Research Vessel Charter for Walrus Tagging Mission

The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) is interested in chartering an offshore research vessel (oceanographic research vessel) capable of working in broken sea ice to support a walrus radio-tagging project in the northern Chukchi Sea for a maximum of 14 days between July 11 and 25 2013. Actual trip timing and length will depend on the weather and sea ice and the billing will reflect actual charter days. The work area will be the northeastern Chukchi Sea at the southern edge of the retreating pack ice. The vessel will support two workboats in performing the science mission: One workboat will be outfitted and provided by USGS (USGS owned and equipped workboat) and must be loaded onto the charter vessel from a port with road access near Anchorage, Alaska. A second (similarly outfitted) workboat will be provided by the contractor. The vessel will be required to transit to Nome, or other appropriate port near the target field work, board the science crew, and continue to the work area for arrival to the work area by about July 14, 2013. The estimated location of the initial target area will be 150 nautical miles west of Barrow, but is ultimately dependent on sea ice conditions at the time. The vessel will operate within the sea ice margin. Radio-tagging will occur for up to 10 days, and then the vessel will return the science crew to the nearest suitable logistics base, with a preference for Wainwright or Nome. The vessel will provide transportation and support for the science crew of up to 9 people working for USGS, as well a suitable workboat and boat operator experienced in small boat handling offshore in sea ice. The size of the USGS crew will be agreed upon at least one month prior to sailing. Complete specifications for the subject charter vessel will be described in the solicitation.

As required by FAR 5.101(a)(1), the forthcoming Solicitation (G13PS00106) will be made available through the GPE on or about January 25, 2013. It is anticipated that this procurement will be conducted as a competitive acquisition under the provisions of under FAR Parts 12 and 15, and will be designated as a 100% small business set-aside. All responses must be in writing by email to the Contract Specialist at email dshannon@usgs.gov (916-278-9342). This requirement is subject to availability of funds.

The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) is interested in chartering an offshore research vessel (oceanographic research vessel) capable of working in broken sea ice to support a walrus radio-tagging project in the northern Chukchi Sea for a maximum of 14 days between July 11 and 25 2013. Actual trip timing and length will depend on the weather and sea ice and the billing will reflect actual charter days. The work area will be the northeastern Chukchi Sea at the southern edge of the retreating pack ice. The vessel will support two workboats in performing the science mission: One workboat will be outfitted and provided by USGS (USGS owned and equipped workboat) and must be loaded onto the charter vessel from a port with road access near Anchorage, Alaska. A second (similarly outfitted) workboat will be provided by the contractor. The vessel will be required to transit to Nome, or other appropriate port near the target field work, board the science crew, and continue to the work area for arrival to the work area by about July 14, 2013. The estimated location of the initial target area will be 150 nautical miles west of Barrow, but is ultimately dependent on sea ice conditions at the time. The vessel will operate within the sea ice margin. Radio-tagging will occur for up to 10 days, and then the vessel will return the science crew to the nearest suitable logistics base, with a preference for Wainwright or Nome. The vessel will provide transportation and support for the science crew of up to 9 people working for USGS, as well a suitable workboat and boat operator experienced in small boat handling offshore in sea ice. The size of the USGS crew will be agreed upon at least one month prior to sailing. Complete specifications for the subject charter vessel will be described in the solicitation.

As required by FAR 5.101(a)(1), the forthcoming Solicitation (G13PS00106) will be made available through the GPE on or about January 25, 2013. It is anticipated that this procurement will be conducted as a competitive acquisition under the provisions of under FAR Parts 12 and 15, and will be designated as a 100% small business set-aside. All responses must be in writing by email to the Contract Specialist at email dshannon@usgs.gov (916-278-9342). This requirement is subject to availability of funds.