V--SWAN - WINTER MARINE BIRD SURVEY CHARTER

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5681, Revision No. 25) that establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations employed under service contracts in Alaska, specifically within the Alaska Boroughs of Anchorage and Matanuska-Susit. It serves as a reference for contractors to ensure compliance with labor laws.

• Lists numerous occupations with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Specifies required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare at $5.55 per hour (or $222.00 per week / $962.00 per month).
• Details specific Executive Orders (EO 13706 and EO 13658) that may apply, outlining requirements for paid sick leave and minimum hourly wages for covered contracts.
• Provides information on vacation and holiday entitlements.
• Includes footnotes and explanations for specific occupational categories (e.g., Computer Employees, Air Traffic Controllers) and special pay differentials (e.g., Hazardous Pay).
• Outlines the conformance process for classifying employees not explicitly listed in the wage determination.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees, directly impacting the cost proposal. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a vessel charter to support Winter Marine Bird and Mammal Surveys in Katmai National Park and Preserve (KATM) and Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ), Alaska. The acquisition is set aside for Small Businesses.

• Charter a vessel for marine bird and mammal surveys.

• Vessel must be capable of supporting up to eight (8) NPS SWAN and USGS passengers and expertise.

• Surveys will take place between March 01 and April 15 annually for a maximum of seven (7) days.

• Vessel must meet U.S. Coast Guard standards for safe operations in the specified geographic areas.

• Vessel must be equipped with radar, GPS, depth sounder, EPIRB, safety equipment, medical kit, nautical charts, and VHF radios.

• Vessel must be at least 65 feet in length.

• Crew must be willing to travel in winds up to 30 knots.

• Accommodations must include at least 8 permanent bunks, heated and ventilated berthing areas, and quality living conditions.

• Three meals per day for 8 scientists/passengers are required, with flexibility for odd working hours and snack provision.

• The vessel must be available for loading of gear the day prior to charter.

• The contract is a single year contract (Year 1 - 2026) with potential option years (up to 4 – through 2030).

• The award will be a best value, firm-fixed price award.

• Period of Performance for the base year is March 01, 2026, to April 30, 2026 (with the survey occurring between March 1 and April 15).

• Option periods are anticipated to begin in subsequent years, with specific exercise dates and performance periods detailed.

• Quotes and questions should be emailed to darcy_skinner@nps.gov.

• The submission deadline for quotations is January 27, 2026, at 1500 Alaska Time.

• Quotes for less than four option periods will be considered.

• Evaluation criteria include Vessel Suitability, Captain Experience and License, Past Performance, and Price.

• Vessel suitability will be evaluated based on detailed description, survey, U.S. Coast Guard standards compliance, and Statement of Work specifications.

• Captain experience requires at least three (3) years of operating similar watercraft in the specified region.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Businesses.

• The document includes numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses and provisions related to contract terms, conditions, representations, and certifications.