26-482 SEFSC Deep Coral Reef Monitoring Program Su

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, seeks technical diving team services for deep coral reef monitoring surveys in the U.S. Caribbean, with quotes due September 18, 2026. The procurement carries a Total Small Business set-aside.

Place of performance is the U.S. Caribbean, specifically 20 sites in Puerto Rico and 28 sites in St. Thomas/St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Survey work must occur between August and December 2026 and/or May and December 2027, excluding January through April. All surveys must utilize open circuit SCUBA diving compliant with American Academy of Underwater Sciences standards and National Coral Reef Monitoring Program protocols at mesophotic depths of 30 to 50 meters. Key personnel must demonstrate proficiency in U.S. Caribbean reef fish identification and scientific diving experience.

The contractor assumes sole responsibility for safety compliance, obtaining all applicable research permits, and adhering to USACE EM 385-1-1 and OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.420). Survey data, site photos, and original datasheets must be entered into the SEFSC database within one month of completion and quality-assured within two months. All deliverables must be returned to SEFSC by February 15, 2028, for archiving with NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Quotations must include a Data Management Plan of up to two pages and be submitted on SF-18 or the contractor's own company form. Offerors must be currently registered in SAM. Evaluation criteria are technical approach, contractor experience, key personnel qualifications, and cost/price reasonableness. The NAICS code is 541990, All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.