2026 vessel for cascade head hook-n- line surveys

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is issuing an Intermediate Procurement Request for Proposal for vessel charter services to support hook-and-line fishing surveys at the Cascade Head Marine Reserve in Jackson County. The contractor must provide a fully equipped at-sea research vessel, a qualified vessel operator, deckhands (one for a 6-pack boat or two for larger vessels), and rod and reel fishing equipment to conduct scientific monitoring surveys in nearshore waters at depths ranging from 30 to 120 feet. The project requires approximately twelve vessel days of work (eight hours per day), with six days scheduled during spring/early summer (April through early June) and six days during fall (August through October), with all operations departing from and returning to Depoe Bay, Oregon, and targeting areas within three nautical miles from shore. Evaluation criteria are weighted across 100 total points, with 35 points allocated to vessel master and crew qualifications, experience, and availability; 35 points for vessel suitability including size, speed, maneuverability, accommodations, and deck gear; and 30 points for cost using a comparative formula against the lowest submitted bid. Proposers must demonstrate a minimum of two years of professional experience in charter fishing services, provide three professional references from similar projects completed within the last five years, submit detailed cost sheets with separate line items for personnel, travel, supplies, and administrative charges, and possess appropriate US Coast Guard certifications and operator licenses. The solicitation opened on March 3, 2026, with written questions due by March 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM and sealed proposals due by March 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM; the Notice of Intent to Award is anticipated for March 26, 2026, with a contract term running from April 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

No specific set-asides are identified for disadvantaged or small businesses; however, the Agency encourages participation of certified small and disadvantaged businesses and offers an Oregon supplies and services preference of ten percent cost reduction per ORS 279A.128 for goods fabricated or services performed entirely in Oregon. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are listed in this solicitation. The contractor assumes full responsibility for all vessel operation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, and operating supplies and equipment, and must provide certifications of required insurance including workers' compensation with employers' liability coverage of not less than $500,000 per occurrence and Marine Protection and Indemnity coverage with per-occurrence limits of $1,000,000 for single claimants and $2,000,000 for multiple claimants, along with valid US Coast Guard inspection certification, mechanical inspection records, and boater safety cards. The contract amount is structured as a lump sum with unit pricing for the vessel charter at a specified daily rate, field work preparation, and any additional costs, with the total contract value pending award determinations. Only the contract term, descriptions of goods and services, and compensation are negotiable; all other standard terms are non-negotiable, and ODFW reserves the right to conduct additional evaluation rounds, establish a competitive range, or cancel the solicitation at any time.