Vessel Charter with DP-1 Capable Platform

The contract seeks to charter a DP-1 certified vessel capable of conducting offshore surveys in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts area for up to 20 days, with requirements to support remotely operated vehicle operations, scientific laboratory work, and secure sample storage. The vessel must be fully equipped to handle the technical and logistical demands of marine scientific research in deepwater environments, ensuring safe and efficient data and specimen collection throughout the mission. This engagement is structured as a subcontract under a Total Small Business Set-Aside designation, meaning only small businesses as defined by the SBA are eligible to respond, aligning with federal goals to promote small business participation in government contracting. The North American Industry Classification System code 483114 identifies the scope as support activities for water transportation, indicating the focus is on vessel services rather than shipbuilding or manufacturing. The solicitation was posted on June 29, 2026, with a response deadline of July 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, providing potential offerors approximately two weeks to prepare and submit proposals. The contracting agency is the Department of Commerce, specifically NOAA, which will utilize the vessel to advance oceanographic research in a biologically rich and ecologically significant marine region. The place of performance is located in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts area, requiring the vessel to operate in open ocean conditions with precise dynamic positioning capabilities. While no specific point of contact or detailed office address is provided, the contractual terms and eligibility criteria are clearly tied to small business status and compliance with federal acquisition regulations. All interested parties must ensure their proposal meets the vessel certification, operational, and duration requirements outlined in the solicitation prior to the deadline.