Temporary berthing space for the muskie

The US Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants is seeking berthing space for its research vessel "Muskie" on Lake Erie. The solicitation requires a contractor to provide berthing between Port Clinton and Fairport Harbor, Ohio, with specific technical requirements including 4-foot under-keel clearance, 240V single-phase 100-amp shore power, 24/7 access, and security watch services. The contract will have a base year from March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026, with two additional one-year options potentially extending through February 29, 2028, and a possible 6-month extension. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM ET on February 10, 2025, with questions accepted until February 5, 2025. The evaluation will be based on three factors: Technical Approach and Past Performance (equally weighted and more important than price), and Price, with technical proposals limited to 2 pages.

The solicitation is set aside exclusively for small businesses within the Port and Harbor Operations (NAICS 488310) category. The research vessel is a 71-foot aluminum monohull built in 2011, with a 5-foot draft and 72.35 long ton displacement. While specific award value is not disclosed, the contract includes provisions for a base year and two potential option years. The place of performance is restricted to a Lake Erie port location between Port Clinton and Fairport Harbor in Ohio. The contractor must provide comprehensive berthing services, including shore power, security monitoring during non-standard hours (1600-0800 Monday-Friday and full coverage on weekends/holidays), and parking accommodations for staff and crew.