On demand fishing gear

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is procuring on-demand trap fishing gear for research purposes to be used on multiple commercial lobster vessels. The required equipment includes a portable transducer with console unit and a minimum of 10 underwater, on-demand (acoustic release) gear systems capable of relaying locations to the transducer and vessel. The procured gear will be used to test operation in real-world fishing situations. Bids will be evaluated based on factors such as fit to the defined research need, cost, service history, service plans, timeliness of delivery, and customer service quality. The deadline for submitting quotes is October 30, 2023, and the estimated contract start date is December 1, 2023. The initial contract duration is one year, with the option to renew for up to two additional two-year terms, for a maximum total contract duration of five years.

The funding for any resulting contract is contingent upon the receipt of federal funds. The Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) is referenced, and if an SBPP participant responds and meets the best value criteria, the SBPP participant shall be awarded the contract. The RFP does not specify any set-aside designations, restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, incumbent vendors or current contractors, or provide any information on possible award values or budget ranges.