Request for Proposals for Autonomous Survey Vessel (ASV) Survey

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is seeking proposals for an Autonomous Survey Vessel (ASV) Survey to conduct archaeological investigations at Pass Cavallo, targeting the location of Louis Michel Aury's encampment and shipwrecks from May and June 1817. The project involves a comprehensive 7-day underwater survey covering 4,113 acres under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 32185, which requires advanced remote-sensing data collection and analysis. Respondents must provide an ASV survey specialist and a qualified underwater archaeologist capable of deploying an SR Surveyor M1.8 Autonomous Surface Vehicle with specific technological capabilities. The project's evaluation will be based on three key criteria: the respondent's approach to services (40%), experience and qualifications (40%), and price schedule (20%). Key proposal submissions and project milestones include a proposal due date of November 21, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Central Time, with an expected contract award on November 26, 2025, and a contract performance period from December 10, 2025, through August 31, 2027. The selected contractor will be responsible for field data acquisition, processing, magnetic data collection and analysis, and preparing a comprehensive technical report under THC's Archeology Division coordination.

The solicitation is partially funded through a National Park Service grant and does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. However, the General Terms and Conditions document indicates compliance requirements with the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program goals. Contractors must adhere to various state and federal legal compliance requirements, including E-Verify program participation and immigration regulations. The total contract amount will not exceed the proposed lump sum price, which must comprehensively cover autonomous survey vessel services, survey time, mileage, meals, lodging, data processing, and technical report preparation. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the pricing is expected to be competitive and cover all project-related expenses. The contractor must maintain specific insurance coverages, including Workers' Compensation and Commercial General Liability, and demonstrate professional qualifications such as previous experience completing ASV surveys in Texas. THC reserves the right to terminate the contract with or without cause, subject to funding availability, which suggests potential flexibility in the contract's implementation.