HI-PMNM-SMALL VESSEL CHARTER-April

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (RFQ) for small vessel charter services. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking proposals for these services.

• Charter of small vessels for conservation projects.

• Services are to be performed in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (PMNM) and Central Pacific (PIHMNM).

• The period of performance is from 04/25/2026 to 05/05/2026.

• The solicitation issue date is 04/09/2026.

• The offer due date is 04/15/2026 at 10:00 AM local time.

• The method of solicitation is Request for Quote (RFQ).

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 483111, with a size standard of 1050 employees.

• Standard Form 1449 is used for this solicitation.

• FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5 are incorporated by reference and attached.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to procure one (1) Firm Fixed Price Commercial Services Contract for vessel services to the remote island of Nihoa, within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM). The purpose is to support fieldwork for invasive species removal and native species monitoring. This is a Small Business set-aside.

• Transport of up to 12 passengers from Oahu, HI to Nihoa Island.

• Land personnel and gear on Nihoa Island for field camps lasting 1 to 16 days.

• Extract personnel and gear from the island and transport back to Oahu, HI.

• Provide room and board for all passengers.

• Transport of appropriate permits and inspections, wildlife and wildlife resources may also be occasionally transported.

• Vessel must be suitable for open-ocean travel with sufficient fuel, water, and food stores.

• Vessel must comply with PMNM regulations, including obtaining a vessel permit, rodent inspection, hull inspection, and ballast water inspection.

• Vessel must have demonstrated experience in adverse sea conditions, including landing personnel and gear on rocky ledges in surf conditions.

• Vessel must maintain a minimum cruising speed of 8 knots.

• Vessel must have capacity to endure at least 21 days of operations.

• Provide two operational small boats (soft-hulled/inflatable, e.g., Zodiac) capable of landing personnel and gear on remote islands, with a backup engine.

• Small boats must be able to maneuver safely in near-shore surf zones and run up on rocky landing sites.

• Provide adequate crew for safe operation, including trained small boat operators.

• Provide a cook/steward.

• Maintain a cruise log.

• Comply with waste management regulations (MARPOL).

• Ensure biosecurity protocols are followed, including "rodent-free" and "ant-free" certifications.

• All small boats, engines, anchors, and lines must be visually inspected for algal remnants or other alien species.

• Carry Wreck Removal and Pollution insurance.

• No release or exchange of ballast water within the Monuments.

• Restrictions on discharging gray water and biodegradable solid waste.

• No intentional release of sewage or black water.

• Provide a first-aid kit, AED, and small boat emergency kit.

• Provide a vessel Stability Report.

• A Category I 406 MHZ EPIRB must be affixed to the vessel.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Commercial Services Contract.

• Period of Performance: 4/25/26 - 5/5/26.

• This is a Request For Quote (RFQ).

• Quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Acceptability (including Past Performance) and Price.

• Technical Acceptability and Past Performance are approximately equal to cost or price.

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror submitting the proposal with the lowest evaluated price which meets or exceeds the acceptable standards for technical factors.

• Electronic quotations may be submitted via email to Robert_sung@fws.gov.

• Questions must be submitted in writing to Robert Sung via e-mail by 3 days prior to solicitation closing.

• Small Business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 483111 with a size standard of 500 employees.

• Scientific and camp equipment will be furnished by the USFWS biologists and partners.

• Government personnel will provide their own safety, survival, and emergency equipment for operations conducted away from the vessel.

• The contract is conducted under the procedures of FAR Parts 12 and 13.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work on covered federal contracts in specific geographic areas (American Samoa, Hawaii, Johnston Island).

• Lists numerous occupations with corresponding wage rates and footnotes.
• Specifies the Service Contract Act (SCA) and Executive Orders (EO 13706, EO 13658) that apply.
• Details requirements for paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays.
• Outlines health and welfare benefit rates.
• Provides guidance on the conformance process for unlisted classifications.
• Includes specific notes on hazardous pay differentials and uniform allowances.

This wage determination is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing a federal contract in the specified locations. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees, directly impacting proposal pricing and overall contract compliance. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these minimums for all applicable occupations.