KA'ULA islet survey research vessel

The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife is soliciting bids on research vessel services for a minimum of two separate trips to Ka'ula Islet between late 2026 and Summer 2027, with electronic bids due September 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. HST through HIePRO.

The scope covers round-trip transportation from Kauai to Ka'ula Islet for 6–7 research personnel and cargo, with on-site vessel operations for 3–4 working days plus transit time. Work includes UAV-based visual and mapping surveys, scientific equipment deployment and retrieval, invertebrate collection, and biosecurity compliance. Prospective dates are December 2026, March–May 2027, and June–September 2027, subject to vendor consultation. All bids must be inclusive of staging, standby, personnel and equipment loading, operations, return transit, fuel, crew, and food costs across both research periods.

The vessel must meet extensive technical specifications: capacity to operate minimum 12-hour working days for four consecutive days; deck space of at least 10 by 15 feet for simultaneous UAV operations; bunk and dining facilities for crew; 120/240-volt power generation; loading crane; high-visibility observation areas; and current U.S. Coast Guard safety certifications. Crew must be qualified to OSHA 30-hour General Industry standards. A stable tender vessel of 15–20 feet and internet access via Starlink or equivalent are preferred. The vessel must acquire all necessary marine operation permits, including those for lithium battery transportation, and comply with state rules and regulations through Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE).

The contractor acts as an independent contractor responsible for all personnel, licensing, permits, insurance, tax obligations, and compliance with federal, state, and county law. Award is contingent upon vendor compliance with HCE requirements and fund availability. The funding source is a federal grant received by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Previous experience with scientific research operations is preferred. Prior experience with this or similar research operations is valued in evaluation.