FD26-285 NMFS request for vessel charter for Coral

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under simplified acquisition procedures. It seeks proposals for non-personal services to provide a vessel for performing dive survey cruises near the Dry Tortugas, Florida, as part of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP). The surveys will assess fish, coral demographics, and benthic conditions.

• Vessel charter services for live-aboard dive cruises.

• Provision of captain, crew, meals (including hot meals and snacks), nitrox air, dive gear, depth finder, topside support, and dive safety equipment.

• Experienced dive personnel, including a NOAA-certified Divemaster or equivalent.

• Vessel must meet US Coast Guard requirements and have experienced, licensed operators.

• Provision of standard dive-safety equipment and sufficient oxygen for emergencies.

• Deck space for NOAA-provided safety equipment (approx. 50 sq ft).

• 120V AC power and a wireless network system for the research team.

• Provision of first-aid and medical supplies, including an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

• Air quality for SCUBA tanks must meet NOAA standards (20-22% Oxygen, 1000 ppm max CO2, 10 ppm max CO, 25 ppm max hydrocarbons).

• Vessel must be available for dive operations from 0730 to 1800.

• No anchoring will be allowed during diving activities, except in emergencies.

• Contractor must provide all necessary services and equipment; no government-furnished resources will be provided.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: May 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

• Place of Performance: Surveys in the Dry Tortugas, approximately 70 miles northwest of Key West, Florida.

• Payment Terms: Net 30.

• Option to Extend Services: The government may require continued performance for up to 6 months.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to amy.gilliland@noaa.gov by the specified deadline.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Quotes must be submitted in two parts: Technical Quote (20-page maximum) and Business/Price Quote.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Approach, Experience, and Cost/Price. The award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote represents the best value to the Government.

• Key Deadlines: Quotes due by close of business on 04/28/2026.

• Questions Deadline: Noon, 3 business days before offers are due.

• This solicitation is a total small business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 483114 (Deep Sea and Coastal Transportation).

• Small Business Size Standard: 550 employees.

• FAR 52.212-1 and FAR 52.212-4 apply.

• The Statement of Work (SOW) is attached and contains detailed requirements.

• Offerors must identify any exceptions or deviations taken.

• The government does not accept responsibility for non-receipt of quotes; confirmation of receipt is the contractor's responsibility.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the required contents of a bid package for offerors responding to a solicitation. It details the specific information and documentation that must be submitted for a bid to be considered compliant.

• Page 1: Offerors must complete blocks 12-16 or submit a quote on vendor letterhead, adhering to FAR 52.212-1.
• Page 3: Offerors must enter "Unit Price" and "Amount" for each line item or submit a quote on vendor letterhead, accepting solicitation terms and conditions.
• Contact Information: Provide an email address and phone number for future correspondence.
• SAM.gov Registration: Include registered SAM.gov Unique Entity ID and SAM.gov CAGE number.
• WILL/WILL NOT Statement: Provide a statement per 52.204-24 (NOV 2021), unless Reps and Certs are updated in SAM per 52.204-26 (OCT 2020).
• Offeror Representations and Certifications: Submit required responses and documentation per clause 52.212-3.
• Applicable Documents: Include copies of Merchant Mariner Credentials for the Master and any additional operator for voyages over 12 hours (personal data can be blanked out). The vessel must meet all United States Coast Guard requirements, and all operators must be licensed by the USCG commensurate with the vessel.
• SOW and Evaluation Factors: Provide all documentation required to fulfill SOW requirements and "Evaluation Factors" as explained in the Statement of Work and Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

Failure to submit all required items may result in the bid being considered non-compliant. The Government will evaluate offers by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement to determine the total evaluated price, including options under FAR clause 52.217-8. Evaluation of options does not obligate the Government to exercise them.