Moorage - Port Call Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO), Marine Operation Center (MOC), is seeking proposals for Port and Harbor operational support (Moorage) in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, for the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) issued as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The associated NAICS code is 488310 with a $47.0 Million size standard. Quotes are due by January 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST/EDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive port services, including:
- Port Agent Fee: Liaison between ship and services.
- Pier Space/Dockage: Minimum 300 ft pier space with 25 ft depth, supporting public access.
- Pilot Arrangement: For inbound and outbound transit; optional tugboat services.
- Line Handlers: At least two able-bodied line handlers for arrival and departure.
- Utilities: Optional shore power connection (400 AMP / 480 VOLTS).
- Communication: Five disposable international cellphones.
- Ground Transportation: One five-passenger sedan and two seven-passenger vans daily, with fuel.
- Forklift Services: Forklift and operator, hourly rate quote required.
- Food Stores: Procurement and delivery of produce, dairy, frozen, meats, and dry goods.
- Vessels Agent Services: Customs and Immigration Support, coordinating with local authorities.
- Security Guard/Watch Stander: 24-hour security if pier lacks controlled access.
- Additional Support: Tug, Mooring Lines, Shore Crane Services (optional).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price (Service) Purchase Order, single or multiple awards.
- Duration: Base Year with potential option years, subject to funding approval. Option to Extend Services (FAR 52.217-8) for up to 6 months.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Questions Due: January 21, 2025, 12:00 PM EST/EDT (via email to Christopher.baker@noaa.gov)
- Quotes Due: January 23, 2026, 1:00 PM EST/EDT
- Published: January 13, 2026
Evaluation
Quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 52.212-2, based on best value to the Government. Non-Price Technical Solution (Technical Approach and Past Performance) is significantly more important than price. However, price becomes more important if non-price factors are equal. The Government intends to award based on initial quotes.
Evaluation factors include:
- Technical Approach and Capability: Assessment of understanding, approach, and ability to perform, including experience and subcontractor details.
- Past Performance: At least two references for similar/relevant services within the past two years, using a provided questionnaire. A neutral rating will be given for lack of relevant history.
- Price: Completeness and reasonableness, compatible with the technical solution.
Additional Notes
- Contract administration will utilize FedConnect®. Contractors must be registered.
- Offerors must have an active SAM.gov registration and provide their UEID/CAGE CODE and Page 1 of their SAM registration with their quote.
- It is the contractor's responsibility to request and receive confirmation of quote receipt.
- The start date is an estimate and subject to new funding approval processes.