Maritime Investigator Services, BOPC 25M900008

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Maritime Investigator Services on behalf of the Board of Pilot Commissioners (BOPC) for the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun. The procurement seeks up to four contractors to provide maritime incident investigation services, focusing on misconduct, navigational incidents, and safety standard violations involving licensed pilots. Successful contractors must be able to respond within 15 minutes of an inquiry and confirm on-site presence within a four-hour window. The contract term spans from December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2028, with contractors required to investigate maritime incidents across ten California counties and be available on a 24/7 basis. Key deliverables include comprehensive incident investigations, expert witness services, and detailed reporting. The bid submission deadline is November 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a bid opening at 2:30 p.m. Contractors must maintain appropriate licenses, certifications, and professional liability insurance to be considered eligible.

While the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement has been waived for this solicitation, bidders can still claim DVBE incentives that may impact bid evaluations. The contract includes reimbursement provisions for professional liability insurance up to $1,500 per contract year and maritime transportation and extraordinary incidental expenses up to $700 per contract term. Travel time will be compensated at 50% of the hourly investigator rate, though the BOPC makes no commitment to specific hours or total funds to be expended. The solicitation covers maritime investigation services across multiple counties, requiring contractors to have extensive maritime expertise and the ability to conduct thorough investigations. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the reimbursement structure and multiple contract awards suggest a flexible funding approach that will depend on the specific investigative needs of the Board of Pilot Commissioners during the contract period.