Pisces Fish Handling System

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking to procure and install a new Fish Handling System to replace the obsolete system currently on the NOAA Ship PISCES. The project requires a contractor to design, procure, and install a complete fish handling conveyor system similar to the one on NOAA Ship HENRY BIGELOW, including components such as a fish hopper, conveyor system, fish sorting conveyor with seven sorting stations, scientific analysis conveyor with three work stations, an electrically operated lift table, and an overboard fish chute. The system must be constructed of 304L stainless steel with white continuous belts and cleaning mechanisms, and the contractor must provide complete turnkey installation including removal of the existing system, electrical connections, foundations, mounting, painting, and system testing. The government will evaluate proposals on a best value basis considering technical capability, past performance, and price, with technical and past performance factors being more important than price. Proposals are due electronically by August 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM Eastern, and the contract performance period runs from August 30, 2025, through January 31, 2026.

This opportunity is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 332322 (Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing) with a size standard of 500 employees. The contract includes three primary line items: design and procurement of the new system, installation and commissioning between December 2025 and January 2026, and growth funds for design and installation not to exceed $50,000. The installation period is specifically scheduled from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia. The contractor must provide detailed design drawings within 15 days of contract award, conduct four hours of crew training, deliver a technical manual, and perform both pierside and at-sea system demonstrations. The work will be performed at NOAA Ship PISCES located at 439 West York Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, with the Port Engineer Stephen Spindler serving as the onsite contact.