V--SWAN - WINTER MARINE BIRD SURVEY CHARTER

The National Park Service Alaska Regional Office has issued a best value, firm-fixed price contract, solicitation 140P9726Q0001, for vessel charter services to support the Southwest Alaska Network Nearshore Monitoring Program. The contract provides for winter marine bird and mammal surveys within Katmai National Park and Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park. The period of performance consists of a base year from March 1, 2026, to April 15, 2026, with four subsequent option periods extending the total performance window through April 30, 2030. The scope of work requires a vessel at least 65 feet long, capable of operating in high-wind conditions for up to 10 consecutive days without port calls, and equipped to transport two 17-foot skiffs along with scientific personnel and equipment. Award decisions are based on a trade-off method evaluating vessel suitability, the captain's U.S. Coast Guard license and minimum three years of regional experience, total price, and past performance. The contractor must adhere to U.S. Coast Guard safety standards and Service Contract Labor Standards for wages and fringe benefits as outlined in Wage Determination No. 2015-5681. Administrative requirements include electronic invoicing via the Invoice Processing Platform and compliance with various federal regulations, including prohibitions on certain foreign-manufactured drones and telecommunications equipment, and a preference for privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels.