V--SWAN - VESSEL CHARTER - COOK INLET WINTER MARINE SURVEY

The National Park Service, Alaska Region, is seeking a firm fixed price charter for a U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel to conduct winter marine bird surveys in the Cook Inlet and coastal region of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, with a base performance period from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, and two optional one-year extensions through August 31, 2029. The requirement calls for a vessel at least 65 feet in length, capable of cruising at a minimum of 6 knots, towing acoustic transducers, deploying a 3-meter beam trawl, and carrying sufficient fuel, water, and provisions to support extended operations at sea for up to 10 days without port calls. The vessel must accommodate up to 10 scientists with 10 berths, provide daily cleaning services, access to hot water showers every two days, reliable 110V power, and a full suite of safety equipment including radar, GPS, depth sounder, EPIRB, and immersion suits. The contractor is required to provide a qualified captain with at least three years of documented experience operating similar vessels in Alaskan waters, along with a current U.S. Coast Guard license and a vessel survey dated within the previous two years. All crew members must assist scientists with loading, unloading, and maintaining scientific gear, and must provide three meals per day for up to 10 scientists, accommodating special dietary needs upon 10-day advance notice, with meals available during irregular operating hours. The solicitation is a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 483114 with a size standard of 550 employees, and offers must be submitted via email to darcy_skinner@nps.gov by August 17, 2026, with all offerors required to be actively registered in SAM and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier. Pricing is evaluated based on completeness, reasonableness, and competitiveness under a best value trade-off approach, not LPTA, permitting award to the offeror demonstrating the greatest overall value. Performance will occur across specific dates in November, January, and March each year, totaling 15 to 18 days of vessel use annually. The contractor must maintain operational readiness throughout the contract period and face daily rate deductions for any mechanical breakdown exceeding 24 hours that disrupts the survey schedule. Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the vessel, all