Charter of lake michigan research vessel

The US Geological Survey seeks charter of a steel-hulled research vessel greater than 65 feet to support winter research operations on Lake Michigan, with quotations due September 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time and questions due September 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. This is a Request for Quotation awarded on a firm fixed-price basis to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable offeror; no set-aside applies.

The vessel must be stationed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from January 1 through April 1, 2027 and conduct five 10-hour excursion days transporting up to three USGS biologists 30 kilometers offshore to the Lake Michigan Mid-Lake Reef Complex during January through March 2027. Place of performance is Lake Michigan waters (90–150 meters depth) near the Mid-Lake Reef Complex, with administrative oversight from the USGS Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Science in Cortland, New York and contract administration by the USGS Denver Acquisition Branch.

The vessel must be capable of safe winter operation in offshore waters, breaking ice up to six inches thick, and operating day and night. It must accommodate an onboard remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of diving to 100+ meters depth with suction sampling and video recording capability, hydroacoustic multi-beam transducers, and six additional individuals. The captain must hold U.S. Coast Guard certification; the contractor must provide a technician trained to operate the ROV in day/night/winter conditions. The vessel must anchor in water depths up to 150 meters.

NAICS code is 483114 (Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation) with a 550-employee size standard. PSC code is W019 (Lease or Rental of Equipment—Ships, Small Craft, Pontoons, and Floating Docks). Performance period is June 1, 2027. Invoices must be submitted through the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform. Service Contract Act prevailing wage rates apply; a wage determination covering New York counties (Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego) is included, with fringe benefits of $5.92 per hour. Quotations must be submitted electronically to philip_robinson@ios.doi.gov.