Sean - outer coast vessel charter glba wrst

The National Park Service, Alaska Region is soliciting quotes for a vessel charter to support marine monitoring and coastal assessment operations along the outer coasts of Glacier Bay National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska. The procurement requires a research vessel capable of accommodating 7-12 scientists and personnel for 16 to 20 days of oceanographic surveys, zooplankton sampling, marine bird and mammal monitoring, and biological contaminant sampling. Quoters must submit sealed bids by January 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM Alaska Standard Time via email to darcy_skinner@nps.gov, with the government reserving the right to award based on best value considering non-price factors alongside pricing. Evaluation criteria include vessel suitability with documented U.S. Coast Guard compliance and ice-capable design, captain experience and licensing (minimum three years in Southeast Alaska waters), crew oceanographic expertise, past performance references, and price. The government anticipates award by February 2, 2026, with performance scheduled for June 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026 for the base year.

This procurement is set aside 100 percent for small business concerns under NAICS code 483114 (Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation), with a size standard of 500 employees. No incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation materials. The contract will be structured as a firm-fixed price daily rate basis, with compensation only for days the vessel is actively utilized, providing the government flexibility to terminate at any time; no specific budget range is disclosed in the solicitation. The vessel charter requires specialized equipment including a hydraulic crane with minimum 4,000-pound capacity, oceanographic winch capable of 800+ meters depth, a 20-foot rigid hull inflatable skiff, and freezer capability for biological samples, along with accommodations including individual sleeping quarters, heated berthing areas, laundry facilities, laboratory space, and three daily meals. Performance of services will occur primarily along the outer coasts of Glacier Bay and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks in Alaska, with vessel departures from Seward, Homer, or Auke Bay.