The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking a new research vessel to support operations at Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. The boat will be based on Oahu, Hawaii, and must be delivered within 12 months of a purchase order award.
The proposed NOAA Class II vessel will carry science and dive parties of up to nine people. According to the solicitation, its missions will include “Dive Training and Proficiency, Emergency Response, Acoustic Studies, Whale Entanglement Response, Vessel Inspections, Partner Missions, Baseline Data Collections, and Specimen Collections.”
NOAA specifies a monohull no more than 35'x10', including fendering, with a draft of no more than 2'6", excluding the engines. The layout must include a forepeak, an enclosed cabin with a control station and an aft working deck.
At full load, the vessel must cruise at a minimum of 20 knots at 85% power and reach at least 30 knots at full power. It must have a range of at least 150 nautical miles with a 10% fuel reserve remaining at its destination. The stated load allowances are 1,890 lbs. for nine people and 2,800 lbs. of mission equipment stowed at deck level.
The statement of work calls for a vessel operable in combined winds of up to 25 knots and ocean swells of up to 6'. NOAA also lists a trailer, flybridge operating station, autopilot and shipping as optional line items.
The contractor must provide a vessel designed for a service life of at least 20 years, with welding performed by certified personnel. The solicitation also calls for compliance with applicable Coast Guard small passenger vessel regulations and American Boat and Yacht Council standards.
NOAA anticipates awarding a firm-fixed-price purchase order. The competition is unrestricted, and amended quotations are due Friday, Sept. 25, at noon Eastern time.
