19--West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey
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 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for charter vessels to conduct the Second Pass of the 2026-2030 annual West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey. This acquisition sought up to two (2) firm-fixed-price contracts for commercial services. This opportunity was a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Offers were due by April 3, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement was for commercial fishing vessels with crew to conduct the West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey, Second Pass, along the West Coast of the United States. Survey operations were expected to occur between mid-August and late October. Key tasks included conducting surveys, collecting biological data, and managing catch. Vessels were required to meet specific criteria detailed in the Statement of Work, covering size, engine power, equipment, and crew qualifications.
Contract Details
NOAA intended to award two (2) firm-fixed-price contracts, one for each vessel. The base period of performance was May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, with four (4) one-year option periods, potentially extending the contract duration to five years. Acceptance of services was to take place aboard the contracted vessel.
Submission & Evaluation
Offers were due no later than 12:00 PM Pacific Time on April 3, 2026, and had to be submitted electronically to carina.topasna@noaa.gov and novelle.key@noaa.gov. Quotations were to be prepared in two parts: a technical quote and a business/price quote. Evaluation was based on Vessel Characteristics, Commercial Fishing Experience of the Vessel, Captain and Crew, and Past Performance. Price was to be evaluated but not scored.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This acquisition was 100% set-aside for small business concerns (size standard: 500 employees). The Product Service Code (PSC) was 1910, and the NAICS code was 483114.
Required Attachments
Bidders were required to complete and submit several attachments, including:
- Attachment #1: West Coast Groundfish Trawl Survey Vessel Characteristics Questionnaire
- Attachment #2: Vessel Configuration (blueprints/scale drawings)
- Attachment #3: Vessel's Commercial and Research Fishing Fishing History
- Attachment #4: Master/Crew Work Experience
- Attachment #6: Past Performance Questionnaire Failure to provide complete and accurate documentation, especially vessel configuration drawings, could have resulted in proposal rejection.