VESSEL CHARTER SERVICE
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), Office of Acquisition & Grants, is soliciting proposals for Vessel Charter Services under Request for Quotation (RFQ) 140G0326Q0094. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside and seeks a qualified vessel to support scientific research operations offshore central California. Award will be based on a tradeoff method, with technical factors significantly more important than price. Responses are due May 12, 2026, at 1500 PST.
Scope of Work
The USGS requires a fully licensed vessel to support the collection of long sediment cores using specialized equipment (Jumbo Piston Corer, Vibra Corer, and sub-bottom seismic data). The vessel must be at least 150 feet in length with a 14-day endurance, capable of accommodating up to 12 USGS and contract personnel for 24-hour operations. Key requirements include sufficient deck space for coring equipment deployment/recovery and core sample storage, 480V 3-phase power, and the ability to hold station with 5-meter accuracy. The Captain must have at least four years of experience as a vessel master in the Pacific. The place of performance is offshore central California, specifically the Palos Verdes Fault area.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR Part 15.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 483113 (Coastal and Great Lakes Freight Transportation) with a size standard of 800 employees.
- Period of Performance: Up to 10 working days with 3 days of transit, scheduled between September 2026 and October 2027. The overall contract period is from September 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027. This acquisition is subject to the availability of funds.
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit:
- A signed SF 1449 form with firm information and line-item prices.
- A firm, fixed-price quote for 7 to 10 working days, provided in a separate attachment from the technical submission.
- A technical submission detailing qualifications and experience to perform the work.
- Listings of prior relevant and recent contracts with project descriptions and two or more professional references.
- System for Award Management (SAM) Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Award will be based on a tradeoff method, where Technical Capability, Experience, and Past Performance are significantly more important than Price. Technical capability requires demonstrating adherence to the Statement of Work, a work plan, and equipment/personnel availability. Experience with federal agencies is preferred, and past performance requires at least two references for similar services within the last four years.
Key Dates & Contact
- Questions Due: May 4, 2026, 1500 PST.
- Responses Due: May 12, 2026, 1500 PST.
- Submission Method: All responses must be submitted via email to yangzhideng@usgs.gov. Hardcopy quotations will not be accepted.
- Contact: Deng, Yangzhi (yangzhideng@usgs.gov, 916-278-9326).