Vessel services Ventless Lobster Trap Survey Gulf of Maine Zone E

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries seeks to procure vessel services to support a ventless lobster trap survey in Gulf of Maine Zone E through Request for Response (RFR) DMF-26014. The Commonwealth requires one commercial lobster fisher and their vessel to bait, set, haul, and maintain state-owned lobster traps for population monitoring purposes in NMFS Area 514 (LCMA 1) over a four-month period from June through September 2026. Contractors must complete a minimum of 12 and maximum of 14 sea-days distributed across the contract period, with approximately three sea-days per month plus two additional days for initial gear setup and final gear retrieval. Vessel requirements include a minimum length of 28-48 feet, a cruising speed of at least 10 knots, valid Coast Guard inspection certification, and a Voluntary Safety Dockside Exam Certificate. Bidders must possess a valid Massachusetts commercial lobster license and submit qualifications documentation, vessel specifications, captain experience information, and a vessel photograph with their response. The Commonwealth will provide traps, groundlines, and weak-rope for vertical lines, while contractors must provide buoys with reimbursement available for lost buoys up to $400 annually and quote a cost-per-sea-day rate that includes all vessel, fuel, docking, bait, and consumable expenses. Evaluation criteria include bid price, boat size and specifications, cruising speed, captain's experience, estimated steam time, and past performance, with each criterion weighted equally at five points for a maximum total score of 100 points. Quote submissions are due by April 21, 2026 via COMMBUYS, with the apparent successful bidder to be notified by April 12, 2026 and contract commencement on May 1, 2026.

A Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) preference applies, whereby SBPP-registered participants meeting best value criteria will receive contract award priority. All bidders must comply with the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), committing a minimum of one percent of contract sales to SDO-certified diverse business enterprises or nonprofits. The estimated procurement value is $150,000, structured as a fee-for-service contract with an initial duration through June 30, 2027 and three one-year renewal options available, establishing a maximum total contract duration of four years. No incumbent vendor or existing technology integration requirements are specified in the procurement documents. Contractors must submit required certifications and compliance documentation including a Massachusetts Substitute Form W-9 for tax identification, an Authorized Signatory Listing identifying individuals authorized to execute contracts on behalf of the contractor, and signed acceptance of the Commonwealth's Standard Contract Form with all associated terms and conditions. Contractors must also complete the Prompt Pay Discount form specifying early payment discount percentages for payment within 10, 15, 20, and 30 days, or provide documented evidence of hardship preventing participation, and comply with all executive orders and regulatory requirements established in the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications.