SWAN - WINTER MARINE BIRD SURVEY VESSEL 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 National Park Service (NPS), Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network (SWAN), is soliciting quotes for a vessel charter to support Winter Marine Bird and Mammal Surveys in the coastal areas of Katmai National Park and Preserve (KATM) or Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by January 28, 2026, at 1500 Alaska Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a vessel charter to support nearshore monitoring activities. The vessel must be capable of supporting up to eight (8) NPS SWAN and USGS passengers and expertise. Surveys will occur annually between March 01 and April 15 for a maximum of seven (7) days. Key vessel requirements include:
- Must be at least 65 feet in length.
- Must meet U.S. Coast Guard standards for safe operations in the specified geographic areas.
- Equipped with radar, GPS, depth sounder, EPIRB, safety equipment, medical kit, nautical charts, and VHF radios.
- Accommodations must include at least 8 permanent bunks, heated and ventilated berthing areas, and quality living conditions.
- Provision of three meals per day for 8 scientists/passengers, with flexibility for odd working hours and snack provision.
- Crew must be willing to travel in winds up to 30 knots.
- Vessel must be available for gear loading the day prior to charter.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ), best value, firm-fixed price award.
- Duration: One base year (2026) with up to four option periods (through 2030).
- Period of Performance (Base Year): March 01, 2026, to April 30, 2026 (survey between March 1 and April 15).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 483114, 500 employees).
- Response Due: January 28, 2026, at 1500 Alaska Time.
- Anticipated Award Date: February 2, 2026.
- Published Date: January 20, 2026.
Evaluation
Quotes will be evaluated using simplified acquisition procedures under FAR Part 12. Evaluation criteria include:
- Vessel Suitability: Based on detailed description, survey, U.S. Coast Guard standards compliance, and Statement of Work specifications.
- Captain Experience and License: Requires at least three (3) years of operating similar watercraft in the specified region.
- Past Performance.
- Price.
Additional Notes
- Quoters must be actively registered in SAM.gov at the time of quote submission.
- A Wage Determination (No. 2015-5681, Revision No. 25) is provided, outlining minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for service contracts in Alaska. Bidders must account for these labor costs in their proposals.
- Prospective quoters should monitor SAM.gov for amendments and updates.
- Submit quotes and questions via email to Darcy Skinner (darcy_skinner@nps.gov).