G-FISHER Survey Charter Vessel

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), seeks a charter vessel to support the Gulf Fishery-Independent Survey of Habitat and Ecosystem Resources (G-FISHER) Program through Request for Quotation (RFQ) 1305M326Q0129. The procured vessel must be U.S. Coast Guard-inspected, at least 50 feet in length, and capable of offshore operations in depths up to 200 meters with comprehensive scientific and living accommodations for three scientists. Key requirements include two licensed captains with minimum three years of offshore experience, hydraulic lifting systems capable of handling 300-pound loads, pinpoint gear deployment capability, air-conditioned laboratory space with deck operation visibility, and complete medical facilities including an automated external defibrillator. Evaluation will be based on three primary factors: vessel characteristics (Factor A), commercial fishing experience of the vessel and captains (Factor B), and past performance on related contracts (Factor C), with price evaluated for reasonableness but not scored. Quotations are due by 12:00 PM Pacific Time on May 1, 2026, and must be submitted electronically to carina.topasna@noaa.gov and novelle.key@noaa.gov using Standard Form 18.

This is a 100% small business set-away with a 500-employee size standard under NAICS code 483114 (Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation). The base contract period runs from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, comprising 14 base sea days, up to 24 optional sea days, and 2 mobilization/demobilization days, with two option periods available (June 1, 2027–May 31, 2028, and June 1, 2028–May 31, 2029). The vessel will support approximately 600 camera deployments across the Gulf of Mexico, averaging approximately 20 stations per day across the region from the Texas coast eastward to Florida. Primary place of performance is the Gulf of Mexico with dockage support available in Pascagoula, Mississippi, though contractors may utilize their own homeport facilities. No incumbent contractor information or specific award values are disclosed in the solicitation documents, and contractors must provide all food, beverages, and comply with Coast Guard safety regulations and NOAA's sexual assault and harassment prevention policies.