Humboldt vessel lease elfers pcmsc

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants is seeking quotations for vessel charter services to support offshore scientific operations near Humboldt Bay, California. The contractor must provide a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed vessel equipped with specialized marine equipment including an A-frame with specified safe working loads, a winch, radar, GPS navigation, and adequate deck space to deploy and retrieve scientific equipment in deep ocean waters. The vessel must be at least 78 feet in overall length with a master holding a minimum of four years' experience operating in Pacific waters, and the contractor must accommodate up to eight personnel with three daily meals during 24-hour operations. Award will be based on technical capability, past performance, and price, with technical factors weighted approximately equal to cost. The quotation deadline is April 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, and all quotations must remain valid for 30 calendar days following the closing date.

This is an all-or-none solicitation with no small business set-aside designation. The contract period runs from July 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, covering two primary missions: deployment of a wave glider in August 2026 and retrieval of a transponder and wave glider in September 2026, approximately 78 nautical miles offshore. The RFQ includes four contract line items covering vessel lease, mobilization and demobilization activities in Eureka, California, weather days, and fuel reimbursement capped at $3,250. The Government will consider vessels smaller than 78 feet if contractors can demonstrate the ability to complete Mission 1 within four hours or less and Mission 2 within twenty-four hours or less, thereby expanding competition from the original 90-foot minimum requirement that was revised in Amendment 0001. Quotations must be submitted via email to Contracting Officer Joel Berberena.