Vessel charter services

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center is soliciting quotations for vessel charter services and fuel to support sediment sampling operations. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) number 140G0326Q0071 is issued under full and open competition with quotations due by April 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time. The contract requires a vessel of at least 40 feet in overall length equipped with specific navigation and sampling capabilities, including radar, GPS, depth sounder, A-frame or davit with appropriate winch capacity, and the ability to hold station within 10 meters. Prospective contractors must demonstrate a minimum of three years of corporate and key personnel experience and provide proof of U.S. Coast Guard licensure. Evaluation criteria will emphasize technical capability and capacity, corporate and key personnel experience, and past performance more heavily than price, with vendors required to submit firm, fixed-price quotes in U.S. dollars and evidence of marine and general public liability insurance meeting specified limits.

The contract period of performance extends from April 6, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with performance taking place in coastal waters adjacent to Humboldt Bay entrance in Eureka, California. No small business set-asides apply to this procurement. The requirement consists of two line items: vessel lease and fuel, with the vessel needed for five total 12-hour days at sea—three consecutive days between contract award and May 15, 2026 for collection of 120 spring grab samples, and two consecutive days in fall for collection of 80 fall grab samples at water depths of 45 to 70 feet. The vessel must accommodate up to four USGS personnel for daytime operations only. While specific budget figures are not disclosed in the solicitation documents, the scope of work is limited to the defined sampling periods and vessel capabilities required, with contract award anticipated shortly after the April 1 deadline.