J--Research Vessel Southern Journey Repairs

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is procuring repairs for the research vessel Southern Journey under a small business set-aside contract with solicitation number 1305M326Q0178. The acquisition is strictly reserved for small businesses under NAICS code 336611, with a size standard of 1,300 employees, and is structured as a firm-fixed-price contract governed by FAR Part 12 procedures for commercial items. The work involves comprehensive restoration of the vessel to seaworthy condition, encompassing hull repairs, anode and sea strainer replacement, electrolysis damage mitigation, pressure washing, and coating applications compliant with SSPC-PA 1 and SSPC-PA 2 standards. All repairs must adhere to NOAA AMC-000-3C, ABS Rules for Steel Vessels, U.S. Coast Guard NVIC 7-68, and Department of Labor safety regulations, with materials delivered in original, unopened containers and used within shelf life limits, requiring manufacturer certification if over one year old. Performance is to occur at a shipyard near Pascagoula, Mississippi, with final acceptance at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, and the contractor must submit deliverables including a Certificate of Insurance, list of qualified welders, subcontractor disclosures, and key personnel contacts within five days of award. Payment will be processed electronically via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), with no use of WAWF permitted unless exceptional circumstances are approved in writing. All invoices must reference the contract number and be directed to the remittance address in Pascagoula, MS. The award will be made based on a best-value trade-off approach, prioritizing technical approach and capability over price, with past performance as a supplemental factor. Offers must include a completed past performance questionnaire, pricing schedule, and statement of work compliance, submitted electronically to Jenna Taulman by the deadline of May 11, 2026. Special conditions prohibit smoking aboard the vessel and mandate prior government approval before welding due to sensitive electronics. Contractors must be registered in SAM, provide a validated Unique Entity Identifier, and comply with FAR clauses concerning small business set-asides, electronic funds transfer, government property, whistleblower rights, and subcontractor reporting. Contract modifications are subject to deviation approvals, and all work must be performed without creating a personal services relationship with NOAA. The government retains authority to inspect, accept, or require corrections at the contractor