Vessel and crew charter

NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center is seeking a vessel and crew charter service to conduct sablefish capture operations off the Washington coast through RFQ Number 1333MF25Q0052. The research charter vessel will support two separate sablefish collection trips in the Astoria canyon area, approximately 25 miles west of Ilwaco, Washington, using sportfishing gear with 6-8 fishermen per trip. The vessel must meet specific technical requirements including maintaining a minimum cruising speed of 10 km/hr, providing deck space for a 500-gallon holding tank, supplying ice and fuel, and offering clean accommodations for both crew and scientific personnel. The government will evaluate offers based on technical approach, past performance, and price, with non-price factors being significantly more important than price. Quotes must be submitted electronically to heather.mahle@noaa.gov by 4:00 PM EST on August 25, 2025.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 488390 (Other Support Activities for Water Transportation). The period of performance extends from contract award through June 26, 2026, with the actual sablefish collection trips scheduled to occur between the award date and October 31, 2025. The solicitation notice does not specify any current incumbents or provide budget ranges for the contract award value. Operations will take place in waters off the Washington coast, specifically in the Astoria canyon region, and the contractor will be required to submit past performance information using the provided questionnaire template. The procurement falls under PSC category 1925 for Special Service Vessels, reflecting the specialized nature of the research vessel charter services required for this scientific collection mission.