Vessel Atlantic Ops Physical Inspections RFI

The Department of the Interior Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is issuing a Request for Information for market research on a future vessel charter requirement for Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf physical inspections, with responses due by June 8, 2026. This RFI is strictly for planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or Government commitment to award a contract; the Government will not pay for responses.

The Government seeks information on a Walk-to-Work equipped offshore vessel capable of supporting a 45-day continuous charter with up to 21-day excursions without returning to port, visiting approximately 93 offshore facilities. Required specifications include DP2 minimum dynamic positioning capability, berthing for at least six BSEE personnel, IMCA M254 Rev 1 compliance, certified Safety Management System, onboard amenities including laundry, exercise equipment, WiFi capable of supporting video calls and ROV footage transmission, working spaces, PPE locker rooms, and galley support for BSEE working hours. The vessel must transfer personnel to deck heights up to 21.802 mMSL and up to 24.63 mMSL for electrical service platforms.

Respondents should address vessel specifications, technical capabilities, multi-use capabilities for environmental sampling and biological surveys, simultaneous operations coordination, vessel ownership independence and conflict-of-interest mitigation, and acquisition strategy recommendations including IDIQ arrangements with vessel brokers versus standalone C-type charters. Rough order of magnitude pricing is requested. The Government anticipates potential award in Calendar Year 2027, with Calendar Year 2026 dedicated to market research and requirement development. Submit responses to william_rilee@ios.doi.gov.