Boat Charters - Coastal/Offshore - Term Contract

The Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is seeking bids for a term contract to provide boat charters for coastal and offshore field research. The contract will be for a term of approximately one year, with the option to renew for up to two additional 12-month periods. The successful bidder will be required to provide a vessel that meets certain specifications, including a minimum fleet size of one vessel, a primary vessel powered by twin outboard engines, and a vessel that can seat up to four passengers. The bidder will also be required to provide a captain with at least 15 years of experience working on scientific research projects, including fish tagging and the use of vertical and benthic longlines. Some key requirements of the contract include: * The vessel must be equipped with fishing equipment capable of catching a range of species * The vessel must be capable of deploying and pulling up scientific equipment off the seafloor * The vessel must have sufficient deck space to tag large animals * The vessel must have a tagging trough and a tank with recirculating water to hold fish * The bidder must provide insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, maritime coverage, and commercial general liability insurance * The bidder must provide references that demonstrate experience performing a similar scope of work.