Cape Falcon Hook and Line Fishing Surveys

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking a contractor to conduct hook-and-line fishing surveys in the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). The primary procurement involves providing an at-sea vessel, vessel operator, and marine personnel (one deckhand for 6-pack boats or two deckhands for larger vessels), along with rod and reel fishing equipment. Surveys will be conducted over 8 total vessel days, split into two seasonal windows of 4 days each during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Key deliverables include completing comprehensive fishing surveys as directed by ODFW, maintaining appropriate marine safety standards, and providing all necessary equipment and personnel. Proposals are due by April 4, 2023, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, with an anticipated contract award date of April 6, 2023, and a contract period running from April 12, 2023, through December 31, 2023. ODFW will evaluate proposals based on the contractor's qualifications, project team composition, and proposed pricing, with a focus on selecting the highest-ranking responsible offeror.

ODFW is actively encouraging participation from certified small businesses, explicitly including disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. While specific set-aside percentages are not detailed, the procurement language suggests a commitment to diverse vendor participation. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the available documentation. The RFP does not specify a precise budget range, but prospective contractors will be required to submit detailed cost proposals for evaluation. Insurance requirements and compliance with federal and state regulations will be mandatory for the selected contractor. The procurement appears designed to be open and competitive, with an emphasis on technical capability and cost-effectiveness in delivering marine research survey services.