Opportunity
My Florida Marketplace #FWC SS 26/27-07
Liveaboard Vessel Services for Marine Research in Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas
Posted
September 01, 2026
Respond By
September 23, 2026
Identifier
FWC SS 26/27-07
NAICS
483112
This opportunity involves a single-source procurement for liveaboard vessel services to support marine research in the Florida Keys, Marquesas, and Dry Tortugas. - Government Buyer: - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fish and Wildlife Research Institute - OEMs and Vendors: - Makai, Inc. (sole-source vendor) - Products/Services Requested: - Liveaboard research vessel services for up to 50 days - Vessel must be at least 80 feet in length, USCG-inspected, and operated by a USCG Master Captain - Support for Nitrox diving and multi-day SCUBA-based research - Equipped with a winch for scientific equipment - Accommodations for at least 10 scientific personnel for missions up to 11 days - Capability to tow a 25-foot FWC research vessel - Onboard satellite internet, climate-controlled accommodations, and meal services - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Vendor must hold National Park Service Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) for Dry Tortugas National Park - Only Makai, Inc. is believed to meet both permitting and operational requirements - Estimated contract value is approximately $350,000 - Missions are weather dependent and scheduled based on research needs and vessel availability
Description
This is a non-competitive, single-source notice for a liveaboard vessel to support multi-day SCUBA-based marine research and monitoring activities throughout the Florida Keys, Marquesas, and Dry Tortugas regions. The vessel will provide up to 50 days of liveaboard support for extended research missions, including underwater surveys, equipment deployment, and biological sample collection. The vessel must meet specific operational, safety, and accommodation requirements to support scientific personnel and dive operations. Vendors are requested to provide information about their ability to supply these services by the specified deadline, but this is not a solicitation for bids or proposals.