Charter - walrus herd composition

Added: Mar 17, 2014 1:00 pm The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) is interested in chartering an offshore research vessel (oceanographic research vessel) capable of working in the Bering Strait Region to support walrus research missions, ranging from the Chirikov Basin through the Southern Chukchi Sea for a maximum of twenty eight (28) days between June 2 and June 30, 2014. Actual trip timing and length will depend on the weather and sea ice and the billing will reflect actual charter days. The vessel will be required to board the science crew at an ice free Bering Sea Port; either St. Paul or possibly Nome if it's ice free. The vessel must carry three (3) skiffs (contractor will provide one (1) skiff and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will provide two (2) skiffs) and launch these for work in the marginal sea ice. In addition, must be capable of carrying three (3) workboats 17-21 foot overall length (FWS will provide two (2) workboats and the contractor will provide the third). All workboats will be low profile rigid hull inflatables fit with quiet engines, fix mounted VHF, AIS transmitter and an AIS receiver/GPS. The vessel will provide transportation and support for the science crew of up to sixteen (16) people working for USGS and FWS, as well a suitable workboat and boat operator experienced in small boat handling offshore in sea ice. The size of the USGS crew will be agreed upon at least one month prior to sailing. Complete specifications for the subject charter vessel will be described in the solicitation. As required by FAR 5.101(a) (1), the forthcoming Solicitation (G14PS00241) will be made available through the Government Point of Entry (GPE) on or about March 25, 2014. It is anticipated that this procurement will be conducted as a competitive acquisition under the provisions of under FAR Parts 12 and 13.5, and will be designated as a small business set-aside. All responses must be by email to the Contract Specialist at jmdavis@usgs.gov or fax 916 278 9339. The associated NAICS code is 483113 - Coastal and Great Lakes Freight Transportation, for which the associated size standard is 500 employees.