Vessel charter services

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, seeking quotes for vessel charter services and fuel. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) requires a vessel to conduct sediment sampling operations within coastal waters near the Humboldt Bay entrance in Eureka, CA. The work involves taking sediment grab samples and performing water property casts.

• Vessel Charter and Fuel: Provision of a vessel equipped for scientific sampling operations.

• Sediment Sampling: Collection of 120 grab samples in spring 2026 (45-70 ft depths) and 80 grab samples in fall 2026.

• Water Property Casts: Performance of several water property casts.

• Onboard Processing: Samples will be processed and stored aboard the vessel.

• Vessel Specifications: The vessel must be at least 40 feet overall length, have a working deck, a cruising speed of at least 7 knots, accommodate up to 4 USGS personnel, and be equipped with radar, depth sounder, EPIRB, safety equipment, medical kit, charts, and GPS. It must also have an A-frame or davit with 6ft clearance, a winch with SWL of 1000lbs, and be capable of holding position for up to 10 minutes with minimal deviation.

• Period of Performance: Approximately April 6, 2026, to November 30, 2026. Specific sea days will be coordinated.

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but the solicitation implies a contract for commercial items.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Submission Deadline: Quotes must be submitted via email to thuot@usgs.gov no later than April 1, 2026, at 1700 PD.

• Evaluation Factors: Quotes will be evaluated based on capability, technical capability, corporate experience, key personnel experience, past performance, and price. Technical capability and past performance are considered more important than price.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Questions due: March 27, 2026, at 1700 PD.
  • Quotes due: April 1, 2026, at 1700 PD.

• This is for full and open competition.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The applicable NAICS code is 488330 (Navigational Services to Shipping) with a size standard of $47M.

• Offerors must submit firm, fixed-price quotes in U.S. Dollars.

• FAR 52.204-24 and FAR 52.204-26 must be completed and returned.

• Amendments to the solicitation will be posted periodically; offerors are responsible for checking for updates.

• The contract award will not be determined solely by cost; experience and other factors will be considered.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains two Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions: FAR 52.204-24 and FAR 52.204-26. These provisions require offerors to represent whether they provide or use "covered telecommunications equipment or services" as defined by the National Defense Authorization Act. This is a critical compliance requirement for potential bidders.

• FAR 52.204-24: Requires offerors to represent if they "will" or "will not" provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government. If "will," specific disclosures about the equipment/services, manufacturer, and proposed use are required.
• FAR 52.204-26: Requires offerors to represent if they "do" or "do not" use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any system/service that uses them. If "do," specific disclosures about the equipment/services, manufacturer, and proposed use are required.
• Definitions: Clarifies terms like "covered telecommunications equipment or services," "backhaul," and "critical technology."
• Prohibitions: Outlines the restrictions under Section 889(a)(1)(A) and (B) of the NDAA, prohibiting procurement or use of certain telecommunications equipment and services.
• Procedures: Directs offerors to check the SAM.gov list of excluded parties.
• Disclosures: Details the specific information required if an offeror represents that they "will" provide or "do" use covered telecommunications equipment or services.

Bidders must carefully review these provisions and accurately complete the representations. Failure to comply or provide the required disclosures may impact the ability to be considered for award. Understanding the definitions and prohibitions is essential for preparing a compliant offer.