Sean - Outer Coast Vessel Charter GLBA WRST

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The National Park Service Southeast Alaska Network (SEAN) is issuing a solicitation for a vessel charter to support long-term marine monitoring and coastal assessment along the outer coast of Glacier Bay (GLBA) and Wrangell-St. Elias (WRST) National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. This initiative aims to expand the monitoring scope to cover marine and coastal areas, assessing physical and biological resources through oceanographic surveys and continuous ocean condition monitoring. The research charter is scheduled for June 2026, encompassing various locations including Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Cross Sound, and others. The contract includes one base year with an option period. Work Details The contractor will provide a research vessel to support SEAN's long-term monitoring program, which includes: 1. Vessel Provision: Chartering a vessel that accommodates 7-12 scientists and personnel from NPS and other institutions, providing meals and lodging. 2. Research Activities: Conducting oceanographic surveys, deploying/retrieving an oceanographic mooring, and performing biological monitoring through at-sea surveys for zooplankton and marine bird/mammal monitoring across designated research areas. 3. Navigational Requirements: The vessel must operate safely in tidewater glacier fjords and open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska, capable of handling dense floating ice conditions. 4. Charter Duration: Payment is only for days the vessel is actively utilized; flexibility in duration is allowed with options for additional days if needed. 5. Equipment & Accommodation: The vessel must have sleeping quarters for up to 12 passengers, provide three meals daily, adequate fuel/water supplies for a 16-day period, sufficient deck/laboratory space, a hydraulic crane for loading/off-loading inflatable boats/skiffs, and the capability to deploy/retrieve the oceanographic mooring. Period of Performance Base year from June 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026; Option Period One from June 1, 2027 to June 30, 2027. Place of Performance The contract will be performed in various locations including Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Cross Sound, Lituya Bay, Yakutat Bay, Disenchantment Bay, Icy Bay, and coastal areas of Wrangell St. Elias National Park.