FD26-285 NMFS request for vessel charter for Coral

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries is soliciting vessel charter services to support the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program surveys in the Dry Tortugas, Florida, through RFQ Solicitation #1333MF26Q0023. The contractor must provide a live-aboard dive cruise vessel capable of accommodating at least 10 divers for 10 consecutive days, delivering 17 survey dive days and 2 transit days per cruise from May 1 through December 31, 2026. Key requirements include Coast Guard certification, experienced dive personnel with divemaster certification, provision of nitrox air for SCUBA fills, comprehensive medical equipment including an automated external defibrillator, three daily meals with vegetarian and allergy accommodations, berthing accommodations, wireless network infrastructure, and live-boat operational capability without anchoring. The government will evaluate proposals using a best-value approach based on three factors: technical approach meeting or exceeding the Statement of Work requirements, experience and qualifications of personnel, and cost/price. The original deadline for quotation submission was April 28, 2026, but Amendment 0001 extended the due date to May 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM Central Standard Time, with questions required to be submitted by noon three business days prior to the revised deadline.

This procurement is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS 483114 (Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation) with a 500-employee size standard. No incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation documents. The contract represents a firm fixed-price purchase order with Net 30 payment terms, though no specific dollar value is provided in the available documents. The period of performance runs from May 8, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with the vessel required to be operational and ready within 30 minutes of the daily start time (approximately 0730) and available for dive operations from 0730 to 1800. The place of performance is the Dry Tortugas, Florida, and the contract is administered by NMFS-FD at 601 East 12th Street, Suite 1746, Kansas City, Missouri. Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), submit separate technical and business/price quotations, and provide copies of Merchant Mariner Credentials, vessel documentation, and evidence of required certifications.