Vessel charter and technical assistance for 10-day marine turtle surveys

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is soliciting vessel charter and technical assistance services for marine turtle surveys in the western Pacific region. The procurement requires a contractor to provide a vessel capable of conducting 10-day marine turtle survey operations, maintaining speeds of at least 9 knots with 12-hour endurance and 150km range capabilities. The contractor must also supply a skilled marine turtle observer with at least 10 years of experience in the Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands area, capable of conducting boat-based and in-water turtle observations, capturing marine turtles in depths up to 25 meters, collecting biological samples, and performing tagging and satellite tracking operations. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management and comply with federal labor standards and wage regulations. The solicitation closes on June 27, 2025, providing only seven days for response submission.

This opportunity is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 483112 for Deep Sea Passenger Transportation. The contract includes a base period from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026, covering one 10-day survey effort scheduled for August 2025 off the coasts of Guam and Tinian. An optional second year extends from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, which would include an expanded survey area incorporating Saipan in addition to Guam and Tinian. The performance location is in the western Pacific waters surrounding Guam, Tinian, and potentially Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The solicitation document does not specify award values, incumbent contractors, or detailed evaluation criteria beyond the technical and registration requirements outlined.