Tender Vessel and Shallow-Water Deployment Support

The contract requires the operation of a small U.S. Coast Guard-compliant tender vessel to support divers and equipment deployment in shallow or nearshore areas that are inaccessible to the main vessel, ensuring safe and effective underwater operations in confined or shallow water environments. The tender vessel must be capable of reliable, precise maneuvering in challenging coastal conditions and must maintain full compliance with federal safety and operational standards. This subcontract is focused on logistical and operational support for field activities conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with performance expected in Florida’s nearshore waters. The solicitation was posted on July 28, 2026, with responses due by August 18, 2026, and falls under NAICS code 483212 for support activities for water transportation. There is no set-aside designation specified, and the contract does not include details on the specific location beyond the general requirement for nearshore deployment in Florida. All technical, safety, and operational expectations must be met without reliance on the main vessel, requiring the tender operator to demonstrate proven experience with compliant small vessel handling, diver support protocols, and environmental awareness in sensitive coastal zones. Participation requires adherence to Florida state and federal regulations governing marine operations and resource protection.