ROV OBS retrieval

The U.S. Geological Survey is seeking remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) services to recover an ocean-bottom seismograph (OBS) from approximately 200 meters water depth in Skilak Lake, Alaska. The ROV must meet specific technical requirements including hand deployment capability from a 25-foot Boston Whaler, 12-hour operational capacity, real-time video and multibeam imaging sonar capabilities, and the ability to attach a recovery line with a 5000 pounds working load limit. The contractor must provide two experienced ROV operators and handle all transportation, lodging, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials necessary for the recovery operation. The evaluation will consider all factors other than cost as significantly more important than price, with vendors required to submit electronic proposals containing five specific tabs covering offer forms, pricing, representations, technical capabilities, and availability. The solicitation was issued on August 18, 2025, with written quotes due on August 20, 2025, and an anticipated contract award date of August 21, 2025.

This procurement utilizes no set-aside designation and is conducted as a full and open competition under NAICS code 561990 with a size standard of $16.5 million, though no specific contract value or budget range has been disclosed. The planned work period spans from August 25 through September 8, 2025, with actual ROV operations expected to require only one day and potential deployment as early as August 28, 2025. The project supports the USGS Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards Project and requires the contractor to be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for award. Performance will occur in Skilak Lake, Alaska, with contractors responsible for arranging their own transportation and lodging accommodations in Anchorage. Vendors must submit their responses electronically to Kimberly Schneider at krschneider@usgs.gov, with the extremely compressed timeline requiring rapid response and mobilization capabilities from qualified contractors.