Redfish Rocks Hook and Line Fishing Surveys

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking a vessel charter for a Hook-and-Line Vessel Survey at the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve, located near Port Orford, Oregon. The procurement requires a contractor to provide a fully equipped vessel, captain, and crew to conduct marine research surveys involving longline and hook-and-line fishing at depths ranging from 30-120 feet. The project involves 12 total vessel days split between spring (6 days in April-June) and fall (6 days in August-October) sampling windows, with an additional 2 half-days for larval fish mooring deployment and retrieval. The vessel must accommodate three anglers, one or two deckhands, and two ODFW data collectors, and be equipped with comprehensive navigation, communication, and safety equipment. Evaluation criteria will include vessel and project team qualifications (40 points), references (20 points), and price (40 points), with specific requirements that the vessel captain must have at least three years of professional experience in the area. The proposal submission deadline is April 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with an anticipated contract award date of April 10, 2025, and the contract period extending from April 12, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed in the documents, the procurement includes various compliance forms related to disadvantaged business participation, suggesting potential opportunities for diverse business enterprises. The RFP includes attachments requiring vendors to complete a vessel and project team minimum qualifications form, reference check form, and various certifications, indicating a comprehensive vetting process. The contract requires the successful bidder to provide all necessary fishing equipment and conduct six longline sets and three rod and reel drifts per fishing day. Although a specific total contract value is not stated, the procurement includes a detailed price proposal form that allows bidders to specify unit prices for vessel charter services, equipment, and labor. The documents emphasize the need for a vessel with appropriate safety certifications and an experienced crew familiar with nearshore fishing and marine research surveys, suggesting a preference for vendors with specialized maritime research capabilities.