Lobster Ventless Trap Survey for Offshore Wind Cable

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is seeking to charter up to two commercial lobster vessels for a comprehensive lobster ventless trap survey along a proposed offshore wind cable route in Rhode Island waters. The survey requires selected vessels to conduct a minimum of 3 days of work each month during the period from December 1st to November 30th, with an initial contract term of two years and potential renewal options for two additional 12-month periods. The primary objective is to conduct a detailed marine research study involving ventless trap surveys to gather critical data related to lobster populations in the proposed offshore wind cable route area. Proposals were due by November 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM EST, with a prior vendor Q&A period running from November 2-16, 2022. The evaluation criteria will comprehensively assess vendors based on technical merit, cost proposals, and proposed Interests Small Business Enterprise (ISBE) participation rates. Specific technical requirements include maintaining required marine licenses, providing comprehensive insurance coverage, and demonstrating technical expertise in marine survey methodologies.

The procurement strongly encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disability Business Enterprises (DisBEs), collectively referred to as ISBEs. Vendors are required to submit a separate ISBE participation plan, which will be scored and factored into the overall proposal evaluation. The contract requires vendors to carry specific insurance coverages, including $1,000,000 in liability insurance per occurrence, workers compensation insurance, and vessel operation liability and indemnity insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence. All work will be delivered to the DEM-Fort Wetherill Marine Fisheries Laboratory in Jamestown, Rhode Island. While no specific total contract value was disclosed in the solicitation documents, the multi-year nature of the contract and the monthly survey requirements suggest a potentially significant financial commitment. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Ocean State Procures system, with the state reserving the right to cancel the procurement at any time and award the contract based on the most qualified vendor(s).