Oregon Vessel for Surveying Oregon's Nearshore Semi-Pelagic Rockfish

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is issuing an Intermediate Procurement Request for Proposals (RFP #S-63500-00016049) for the procurement of a single ocean-going vessel with crew to support nearshore and offshore groundfish research operations throughout Oregon waters from California to Washington. The Agency seeks proposals for a vessel larger than 40 feet (commercial fishing, research, or CPFV configuration) equipped with a qualified vessel master, two deckhands, and accommodations for up to eight scientific personnel, complete with all required USCG safety equipment, bathroom facilities, a hydraulic crab block capable of deploying equipment up to 250 pounds, and adequate space for scientific computers and equipment. The primary deliverable involves approximately 400 hours of vessel and crew services during 2026 to support nearshore studies research aimed at developing improved methods for counting semi-pelagic rockfish, enhancing understanding of fish biology and ecology, and optimizing fishery operations. Research activities include fish movement studies, hook-and-line fishing operations to minimize bycatch, underwater video transects using scientific fish finders, drop camera deployments, and mooring installations. Evaluation criteria include vessel master and crew qualifications (40 points), project approach and vessel information (40 points), references (25 points), and cost (45 points), for a total of 150 points possible. The questions and requests for clarification deadline is March 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, with proposals due by March 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The Agency anticipates issuing the Notice of Award on or about March 26, 2026, with the initial contract term beginning April 1, 2026, and extending through March 31, 2027, with options to renew for up to four additional one-year periods.

The ODFW encourages participation from certified small businesses, disadvantaged business enterprises, minority-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and emerging small businesses through the Oregon Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID). The contract may include Federal funding with terms and conditions specified in the sample contract documents, and successful offerors must demonstrate responsibility under ORS 279B.110, provide proof of required insurance coverage prior to contract execution, and submit completed W-9 and Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry documentation. Offerors must submit detailed pricing on a per-day basis plus a total proposed price for approximately 400 hours of work, with all costs included in a single price submission. The contract structure is not-to-exceed with compensation based only on completed and accepted deliverables, and the contract may include annual price increase adjustments processed by written amendment. While no specific budget range is listed in the procurement documents, the contract's scope and duration—approximately 400 hours annually with options to renew for up to five total years—indicate a substantial multi-year commitment. The contractor will be classified as an independent contractor responsible for all federal and state taxes and must maintain detailed financial and project records for a minimum of six years following final payment and contract termination.