V--VESSEL CHARTER SERVICE

Solicitation 140G0326Q0094 is a total small business set-aside for the Department of the Interior, managed by the USGS Office of Acquisition Grants in Sacramento, California. The contract seeks a vessel charter to support sediment core collection and sub-bottom seismic data acquisition off the coast of southern and central California, specifically targeting areas such as the Palos Verdes Fault, Pt. Sal, and San Luis Obispo Bay. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027, with core operations expected to last between 7 and 13 days. The required vessel must be at least 150 feet in length, maintain an 8-knot cruising speed, possess a 14-day endurance, and be capable of dynamic positioning in Sea State 4. Key technical requirements include the ability to deploy a Jumbo Piston Corer and chirp seismic systems, provide 480V 3-phase power, and accommodate up to 12 personnel with 24/7 crew availability. The award will be based on a best-value trade-off, where technical capability, experience, and past performance are deemed significantly more important than price. Offerors must submit a firm fixed-price quote, a technical submission, and a signed SF 1449 form via email to the contracting officer by the extended deadline of May 18, 2026, at 1500 PST. Invoicing must be processed electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). The contract is governed by FAR clauses for commercial items and includes specific requirements for small business subcontracting, environmental sustainability, and US Coast Guard licensing.