Expensive Research Vessels Kill Alaska Marine Research Projects - Part One 3.14.15

For those who know me, you know I can’t resist ranting about my tax dollars going to waste nor can I restrain myself from pointing out some of lamest business practices in Alaska – for this is the land of poor customer service.

The start of the 2015 research season is gearing up so is the battle of the research boats!

Historically research vessel owners have viewed research projects as great government cash cows.

Many vessel contractors couldn’t care less about the research, they just want to line their pockets with what they perceive as a government hand out. Researchers, however, look at it differently. They have specific goals that must be met for the project to be successful, within tight budget restraints. Some of these projects go on over several seasons requiring careful budgeting and the ability to adapt to changes in plans on the fly. Bidding on vessel charters for research contracts with government agencies can be a real battle of the boats. Some vessel owners bid on almost all contracts whether their boat is right for the job or not. When not awarded the contract as a result of exorbitant prices and unsuitability of the vessels, they immediately put in a bid-protest and try and strong arm the agencies to award the contract to them. Some vessel contractors even hire lawyers that specialize in bid-protests! Do you think these contractors care about the research projects and their outcomes? If the cost of the vessel contract for one season is half the total project operating budget on a three or more year project. Obviously this would either shorten the project or kill it out right. If the project is shortened, it could affect the validity of the project, deeming the research done inconclusive a result of not enough data. You don’t contract a 30+ passenger tour boat or a small cruise ship for research crew of 4.

Everyone complains about government wasting our tax dollars. Picture this: a government agency paying a vessel $5000 and up per day for lodging and meals for 4 to 6 researchers, anchored off in protected coves. I would call that a waste of tax dollars but some agencies are coerced into either paying big bucks or scrap the project. Most contracting officers don’t want to waste their time and money battling it out with the vessel owners’ lawyers.

Check out Part 2 for tips on picking the right vessel for your research job!

Capt. Matt Cline