Vessel Charter

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center, is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing vessel services to support the deployment and retrieval of scientific equipment offshore of Humboldt Bay. This Sources Sought Notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Work Details The USGS requires a vessel to support two offshore scientific missions near Humboldt Bay: 1. Deployment of one (1) wave glider, tentatively scheduled for August 13–18, 2026. 2. Retrieval of one (1) transponder (approximately 41.6497°N, 125.5047°W, ~3,095 meters depth) and one (1) wave glider, tentatively scheduled for September 21–25, 2026. The vessel will transit approximately 78 nautical miles offshore to the work site, support deployment and retrieval operations, and return to port. Minimum Vessel Requirements include: - Minimum 90 feet overall length - Cruising speed of at least 20 knots - Equipped with radar, depth sounder, EPIRB, GPS, safety equipment, medical kit, and nautical charts - Capable of accommodating up to eight (8) USGS and contractor personnel during 24-hour operations - Contractor shall provide sufficient crew to support continuous 24-hour operations. Minimum Equipment Requirements include: - A-Frame: 15 ft vertical clearance, 10 ft horizontal clearance, 3,500 lbs SWL - Winch and Wire: 3,500 lbs SWL - Deck space: Minimum 400 sq ft working deck or equivalent - Crane: 1,000 lbs SWL. Logistics and Support details include mobilization and demobilization in Eureka, CA; the vessel must support loading and off-loading via shipboard crane or arranged shoreside crane services; three meals per day per person are required during operations with flexibility for 24-hour operations; notice of any special dietary restrictions will be provided at least ten days prior to mobilization. Period of Performance Tentatively scheduled for deployment from August 13–18, 2026 and retrieval from September 21–25, 2026. Place of Performance Offshore of Humboldt Bay; mobilization in Eureka, CA.