Non-Personal Services for Vessel Charter in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

IAW FAR 19.502-2 this is a Sources Sought Notice to assist in the determination of Small Business interest and capability to fulfill this requirement. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. No contract will be awarded as a result of this Sources Sought announcement. The United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Acquisition and Grants is requesting information from qualified sources; the results of this announcement will be evaluated to determine if there are small businesses capable of fulfilling this requirement.

Background: A team from the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Habitat Ecology Branch (SEFSC HEB) is coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to conduct queen conch population surveys around and offshore from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to compile abundance and distribution data for a biological assessment required under the Endangered Species Act.  In order to successfully complete this task, the entire impact area surrounding the port needs to be surveyed for the presence, spatial location, and abundance of individual conch.  We plan to conduct these surveys from April 14-17, 2024.  To facilitate efficient completion of surveys NMFS requires a live-aboard research vessel measuring at least 80 feet in length and capable of housing up to 12 divers and crew, which will serve as the primary base of operations during the surveys.  The primary research vessel must also be capable of daily launching and retrieving of three small skiffs capable of carrying four SCUBA divers plus SCUBA tanks, fins, masks, BCDs, and survey equipment.  The primary research vessel must have an inspected and certified air compressor onboard to refill SCUBA tanks each day.

Tasks: The primary task that shall be completed is to provide and captain one live-aboard research vessel to specified locations offshore of Fort Lauderdale, FL, from April 14-17, 2024.  Specific tasks are as follows:

• Task 1:  The Contractor shall ensure that the primary research vessel and small skiffs meet USCG and NOAA small boat safety standards.
• Task 2:  The Contractor shall provide living arrangements onboard the primary research vessel, to include meals and suitable sleeping accommodations, for up to 12 divers and crew.
• Task 3:  The Contractor shall ensure the primary research vessel is fully provisioned for up to 12 divers and crew prior to the requested dates.
• Task 4:  The Contractor shall fuel all vessels sufficiently prior to the requested dates and maintain appropriate fuel levels daily.
• Task 5:  The Contractor shall captain the primary research vessel to specified locations around Fort Lauderdale, FL, as identified by the Project Lead.
• Task 6:  The contractor shall provide a minimum of 24 SCUBA tanks each day during survey activities.
• Task 7:  The Contractor shall refill SCUBA tanks with air daily, or on an as needed basis throughout each day of survey activities, from an inspected and certified compressor station located onboard the primary research vessel.

Interested vendors may submit a capability statement to GRACE.LAPIERRE@NOAA.GOV