West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey   3

Background
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), is seeking to contract up to two commercial fishing vessels for the annual West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey from 2026 to 2030. This survey aims to assess the groundfish resources along the U.S. West Coast, which is critical for the management and conservation of marine resources. The NWFSC provides scientific support for these efforts, ensuring sustainable use of marine resources in the region.

Work Details
The contract will involve chartering two commercial fishing vessels to conduct a bottom trawl survey over approximately 72 days, starting mid-August and concluding by late October each year. Each vessel will be required to provide labor, equipment, and materials necessary for various tasks including:
- 47 days of fishing operations (Item 0001)
- 12 break days (Item 0002)
- 8 mobilization/de-mobilization days (Item 0003)
- Transit from Southern California to Newport, Oregon (Item 0004)
- Mooring and communication expenses with a not-to-exceed amount of $9,000 (Item 0005)
- Travel expenses with a not-to-exceed amount of $2,080 (Item 0006)
- Provision for one weather day (Item 0007)
- An option for an additional fishing day (Item 0008)
- Vessel haul-out costs with a not-to-exceed amount of $10,400 (Item 0009). The vessels must meet specific requirements including being between 65 and 109 feet in length, having a minimum engine horsepower of 425 to 1200, and being capable of towing gear at specified depths.

Period of Performance
The base period of performance is from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027, with options for four additional one-year periods.

Place of Performance
The survey operations will commence and conclude in Newport, Oregon. The areas covered will range from the Canadian border around Cape Flattery, Washington to the Mexican border near San Diego, California.