award. Bradford Marine is identified as a small business under NAICS 336612, Ship Building and Repairing. Other vendors in the equipment category, particularly those specializing in marine vessels and related services, may still review the RFI to understand the agency's requirements and rationale.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, you will need to go to the original source portal. Click the link provided on the portal to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to navigate directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents. However, for some bids, you can view documents without an account.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Even when an agency states an intent for a sole-source award, it is important to carefully read all documentation. Understand the agency's stated rationale for sole-sourcing and the specific requirements for the boat, motor, trailer, and wrap.

If you believe your firm can meet the stated requirements and provide the necessary authorized dealer and warranty repair services within the specified radius, you may consider submitting information to challenge the sole-source justification. Clearly articulate how your firm meets or exceeds all specified criteria, including any certifications and proximity requirements.