V--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 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified businesses capable of providing vessel charter services for offshore scientific missions near Humboldt Bay, CA. This is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are due by March 24, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement involves supporting two offshore scientific missions:
- Mission 1: Deployment of one wave glider, tentatively scheduled for August 13–18, 2026.
- Mission 2: Retrieval of one transponder and one wave glider, tentatively scheduled for September 21–25, 2026.
The vessel must transit approximately 78 nautical miles offshore, support operations, and return to port.
Vessel & Equipment Requirements
- Vessel: Minimum 90 feet overall length, cruising speed of at least 20 knots, equipped with radar, depth sounder, EPIRB, GPS, safety equipment, medical kit, and nautical charts. Must accommodate up to eight (8) personnel for 24-hour operations and have sufficient crew.
- Equipment: A-Frame (15 ft vertical clearance, 10 ft horizontal clearance, 3,500 lbs SWL), Winch and Wire (3,500 lbs SWL), minimum 400 sq ft working deck space, Crane (1,000 lbs SWL).
Logistics & Support
- Mobilization and demobilization in Eureka, CA.
- Vessel must support loading/off-loading via shipboard crane or arranged shoreside crane services.
- Provision for 8 personnel, including three meals per day.
Insurance Requirements
- Bodily Injury: $100,000 per person / $500,000 per occurrence
- Property Damage: $100,000 per incident / $500,000 aggregate
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties must submit a Capability Statement via email to Joel Berberena at jberberena@ios.doi.gov. The statement should include vessel description, crew qualifications, similar work examples, USCG licensing, insurance confirmation, additional capabilities, and company information (business size, UEI, SAM registration). Responses will be used to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 488390 (size standard $47.0 million)
- PSC Code: V124 (Vessel Towing Service)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: March 24, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: March 17, 2026
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Joel Berberena
- Email: jberberena@usgs.gov