Sollerta offers advice and assistance in the procurement of small boats - monohulls, catamarans constructed from fibre glass or aluminium.
The boats are outfitted to the customer's specification. Sollerta has a special focus on boats to be used for scientific purposes and we can provide and integrate the appropriate scientific instruments. A typical use for this type of boat would be for environmental research.
The basis of a smooth running project is
In addition Sollerta offers services in the following area...
... and a future service
The services we offer are based on the deep experience of our consultants in procuring equipment and boats of all types of complexity. In drawing up these specifications, Sollerta would work closely with the Client to elicit the requirments and the criteria for meeting the requirements.
In addition, we have recently assisted the University of Liverpool (School of Biological Sciences) in the procuring of a 14m work boat for environmental research.
To achieve a product that satisfies the customer, it is essential to understand the customer's requirements. This is easier said than done. Ambiguity of language and often confusion between those requirements that are essential and others that are "nice to have" can result in even the most carefully worded tenders suffering from inconsistencies in the requirements.
The outcome can be a requirement specification with hidden constraints that foreclose on cost effective options. Potential contractors would not be then given the freedom to prepare a fully competitive tender. The result is a suboptimal proposal and poor value for money.
A well structured requirement specification shows clearly how the requirements are ranged in order of importance and the linkages between them. Without a good understanding of this hierarchy, changes to a requirement at high level can result in unforseen consequences. Conversely a low level change can result in over-specification at the higher level.
The basis of a good contract is a clear and unambiguous acceptance specification setting out the criteria by which the vessel is to be accepted from the contractor. Coupled with this is the need for a Acceptance Trials Plan to set out the harbour trials and sea trials that may be required to demonstrate the capabilities of the vessel and its systems presented to the Client.
The upkeep plan sets out the details of how the vessel and its equipment is to be supported throughout its service life. The plan takes into account spares, maintenance period, statutory marine surveys, provisioning of stores. The plan also covers the shore based support services that would be required.
The plan is used as the basis of for the delivery of the support services in a timely manner so that the vessel goes to sea with all systems safe and operable.
The plan can also be used as a basis for estimation of cash flow.
The Client's terms and conditions, together with the requirement, acceptance specification, trials plan and upkeep plan need to be integrated into a draft contract which will underpin the complete project (setting out clearly, for the benefit of all parties that 'what you see is what is required').
The contract can be used as the basis for price negotiation, and also as a basis for cost - capability trade offs if the price has to be reduced.
Sollerta has contacts with boat yards and brokers and is willing to undertake a search for a vessel that matches the Client's requirements. If an appropriate vessel, of interest to the Client is identified, Sollerta can arrange for a survey and carry out a feasibility study to identify the costs involved for bringing the vessel up to the Client's requirement.
Sollerta as members of Dorset Marine Network Ltd is close to the pulse of local marine businesses in the Dorset area who offer high class skills at competitive prices. The majority of the members of the network are involved with either, boats boat support or marine engineering. Sollerta is currently working with the DMN to enable a comprehensive boat build and support service to be offered to clients.
