NOAA seeks a vessel for its Gulf of Alaska trawl survey, but its own documents disagree on who can bid

Alaska vessel owners have until 2 p.m. EDT (10 a.m. Alaska) on Aug. 28 to bid on a 55-day charter carrying NOAA scientists through the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands, but the Alaska Fisheries Science Center's **own solicitation documents disagree on who can compete**. The detailed synopsis says "this acquisition is 100% set aside for small business concerns," while the request for quotation's cover form checks the box marked "THIS RFQ IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE." The solicitation does not explain the discrepancy. If the set-aside applies, the relevant size standard allows firms with up to 550 employees to qualify. **Questions are due Aug. 21** to contracting officer Amanda Rossiter and contract specialist Novelle Key.

The work supports the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaska groundfish, with an option for up to 35 more days. The base period runs April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028, with four one-year options potentially running through March 31, 2032. Fuel reimbursement is capped at $100,000 a year, with other costs capped separately. Quoters must submit a stability letter, crew histories, and past-performance references.