Commercial and For-Hire Vessel Support Services to aid in research.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Department of Fish and Game/Division of Marine Fisheries, is seeking commercial and for-hire fishing vessels to provide vessel support services to aid in the department's year-round research and monitoring efforts in the coastal waters of the Commonwealth. The procurement is for the services of licensed captains and crews, fishing equipment and maintenance, and the accommodation of researchers as needed. The initial contract term is through June 30, 2022, with two 3-year renewal options for a total potential contract duration of 9 years. Responses are due by June 30, 2025 and will be evaluated on price, quality, service, and timeliness. The department has not set a minimum or maximum number of awards.

The procurement is targeted as a small business set-aside under the Commonwealth's Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP), but if no SBPP participants respond or meet the evaluation criteria, the department may consider non-SBPP participants. The RFR requires a minimum 1% financial commitment to partner with a Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) certified diverse business for the duration of any resulting contract, with additional evaluation points awarded for higher SDP commitments. The Commonwealth has not specified any incumbent vendors or current contractors, nor has it provided a budget range for the contract.