2025 Cape Falcon Hook and Line Fishing Surveys

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is soliciting proposals for a vessel charter to conduct hook-and-line fishing surveys at the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve. The project requires a contractor to provide an at-sea vessel, vessel operator, and crew (one to two deckhands) to perform marine research surveys in depths ranging from 30-120 feet within 3 nautical miles of shore. The contract will span from the date of execution through December 31, 2025, with eight total sampling days divided between spring (April-June) and fall (August-October) seasons. Proposers must demonstrate at least two years of professional experience and provide three references, with vessel requirements including accommodation for 5-10 anglers and two ODFW data collectors. The evaluation criteria follow a 100-point system, with 35 points each allocated to vessel specifications/captain and crew experience and project approach, and 30 points for pricing. The RFP was issued on March 25, 2025, with proposals due on April 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Key deliverables include conducting hook-and-line surveys, providing all necessary fishing equipment, fuel, and operating supplies, and ensuring no fish are retained for consumption.

The state encourages participation from certified small businesses, specifically targeting minority-owned, woman-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. No incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned in the documentation. The vessel must be equipped with standard navigation and safety equipment and meet specific operational requirements. While a precise budget range is not specified, the contract includes a cost sheet for vendors to submit unit pricing for the 8-day vessel charter. The solicitation emphasizes that the State reserves the right to increase, decrease, or remove deliverables to meet budgetary constraints. Contractors will be responsible for providing comprehensive insurance coverage and adhering to standard state procurement terms regarding taxes, confidentiality, and performance standards. Potential bidders should note that the maximum compensation will be determined by the winning bidder's proposed pricing, with the cost component representing a significant 30-point evaluation criterion.