Vessel services Ventless Lobster Trap Survey Southern New England (SNE) 2025

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking a commercial lobster fisher and vessel to conduct a ventless lobster trap survey in the Southern New England (SNE) region, specifically in Lobster Conservation Management Area 2 (NMFS Area 538). The selected contractor will be responsible for baiting, setting, hauling, and maintaining MADMF-owned lobster traps for population monitoring purposes. The vessel must be between 28-48 feet in length, capable of reaching a minimum speed of 10 knots, and equipped with required navigation equipment to handle 6-pot trawls. The survey will be conducted over a 3-month period from June to August 2024, requiring 2 sea-days per month. Required qualifications include a valid Massachusetts commercial lobster license and the ability to support scientific research activities. The bid evaluation will use a scorecard system with points allocated across several criteria, including bid price, boat specifications, captain's experience, estimated steam time, and past performance. The proposal submission deadline is March 14, 2025, with an anticipated contract award notification on April 12, 2024, and an initial contract term running through June 30, 2025.

The procurement includes a Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) preference with a minimum 1% supplier diversity spending commitment. The contractor must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including protection for non-crew scientists, and is explicitly prohibited from landing any catch obtained during the survey. The contract structure allows for three one-year renewal options, potentially extending the total contract duration to 4 years. While no maximum obligation amount is specified, the estimated procurement value is approximately $150,000, with compensation structured as a per sea-day rate that must cover all associated expenses including vessel costs, fuel, gear usage, docking fees, and bait. The procurement appears to be open to commercial lobster fishers who can meet the detailed technical and operational requirements outlined in the Request for Response (RFR). Interested vendors must complete the necessary documentation, including a Substitute Form W-9 and follow the submission guidelines detailed in the COMMBUYS procurement system instructions.