SAN NICOLAS BOAT CHARTER
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 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), under the Department of the Interior, is soliciting quotations for a 6-day boat charter service to support nearshore ecosystem monitoring activities at San Nicolas Island, California. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) opportunity. The service is required for two separate periods in Spring 2026 (April-June) and Fall 2026 (September-November). A firm-fixed-price purchase order is planned. Quotations are due by March 30, 2026, at 0900 PST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide a fully licensed boat charter service, including:
- Vessel Specifications: Must be U.S. Coast Guard licensed, equipped with radar, depth sounder, EPIRB, VHF radios, safety equipment, first aid kit, oxygen kit, current nautical charts, and GPS navigation. The vessel must be capable of operating up to 90 miles offshore.
- Capacity: Adequate berthing for 10 biologists, separate from galley, wheelhouse, and deck areas.
- Services: Provide three meals per day (flexible for breakfast/lunch, hot dinner required), occasional hot showers, and sufficient fuel, potable water, and food for up to 6 days at sea.
- Equipment: Onboard air compressor for filling scuba cylinders (Nitrox preferred) and 12 cylinders (100 cubic foot preferred).
- Staffing: A Captain with an appropriate U.S. Coast Guard License and appropriate staffing for dive operations, including a "bubble-watcher" for diver emergencies.
- Chase Boat: A piloted chase boat must be available for rapid deployment in case of diver distress.
- Operational Tasks: Assume all tasks related to sailing to San Nicolas Island, providing necessary staff and equipment, and conducting survey work using scuba equipment at depths up to 50 feet, including navigation to GPS coordinates and anchoring.
- Mechanical Breakdowns: Deductions will be made from the final invoice for breakdowns exceeding 24 hours that cause rescheduling.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- Period of Performance: Primary: April-June 2026 (6-day charter); Option: September-November 2026 (6-day charter).
- Place of Performance: Pacific Ocean off the southern California Coast, between the mainland and San Nicolas Island, CA.
- Submission Deadline: March 30, 2026, at 0900 PST.
- Published Date: March 26, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Method: Email quotes and required documents to Gerry Lewandowski at gerald.lewandowski@ios.doi.gov. Physical submissions will not be accepted.
- Required Documents: Signed SF18, any amendments, a firm, fixed-price quote with full breakdown, and UEI number.
- Evaluation: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government, considering Technical Capability, Price, and Past Performance.
Additional Notes
This solicitation is for commercial services prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6 and constitutes the only solicitation. Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements (IPP) are mandatory. Proof of insurance (marine and general public liability) is required after contract award.