Notice of Intent to Sole-Source Pier-Side and Underway Training Vessels

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide passenger ferry vessels for day and night pier-side and underway training exercises for the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West (MSRTW) in San Diego, California.

The contractor shall provide ferry vessels capable of facilitating training in various tactical and mission-readiness areas, including:

• Close-quarter combat tactics

• CBRNE threat response

• Marshalling procedures

• Canine detection team operations

• Tactical communications

• Precision fire exercises

• Boat and helicopter insertion/extraction training

• U.S.-flagged vessels compliant with federal maritime regulations.

• Length: 150-250 feet.

• Passenger capacity: 500-1,200.

• Minimum 12x12 feet of open deck space for helicopter operations.

• 15-30 feet freeboard for small boat operations.

• Minimum 5 feet of unobstructed flat freeboard for personnel boarding.

• At least one vessel must be capable of transiting 10 nautical miles offshore.

• Stable and reinforced deck areas.

• Multiple embarkation points.

• Onboard power sources.

• Emergency response and damage control systems.

• Enclosed bridge with modern navigation and communication systems.

• Multiple large internal spaces for instruction, briefings, and staging.

• Secure storage, adequate restroom facilities, and clear stairwells/hallways.

• Dedicated areas for bridge operations, engine compartments, reconfigurable passenger seating, and first-aid stations.

• Vessels to be moored at a secured pier facility in San Diego County with restricted public access.

• Secured parking and storage space for government vehicles and training equipment at the pier.

• Vessels must be capable of operating underway in the South Bay of San Diego and at least 10 nautical miles offshore Point Loma.

• Equipped with VHF broadcasting communications equipment.

• Crew must have experience supporting military/law enforcement training, and be trained in damage control, emergency evacuations, and first aid.

• Ability to conduct night operations and low-visibility navigation.

• Underway Dates:

  • March 17, 19, 24, 25, 2026 (1630-2200): 500-passenger vessel, 10 NM offshore Point Loma.
  • April 09, 2026 (1830-2330): 500-passenger vessel, 10 NM offshore Point Loma.

• Pier Side Date:

  • April 07, 2026 (0800-1600): 500-passenger vessel, pier side San Diego.

Proposals must demonstrate compliance and include:

• Detailed vessel specifications.
• Documentation of past performance.
• Security measures for restricted access.
• Crew qualifications and training certifications.

Proposals will be evaluated on:

• Vessel and facility compliance.
• Contractor personnel experience and qualifications.
• Security measures.
• Cost-effectiveness and overall value.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition" (JOFOC) for Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) under FAR 13.106-1(b). It outlines the rationale for procuring services from a single source.

This document indicates that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) intends to contract with Hornblower Cruises and Events, LLC for a vessel to conduct specialized training. The training involves Hook & Climb, Close Quarter Combat tactics, and Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive (CBRNE) environment training for MSRT West in San Diego, CA. The justification states that only one source, the "M/V Bold Horizon" operated by Hornblower Cruises and Events, LLC, is reasonably available and meets the specific requirements within the necessary timeframe. This suggests that a solicitation for this specific requirement may not be broadly advertised, and vendors offering similar services may need to investigate if they could have met these unique criteria or if future opportunities will be more competitively solicited.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5635, Revision No. 29) for the state of California, County of San Diego, under the Service Contract Act. It lists various occupational codes and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and required fringe benefits.

This document is crucial for bidders responding to Service Contract Act solicitations in the specified geographic area. It establishes the minimum wage and benefit rates that must be paid to employees performing work under such contracts. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor costs align with these determined rates to be compliant. The document also outlines specific notes regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (minimum wage adjustments), as well as details on vacation and holiday pay, and hazardous pay differentials. It also provides guidance on the conformance process for occupations not explicitly listed in the determination.