Marine Vessel Support Services for Search and Rescue (SAR) Field Exercises

Background
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Research and Development Center (RDC) is conducting project 1048, Improved Sensor Performance Models for Search & Rescue, to evaluate the performance of Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) sensor systems on USCG air and surface assets.

This project involves three major field experiments aimed at determining sensor effectiveness against small, medium, and large search targets under various environmental conditions. The goal of this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify potential contractors who can provide marine vessel support services for a series of Search and Rescue (SAR) field experiments planned between September 2026 and October 2027 in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions of the United States.

Work Details
The USCG requires qualified support vessels to serve as search targets and provide logistical support during SAR field experiments. This includes the deployment and recovery of search objects such as person-in-water manikins and life rafts moored at specific coordinates within a defined experiment area in coastal waters.

The specific requirements include:
1. Sport Fishing Boats:
- Minimum of 2 vessels (up to 4), size 25’ to 35’, center console fishing boat or similar.
- Minimum crew of 1 licensed captain.
- Capable of operating safely up to 25 nm offshore for 8-12 hour days with a cruising speed of 15-20 knots.
- Equipped with standard USCG-required safety equipment, working marine VHF radio, charting system, radar; optional Class B AIS Transponder.
- Ability to operate in coastal waters under small craft advisory conditions.
2. Work Boat:
- Minimum of 1 vessel (up to 2), size 30’ to 60’.
- Minimum crew of 2 (licensed captain and deckhand).
- Minimum deck space of 100 sq. ft., capable of storing and deploying six-person liferafts and rescue training manikins.
- Same operational range, speed, equipment requirements as sport fishing boats.

Period of Performance
The geographic location(s) the contract will be performed (if provided)

Place of Performance
The Northeast region near Block Island Sound, RI/CT; Southeast region from Clearwater to Florida Keys, FL; Mid-Atlantic region near Oregon Inlet, NC.

Bidder Requirements
Contractors must have vessels that meet the specified characteristics including size, crew qualifications (licensed captain), operational capabilities (range and speed), onboard equipment compliance with USCG standards, and ability to operate in specified weather conditions.