Fixed price bid --for hire observer

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) is seeking fixed-price bids for an At-Sea Observer Program to collect critical data on recreational discards of reef fish species in the state's for-hire recreational fishery. This three-year monitoring program, running from July 2025 through June 2028, aims to characterize discard rates, types, treatments, and disposition of reef fish caught on charter trips in federal waters off the South Carolina coast. Eligible vendors must possess a valid South Carolina charter vessel license, a SERO federal permit for snapper-grouper species, and a U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License. The solicitation was issued on 7/18/2025, with offers due by 8/13/2025 at 10 AM EST, and the contract award will be posted on 8/14/2025. Key deliverables include participating in data collection trips, with each completed trip compensated at $300, up to a maximum of 15 trips per vessel annually (not exceeding $4,500 per vessel). The program's primary objectives are to generate robust discard data to support sustainable fishing management and provide outreach to the recreational fishing community.

The procurement is structured as a voluntary program with vessels randomly selected from a Qualified Provider List (QPL) to minimize data collection bias. There are no specific set-aside designations mentioned for disadvantaged enterprises, and vendors must complete standard state vendor registration. While the selection process will include vessels on the QPL, participation does not guarantee a specific number of trips. The program appears to be open to all qualifying charter vessel operators meeting the specified licensing and permitting requirements. The total contract value is not explicitly stated, but individual vessel compensation is capped at $4,500 per year, suggesting a flexible budget approach based on actual observer trips completed. The contract includes provisions for potential automatic renewals, indicating a potential long-term engagement beyond the initial three-year term. Interested vendors should carefully review the solicitation document and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before submitting their proposal.