Southeast Fisheries Observer Programs

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting proposals for the Southeast Fisheries Observer Programs, which involves recruiting, training, and managing scientific fishery observers to be deployed on commercial fishing vessels across the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean regions. The contract requires observers to collect critical environmental, biological, and fisheries data, monitor fishing operations, record catch and discard information, and document interactions with protected marine species. Key qualifications include possession of a bachelor's degree in natural sciences, completion of a three-week government training course, safety certifications, and strict adherence to conflict of interest and professional conduct standards. Proposals will be evaluated based on two primary factors: Technical Capability (including corporate experience, management approach, operational requirements, and observer support services) and Past Performance, with technical proposals limited to 20 single-sided pages plus additional 5-page limits for Quality Control and Project Management Plans. The deadline for proposal submission is January 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST, with proposals to be emailed to Contract Specialist Jamie Abu Shakrah and Contracting Officer Carina Topasna, and past performance references must be submitted by January 10, 2026.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside and is structured as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a total value of $2,706,224.36 spanning five years from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2031. The contract includes two primary line items: CLIN 0001 for Sea Day Observer Support Services at a firm-fixed-price and CLIN 0002 for Travel Expenses on a time-and-materials basis, with observer compensation structured around various day types including standby days, debrief days, and post-trip report days. Historical data indicates an average of 3,276 total sea days across the listed fisheries from 2022-2024, with contractors responsible for initial observer training costs while NOAA provides base training. The place of performance is Massachusetts, USA, with contract administration conducted by WAD-NMFS-Seattle located at 7600 Sand Point Way NE in Seattle, Washington. Successful contractors must comply with Service Contract Act wage determinations, which establish minimum wages of $17.75 per hour for contracts entered into on or after January 30, 2022, along with comprehensive benefits including health and welfare provisions, vacation accrual, and paid sick leave requirements.