SEAN - OUTER COAST VESSEL CHARTER GLBA WRST
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 Park Service (NPS), Southeast Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network (SEAN), is soliciting quotes for a vessel charter to support long-term marine monitoring and coastal assessment along the outer coasts of Glacier Bay (GLBA) and Wrangell-St Elias (WRST) National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due January 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a research vessel capable of supporting 7-12 scientists and personnel, including meals and lodging, for oceanography (mooring deployment/retrieval, hydrographic surveys) and biological monitoring (zooplankton, marine bird/mammal surveys). The vessel must operate safely in challenging tidewater glacier fjords and open ocean conditions. Key specifications include USCG standards compliance, insurance, specific capacity, safety/navigation equipment, a hydraulic crane, powered capstan/winch, oceanographic winch, towing capability, a skiff, saltwater washdown, laboratory sink, hazmat lockers, power for CTD winch, and a freezer for biological samples. Accommodations must provide individual sleeping spaces, separate berthing, quality living conditions, sanitation, daily hot showers, a drying area, workspace, and electrical power. Three meals per day plus snacks and drinks for up to twelve research personnel are required.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (RFQ under FAR Part 12)
- Duration: One base year (June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) with one option period.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (NAICS 483114, 500 employees)
- Response Due: January 28, 2026, at 1300 Alaska Standard Time
- Anticipated Award: February 2, 2026
- Published: January 21, 2026
Evaluation
Quotes will be evaluated using simplified acquisition procedures, with award based on a best-value determination. Evaluation criteria include Vessel Suitability, Captain Experience and U.S. Coast Guard License, Crew Experience, Past Performance, and Price. Quotes for only the base year will be accepted and considered.
Additional Notes
Prospective quoters must be actively registered in SAM.gov at the time of quote submission. Quotes and questions should be submitted via email to darcy_skinner@nps.gov. Quoters should monitor SAM.gov for amendments and updates. A Wage Determination document is included, which is crucial for calculating labor costs and ensuring compliance with federal labor laws for any bidder subject to the Service Contract Act in the specified Alaska regions.