Charter trips

The U.S. Geological Survey Office of Acquisitions and Grants is seeking charter boat services for marine ecosystem monitoring around San Nicolas Island, California. The solicitation requires a Coast Guard-licensed vessel capable of operating 90 miles offshore, with specific equipment including radar, depth sounder, GPS navigation, and scuba support capabilities. The charter will support two six-day research missions in Spring and Fall 2025, where USGS scientists will conduct underwater surveys of marine life at depths around 50 feet. The contract will be awarded on a lowest price technically acceptable basis, with quotes due by March 11, 2025 at 1700 PD. Potential offerors must be registered in SAM, include their Unique Entity Identification number, and submit their proposal electronically to thuot@usgs.gov.

The contract is set aside exclusively for small businesses under NAICS code 488330 (Navigational Services to Shipping) with a size standard of $47 million. The total contract duration will not exceed 8 months, with a base performance period from April 1 to July 31, 2025, and an optional period from September 1 to November 30, 2025. The vessel must accommodate 10 biologists, provide three meals daily, and carry necessary supplies for six days without port calls. Specific requirements include providing 12 scuba cylinders, supporting diving operations, and maintaining insurance coverage of $100,000/$500,000 for bodily injury and property damage. Delivery will be FOB destination to the USGS facility at 4165 Spruance Road Suite 200, San Diego, California, with work to be conducted at five monitoring sites around San Nicolas Island.