ADF&G ITB # 2026-1100-0190 - Southeast Alaska Harbor Porpoise Survey Vessel Charter

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) #2026-1100-0190 for a vessel charter to support marine mammal research in Southeast Alaska. The procurement seeks a fully functional vessel at least 67 feet in length with diesel-powered engines, including a licensed captain and minimum one crew member to serve as living quarters and operations base for marine research. The vessel must accommodate up to twelve ADF&G personnel, transport two 22-foot skiffs, and be equipped with specific navigation, communication, and safety equipment. The charter is anticipated to run seventeen days during June 2026, with potential extensions up to twenty-one days, covering approximately 1,400 nautical miles of transects through Southeast Alaska's inside passage and outer coastal waters. Bid submissions are due January 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, with contract award anticipated January 14, 2026, and contract issuance by January 26, 2026. Bidders must demonstrate prior experience, including a captain with twelve years in Alaska waters and ten years in Southeast Alaska, and crew members with minimum five years' experience. Evaluation will focus on lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with the State reserving rights to inspect vessels, request supplemental information, and reject non-responsive bids.

The procurement allows for an Alaska Bidder Preference of five percent for qualifying bidders, and all participants must possess or obtain a valid Alaska business license prior to award. The contract is structured as a dry charter, with ADF&G responsible for fuel costs during chartered days, excluding transit fuel to Juneau. Contractors must provide all consumables including vessel fuel, lubricants, filters, meals, and provisions within the daily charter rate, with separate line items for additional personnel and loading/unloading days. The contract period extends from award through December 31, 2026, with options to renew for two additional one-year terms. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, bidders must submit comprehensive documentation including vessel information forms, captain and crew experience records, required certifications, and insurance documentation. Specific bid requirements include completing Attachments 1-7, which cover bid submission cover sheets, bid schedules, federal debarment certification, vessel information, and captain/crew experience details. Site inspections are available by contacting the procurement officer at 907-465-6178, though no pre-bid conference is scheduled.