RFP 26-009 – West Coast Groundfish Observer Program

Deadline for Written Questions: May 1, 2026

Deadline for Submission of Full-Proposals: June 1, 2026

This Request for Proposal seeks qualified contractors to provide at-sea fisheries observer services for the West Coast Groundfish Observer Program (WCGOP), supporting non-catch share groundfish fisheries and select catch share and electronic monitoring components. The selected provider will supply approximately 27 trained observers to collect year-round, coastwide data on discarded catch, total fishing mortality, biological samples, and protected species interactions aboard vessels operating off Washington, Oregon, and California. These data are essential for meeting federal bycatch reporting requirements, informing stock assessments and management decisions, and supporting NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission in sustainable groundfish and protected species management.

Issued: April 20, 2026

Q&A Posted: May 8, 2026