26-498 vessel services, repair, and updates

This federal solicitation (RFQ 1333MF26Q0116), issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office, seeks a contractor for the service and repair of the 30-foot research vessel R/V Potawaugh. The project is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 336612 (Boat Building) with a size standard of 500 employees. The scope of work requires replacing the vessel's twin 300-hp 4-stroke outboard engines, installing a new integrated Garmin (or equivalent) marine electronics suite (including radar, GPS, transducer, and AIS VHF), performing hull cleaning, applying anti-fouling paint, and replacing brackish-water anodes. The contractor must also conduct sea trials and vendor demonstrations. To ensure operational feasibility, all physical vessel maintenance, installation, and testing must be performed at a secure marine repair facility located within a 60-mile maximum transit radius (approximately 2.5 hours by water) of the home port in Edgewater, Maryland. The anticipated period of performance is from September 30, 2026, to December 30, 2026. Quotes will be evaluated using Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procedures based on Technical Approach, Experience, and Price. In accordance with the Buy American Act, a 20% price evaluation factor will be applied to any offer certifying foreign end products. Quotes must be submitted electronically to Heather Mahle at NOAA by September 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST, and offerors must have an active SAM registration and use the FedConnect portal.