Fishing Vessel Support

The state of Massachusetts, through the Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries, is seeking to contract with commercial fishing vessels to provide Fishing Vessel Support services. The Department is issuing a Request for Response (RFR) for vessels to be used in marine and fisheries research. The required scope of services includes providing a licensed captain and crew, operating the vessel and fishing equipment, and accommodating researchers. Responses are due by June 30, 2017, and the Department may award multiple contracts with an initial duration through June 30, 2018 and two 3-year renewal options, for a total maximum contract duration of 9 years. The estimated value of the procurement is $1,500,000 over the initial 3-year period.

This opportunity is open to businesses participating in the Commonwealth's Small Business Purchasing Program, with subcontracting limited to 20% of the contract value. Compensation to the vendors will be in accordance with Commonwealth procurement policies and may include trip-rates, day-rates, dockside-rates, fuel costs, and division of catch sales. The Department reserves the right to add or remove authorized users from the contract during the term. Additionally, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking pre-qualified permit holders from the whiting fishing industry to participate in a small-mesh experimental fishery in areas of the Gulf of Maine, which is being funded through the Commonwealth's Groundfish Disaster Economic Assistance Program.