19--GFISHER Charter Vessel

Amendment / Modification

Amendment 1 addresses vendor questions received by the due date of April 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

This amendment clarifies the provision of dockage for mobilization and demobilization.

• Question: Is the Government providing dockage as needed for mobilization and demobilization, or is the contractor expected to host this at their homeport?
• Answer: The Government can provide dockage in Pascagoula, MS, as needed. Vendors have the option to utilize their homeport if desired. The choice may depend on factors such as vendor distance from Pascagoula, with longer distances potentially favoring the use of Government dock space and shorter distances favoring the use of the vendor's own dock space.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to procure a chartered vessel and crew for the Gulf Fishery Independent Survey of Habitat and Ecosystem Resources (GFISHER) Survey. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to award one firm fixed-price contract for this service. The survey aims to collect abundance data on managed reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico, focusing on the snapper-grouper complex, using baited remote underwater video (BRUV) arrays.

• Charter a vessel capable of conducting survey operations.

• Provide all labor, equipment, materials, and facilities for the survey.

• Perform deployment and retrieval of stationary camera arrays during daylight hours.

• Conduct sidescan mapping via towed vehicle.

• Collect benthic water samples at select stations for environmental DNA analysis.

• Vessel must meet specific requirements including USCG inspection, minimum length, speed, safety equipment, deck space, independent operation capability, hydraulic lifting system, and air-conditioned accommodations for scientists.

• Crew must have specific experience, including at least three years of captaining offshore vessels and knowledge of fishing gear.

• Government-furnished resources include scientific sampling equipment, bait, and some safety gear.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: Base Period (June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027), with two Option Periods.

• Option Period 1: June 1, 2027 - May 31, 2028

• Option Period 2: June 1, 2028 - May 31, 2029

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the acquisition is 100% set-aside for small business concerns.

• Quotations Due: May 1, 2026, by 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

• Questions Due: April 22, 2026, by 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

• Submission Method: Email to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical capability (vessel characteristics, scientific accommodations, commercial fishing experience of vessel, captain, and crew), Past Performance, and Price.

• This acquisition is 100% set-aside for small business concerns.

• Small business size standard is 500 employees.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov.

• Acceptance of services will occur aboard the contracted vessel.

• Product Service Code (PSC): 1910

• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 483114

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a questionnaire designed to collect detailed characteristics of survey vessels. It is intended for potential bidders to provide information about their vessels to assess suitability for a government charter, likely related to scientific research or survey operations.

• General Characteristics, Licensing, and Safety: Vessel name, registration, owner/manager, hull type, dimensions, year built, safety equipment (life rafts, first-aid, AED, satellite phone), USCG inspection status, and operational limits.
• Operations, Payloads, and Capacity: Offshore operation capability, cruising speed, gear deployment/retrieval capabilities, sea state tolerance, deck space, deck hoses, and dry storage.
• Scientific Workspaces: Availability of dedicated AC space for dry labs, visibility of deck operations, workspace for instrumentation, and power/surge protection.
• Berthing and Living: Accommodation for scientists, refrigerated food storage, sleeping arrangements, galley seating, dry storage for gear, potable water, and sanitary facilities (heads/showers).
• Crew Information: Requirements for licensed captains, offshore experience, knowledge of fishing gear, and experience assisting with scientific equipment. Space for listing key personnel and their experience.

This questionnaire is critical for bidders to understand the specific technical, operational, safety, and crew requirements for a potential charter. Completing this form accurately will be a key part of the proposal submission process, allowing the government to evaluate the suitability of the offered vessel and crew for the intended mission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, labeled as Figure 1, illustrates the proposed area of work for daylight operations related to a contract. It visually represents potential camera sampling locations.

• The map displays the Gulf of Mexico region, with red points indicating possible camera sampling locations.

• The legend indicates a scale of 0 to 220 miles.

• The figure outlines the geographical scope for camera deployments.

• It specifies that approximately 600 camera deployments are planned over 26 days, averaging about 20 stations per day.

• Opportunistic mapping may occur near these stations during daylight hours.

• Bidders should note that the points are general locations, subject to change, and not all indicated points will necessarily be sampled.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire used by the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Western Acquisition Division (WAD) to assess potential vendors' past performance. It is sent to references provided by the offeror.

• Section A (Offeror Information): To be completed by the offeror, including company name, vessel name (if applicable), address, and DUNS number.
• Section B (Evaluator Information): To be completed by the person providing the reference. This section includes details about the project/contract being referenced, procurement vehicle, type of contract, pricing type, date of award, period of performance, contract amount, and the offeror's role (prime or subcontractor).
• Part I (Reference Information): Details about the reference provider, including name, title, organization, contract role, address, and contact information.
• Part II (Information about Project/Contract): Evaluates the contractor's performance across several elements: Quality of Product or Service, Schedule, Cost Control, Business Relations, Management of Key Personnel, and Utilization of Small Business. Ratings range from Exceptional to Unsatisfactory, with detailed descriptions for each.

Offerors must provide this questionnaire to their references for relevant projects completed within the last five years. The completed questionnaire, submitted directly by the reference, will be used by the government in the evaluation process. Bidders should ensure their references are aware of the submission deadline and the required subject line for the email submission (Solicitation 1305M326Q0129 – GFISHER Survey. Past Performance Questionnaire Submission for ).

• Offerors complete Section A and send the questionnaire to their references.
• References complete Sections B, Part I, and Part II.
• Completed questionnaires must be submitted via email to carina.topasna@noaa.gov and novelle.key@noaa.gov by the due date specified in solicitation 1305M326Q0129.
• The email subject line must be: 'Solicitation 1305M326Q0129 – GFISHER Survey. Past Performance Questionnaire Submission for '.
• The submission must originate from the reference's government or commercial email system.