2024 VESSEL FOR CAPE PERPETUA MARINE RESERVE: HOOK-and-LINE SURVEYS

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a contractor to provide an at-sea research platform (vessel) for hook-and-line fishing surveys near the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. The project requires an experienced vessel with a qualified master capable of conducting fishing operations in depths ranging from 30-120 feet. The contract term spans from April 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, with a total of eight vessel days planned: four days in spring (April-June) and four days in fall (August-October). The primary deliverable is an research vessel capable of supporting marine survey operations, with all departure and return points located in Newport, Oregon. Key qualifications include a vessel master with a minimum of three years of professional experience in charter fishing or equivalent services, with specific local knowledge of fishing areas off Cape Perpetua. Evaluation criteria will include the contractor's proposed price, which must encompass all personnel, travel, supplies, and associated costs. The proposal submission deadline is March 14, 2024, with the Request for Proposal (RFP) originally posted on February 8, 2024.

The State of Oregon actively encourages participation from certified small businesses, with specific emphasis on disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract requires comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, employer's liability, and marine protection and indemnity insurance. The total contract value is currently listed as "Pending Award," with no specific budget range disclosed in the available documentation. Contractors must provide their own vessel, fuel, operating supplies, and equipment, with the understanding that no fish encountered during the surveys may be retained for consumption. The insurance requirements are extensive, including additional insured endorsements and specific coverage limits, which suggests a robust screening process for potential contractors. The project represents a specialized marine research opportunity that requires both technical maritime expertise and compliance with stringent state procurement guidelines.