Bid guide
How to bid on Winter Marine Bird Survey vessel charter for NPS
What the agency is buying
The National Park Service (NPS) is looking to charter a vessel for winter marine bird surveys. These surveys will take place in Cook Inlet and the coastal region of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska. This contract is important for small businesses because it is a 100% small business set-aside. The contract includes a base year and up to two option years, covering a period from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029.
Key dates and deadlines
The solicitation was published on July 28, 2026. All quotes must be submitted by August 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. The NPS expects to award the contract around August 25, 2026. It is crucial to submit your quote before the deadline, as late submissions may not be considered.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is ideal for small businesses that own or operate vessels suitable for marine bird surveys in Alaskan waters. The relevant NAICS code is 483114, which has a size standard of 550 employees. Firms specializing in transportation, particularly marine charter services, will find this a good fit. Bidders must be registered in SAM (System for Award Management) at the time of quote submission.
How to respond
To access the full solicitation package, you must view the original source on the portal. Sometimes the first click may lead to the portal's homepage; if so, click again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids, this is not required. All quotes and any questions must be submitted in writing to [email protected].
Tips for a competitive response
Ensure your SAM registration is active and up-to-date before submitting your quote. Carefully review the entire solicitation package for all requirements and instructions. Pay close attention to the period of performance and any specific vessel capabilities or crew qualifications mentioned. Since this is a firm fixed price purchase order, clearly outline your pricing for the base year and both option years. Monitor the solicitation site for any updates or amendments, as no separate notifications will be issued.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Interior, Department of the; the original posting controls.