SAN nicolas boat charter

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center is soliciting quotations for commercial boat charter services to support two separate six-day research expeditions to San Nicolas Island, California. The vessel must be U.S. Coast Guard licensed, capable of operating up to 90 miles offshore, and equipped with advanced navigation and diving support equipment including radar, depth sounder, EPIRB, VHF radios, GPS, a functioning air compressor, and 12 scuba cylinders. The contractor must provide berthing for 10 biologists, three daily meals with dietary accommodations, hot showers, and a support chase boat with a designated dive safety observer. All quotations must be submitted via email to Gerry Lewandowski at gerald_lewandowski@ios.doi.gov by March 30, 2026 at 0900 PST, and the contractor must submit proof of marine and general public liability insurance with minimum limits of $100,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury prior to contract award, along with vessel specifications and captain credentials.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS Code 483114 (Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation) with a size standard of 550 employees. The contract period of performance runs from April 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026, with the first required expedition scheduled between April and June 2026 (Item 00010) and an optional second charter between September and November 2026 (Item 00020, option year 1). The specific award value is not disclosed in the solicitation materials provided. Invoicing must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of Treasury's Internet Payment Platform, and any mechanical breakdowns exceeding 24 hours requiring schedule rescheduling will result in a deduction of the daily contract rate from the final invoice. Performance will take place offshore at San Nicolas Island, California, with the vessel serving as the primary base of operations for the research expeditions.