J--Research Vessel Snavely Hull Replacement

This contract, identified by solicitation number 140G0326Q0170, is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 336611 for the replacement of corroded aluminum hull plating on the U.S. Geological Survey’s R/V Parke Snavely, a 2008 Armstrong 34-foot aluminum catamaran. The work involves removing approximately 17.3 square feet of damaged plating concentrated in the starboard engine bay and adjacent forward compartment and replacing it with new marine-grade 5086 aluminum panels that match the original thickness, using full-penetration welding techniques with appropriate alloy wire and shielding gas to ensure structural integrity and minimize heat distortion. All work must adhere to aluminum vessel repair best practices, and the contractor is required to inspect surrounding hull areas for additional corrosion, document all repairs, and provide detailed photographic evidence, an itemized materials and work summary, a final repair report, warranty documentation, and government acceptance forms. The contract is a firm-fixed-price arrangement requiring a comprehensive bid that includes labor, materials, welding consumables, tools, equipment, transportation, mobilization, insurance, permits, inspections, cleanup, and all incidental costs. The period of performance is set from August 17, 2026, to September 17, 2026, with all work conducted on-site at the USGS Marine Facility yard in Santa Cruz, California. The acquisition follows FAR Part 12 procedures and is evaluated under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, where proposals must pass pass/fail gates in Technical Capability, Relevant Experience, and Schedule to be eligible for award, with no weighting applied to non-price factors. To qualify, offerors must demonstrate at least one example of comparable aluminum vessel hull repair experience and a work plan that includes proper welding procedures, heat-distortion control, and inspection protocols. Quoters must submit a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), certify small business status under the 1,300-employee size standard, and comply with the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5649, Revision No. 26. Insurance requirements include workers’ compensation as mandated by state and federal law, comprehensive general liability of $500,000 per occurrence, and automobile liability coverage at specified limits. Contractors must also comply with OSHA regulations, report accidents within