The U.S. Geological Survey awarded an $879,605 definitive contract to Shipbuilders of Wisconsin, Inc. (doing business as Burger Boat Company) for haulout, inspection, maintenance, and repair of the Research Vessel Sturgeon on September 24, 2026, under a total small business set-aside. The contract carries firm fixed-price pricing with an ultimate completion date of April 15, 2027.
Place of performance is Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The originating solicitation called for comprehensive service of the 101-foot research vessel, including vessel hauling and blocking, hull inspection and coating renewal using specified Sherwin Williams systems, propulsion shaft removal and inspection with bearing and seal replacement, bow thruster and rudder inspection, tank cleaning and void inspection, hydrophone installation per Marport specifications, and ABS load line special survey. Optional work includes main engine overhaul by OEM-approved contractor, gear refurbishment, propeller replacement, and anchor windlass replacement. The contractor provides all labor, materials, marine repair resources, safe atmosphere certification per Marine Chemist standards, Lock-Out/Tag-Out management, fire watch, hazardous waste disposal, and electrical service. The solicitation, posted August 6, 2026, required proposals by September 9, 2026, and included four amendments addressing hydrophone mounting specifications, bearing and seal procedures, installation documentation, and contractor-proposed modification to ABS load line survey handling. Work scope is NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), PSC J019 (Maintenance/Repair/Rebuild of Equipment—Ships, Small Craft, Pontoons, and Floating Docks).