0 SOW NFFO20002302546.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

WEST COAST REGION

WHITE ABALONE SURVEYS AND RESEARCH:

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

A. Background:

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Regional Office

(WCR) is seeking to collaborate with a particular entity that will provide a vessel to support underwater abalone surveys and research conducted by SCUBA divers in the coastal waters of San Diego County. The vessel must be able to safely and efficiently provide transportation to San Diego County dive survey locations. Dive boat personnel must be familiar with supporting both open circuit and closed circuit rebreather divers and be able to fill dive tanks with a nitrox gas mixture that minimizes the risk of decompression sickness. NMFS shall conduct 16, 1-day trips to monitor a pilot red abalone outplanting site during the work period and each consecutive option period. All work will be conducted at sites within 3 nautical miles of the Pt. Loma and La Jolla coasts in San Diego County.

B. Objectives:

In 2001, white abalone received the dubious distinction of being the first marine invertebrate listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The marine mollusk was once prevalent off the West Coast south of Point Conception to

Baja California (with historical estimates of more than 300,000 individuals off the coast of California) but has experienced significant declines throughout all of its range and shown little indication of natural recovery.

Intense commercial harvesting of white abalone began in 1969 and peaked in 1972 at about 143,000 pounds of white abalone per year. Just six years later, the fishing industry caught less than 5,000 pounds. Unfortunately, it appears that there have been few, if any, offspring produced since the late 1960's or early 1970's. A likely reason for the inability of white abalone to rebound is their need to be close to each other when reproducing. One female can release as many as 10 million eggs at one time, but must be in close proximity to a spawning male for fertilization to occur.

Unfortunately the relatively short duration but high impact of the fishery diminished the density of the species, making it difficult for the remaining individuals to reproduce.

C. Scope:

The work described here supports NOAA's mission to implement and monitor the recovery of federally endangered white abalone (Haliotis sorenseni). The goal of these surveys will be to monitor two outplanting sites established off the Point Loma

Coast and to survey the habitat suitability of other areas for future outplanting efforts.

The information obtained from this work is essential for designing the lowest risk restoration program that yields the highest recovery potential for abalone species, especially the critically endangered white abalone, a species featured in the NMFS

White Abalone Recovery Plan, the State's Abalone Recovery and Management Plan

(ARMP), and the Navy's Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP).

D. Tasks:

1. Itinerary (subject to changes):

This work will include 16, 1-day cruises during the work period and in each consecutive option period (see Schedule below). The research team will depart from

Mission Bay in San Diego, CA and transit to the outplant site off Point Loma (see

Fig.1). The location of the outplant site will be identified prior to the first cruise.

The total number of survey sites will not exceed three (3) per day. Timing and duration of the cruises will be determined by optimal weather conditions and availability of the vessel for SCUBA operations and will be coordinated between the

Captain of the vessel and Chief Scientist

2. Survey Area:

Figure 1. Abalone outplanting site off the coast of Point Loma (San Diego County, CA). SCUBA-based monitoring will include transect surveys, collection of genetic tissue samples, broodstock collection, and disease testing.

3. Survey Procedures:

• Each one-day cruise will begin at approximately 7:30 AM. Each one-day cruise will include approximately 8.5 hours of work, including loading and unloading the vessel and dive operations.

• Each day cruise will support up to 3 dive rotations involving both Open

Circuit (OC) SCUBA divers and Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) divers. Duration of each dive rotation will vary with the task and equipment type.

• Multiple locations may be visited within one dive day depending on the specific tasks.

4. Vessel Requirements:

Technical Requirements:

• Vessel shall be a commercial passenger vessel or research vessel; the length of the vessel shall be at least 40 ft. and carry fuel and provisions for a full day of diving supporting a maximum of 14 divers.

• Required electronic equipment include a primary and backup GPS, plotter, radar, VHF with distress signal, sonar, and water temperature sensor.

• Vessel must have emergency oxygen first aid system with sufficient on-board oxygen to treat an injured diver for 12 hours or the time required to transport an injured diver to a higher-level medical care facility, whichever comes first

• Vessel must have an automated external defibrillator (AED) and first aid ldt on board, easily accessible, and both maintained according to state and federal regulations

• Vessel must have a high pressure compressor that produces nitrox compatible air

• Vessel must have the capacity to mix Nitrox breathing gas containing at least

32% oxygen and sufficient on-board oxygen to provide up to 3 fills for up to 14 divers during a dive day.

Operational Requirements:

• The vessel should be located in San Diego County. Close proximity to the two study areas (La Jolla and Pt Loma) is recommended.

• Skippers shall have a current license to operate a passenger vessel and have at least 5 years of experience conducting SCUBA operations.

• In addition to the skipper, a minimum of one topside support crew member must be on board to support diving operations.

• Vessel operator and crew must have experience in technical diving (CCR, Decompression techniques, etc.).

• During survey operations, the vessel must be capable of anchoring on specific GPS coordinates.

• Vessel is required to have 2 main engines. The contractor is responsible for providing fuel (reimbursable by Government).

5. Insurance:

During the full period of this contract the Contractor shall maintain the customary full fom1 marine insurance coverage on the vessels including Hull and Machinery and Liability-P&I, considering scientific personnel employed on board. The expense of this insurance shall be covered by the contractor, and shall be deemed to be included in the hire payable under this contract Copies of the insurance policy shall be provided by the contractor as technical information with the quote package.

E. Deliverables:

The contractor is responsible for providing to the Government, scientific staff operational data relating to the survey sites. There will be a pre-cruise meeting before departure and a debriefing meeting with captain and crew at the end of each charter.

These meetings will be conducted within the 8.5 hour day time-frame.

Accommodations will be provided for at least 14 SCUBA divers for: 16, 1 •day trips.

Each day trip will include no more than 3 survey sites visited per day and air and nitrox for filling SCUBA tanks during the base period and each option period as outlined in the schedule below. All survey sites will be located in San Diego County, primarily off of Point Loma and La Jolla.

F. Period of Performance:

Base Period: August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024.

At sea work may be postponed if weather does not permit operations during that time.

All offers must be able to complete all (16) day trips at a rate of approximately 2-3 trips per month. Each day trip will include no more than 3 survey sites visited per day and air and nitrox for filling SCUBA tanks during the base period and each option period as outlined in the schedule below. All survey sites will be located in San Diego County, primarily off of Point Loma and La Jolla.Dates will be scheduled by the chief scientist based on research needs and contractor schedule. All cruises will occur during the work week (Monday-Friday). All cruises will occur in the waters surrounding San Diego

County (Figure 1).

Option Period 1: August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025.

At sea work may be postponed if weather does not permit operations during that time.

All offers must be able to complete all (16) day trips at a rate of approximately 2-3 trips per month. Dates will be scheduled by the chief scientist based on research needs and contractor schedule. All cruises will occur during the work week (Monday-Friday). All cruises will occur in the waters surrounding San Diego County (Figure 1).

Option Period 2: August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026.

All offers must be able to complete all (16) day trips at a rate of approximately 2-3 trips per month. Dates will be scheduled by the chief scientist based on research needs and

Option Period 3: August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027.

All offers must be able to complete all (16) day trips at a rate of approximately 2-3 trips per month. Dates will be scheduled by the chief scientist based on research needs and

Option Period 4: August 1, 2027 to July 31, 2028.

All offers must be able to complete all (16) day trips at a rate of approximately 2-3 trips per month. Dates will be scheduled by the chief scientist based on research needs and contractor schedule. All cruises will occur during the work week (Monday-Friday). All

G. Place of Performance:

See Section D2 above

H. Education/Experience Required:

See Section D4 above

ADDITIONAL Vessel Requirements

1. COAST GUARD INSPECTION

Performance under this contract is dependent on the vessel(s) passing a U.S. Coast Guard safety examination. The Coast Guard inspection shall be performed no earlier than two weeks before the vessels’ scheduled departure and the Coast Guard certification must be obtained by the vessels no less than one week prior to scheduled departure. In the event that the contractor does not obtain the

Coast Guard inspection, the Government may terminate the contract, and the contractor may be liable to the Government for excess re-procurement costs. Inspection is required before the commencement of each charter year, unless the Coast Guard has issued a letter of inspection that is valid for the time period of the charter. The contractor will arrange for the inspection, and any costs associated with bringing the vessels to passing standard shall be borne by the contractor. A copy of the Coast Guard certification shall be posted on each vessel.

2. CHARTER VESSEL SAFETY

The contractor shall adhere to the safety regulations as set forth in Coast Guard rules effective on

September 15, 1991, and as provided for by the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988 (specifically, 46 CFR Part 28) or subsequent additions or revisions. These regulations require that specified vessels be equipped with a variety of safety features and equipment.

A Coast Guard inspection of the vessel based on an interagency agreement between National

Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Coast Guard or 46 CFR Part 28 will be required prior to performance. In addition to the requirements of 46 CFR Part 28, the Coast Guard inspection will require conformance with standards for lifesaving and firefighting equipment in the Rules for Small Passenger Vessels, which exceed 46 CFR Part 28. Issuance of the notice to proceed by the Government is conditioned upon the successful completion of the mandatory Coast Guard inspection under Part I, Paragraph 17 of this contract. Failure of the Contractor to successfully complete the inspection requirements shall be grounds for termination of this contract. Conformance with present regulations for commercial fishing vessels requires that the master or an individual in charge of the vessel ensures that safety drills and instruction are conducted at least once a month (46 CFR 28.270). Safety orientations must be given to each individual on board that has not received the instruction and has not participated in the drills before the vessel can continue to operate. The contractor shall conduct such safety orientations prior to sailing on each cruise leg. It is recommended that a full drill be completed early in each cruise leg even if less than a month has elapsed since the last drill due to the frequent wholesale exchange of scientific personnel at cruise breaks. Each vessel must also have all required emergency instructions posted (46 CFR 28.265).

3. MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS OR NON-PERFORMANCE

The contractor is responsible for maintaining all contractor provided equipment and vessels in a safe operating condition during the contract performance. If a mechanical breakdown occurs of the vessel(s) or other contractor provided equipment that is greater than 12 hours cumulative within a

24-hour period that begins at 0700 and ends at 0659, the vessel(s) and all contractor provided equipment shall be considered off charter and make-up fishing days may be required.

The charter shall also be considered off charter if the Captain or Crew of the boat is unable to perform the duties as outlined in the Statement of Work in increments of time greater than 12 hours cumulative within a 24-hour period that begins at 0700 and ends at 0659. The contractor shall make every reasonable effort to resolve the problem causing the vessel(s), contractor provided equipment or Captain and Crew to be out of service and bring it back into service as quickly as possible to continue contract performance. Mechanical breakdown periods in excess of four (4) consecutive or four (4) cumulative days may be grounds for termination of the contract. In the event that the breakdown requires the vessel(s) to return to port for repairs, the vessel(s) will not be considered back on charter until the vessel(s) returns to active survey status as determined by the Contracting

Officer in consultation with COR.

4. FIREARMS

The Government prefers that no firearms be carried on board during the charter, however if the vessel has firearms on board that cannot reasonably be removed prior to the charter, the firearms may stay on board if the COR gives approval prior to the vessel departure. Any firearms approved for carriage during the charter period, must be kept locked in the Captain’s quarters at all times during the charter. Onshore use of firearms shall be at the discretion of the Captain.

5. PROHIBITED SPECIES

All crab, salmon and halibut taken in survey operations must be returned to the sea unless the Field

Party Chief directs they be retained for scientific purposes or for consumption aboard the vessel(s).

6. POSSESSION OF LIQUOR/ILLEGAL DRUGS

During the charter period, the possession or use of intoxicating liquor and/or illegal drugs by any person is not permitted and may be grounds for termination of this contract by the Government.

7. CONTROL OF PLASTIC DISCHARGES

Contractor shall comply with the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987, which establishes Federal requirements for controlling plastic discharges from ships.

8. WORKING CONDITIONS FOR GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

The contractor shall provide safe, efficient working conditions and accommodations to the

Government personnel free from violence, threats of violence, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and other disruptive behavior. The contractor, its agents, subcontractors, and employees, including the Captain and crew of the vessel shall not harass, assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, threaten, interfere with or make unwelcome advances toward any member of the Government field party. Violation under this clause may result in termination of the contract, at the discretion of the Government under the Default Clause, and in consequent liability of the contractor to the Government for any costs incurred, as well as debarment, suspension or similar action from future participation in government contracts.

9. PRESENCE OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Unless serving as crew, the spouses or children of crew members or owner(s) may not accompany the vessel during the term of the charter without obtaining written approval in advance from the vessel captain. Liability for any family members allowed on board during the charter is the sole responsibility of the contractor.

10. FUEL OIL

Fuel oil for the performance of the charter will be either provided by the Government, or the contractor costs for fuel oil will be reimbursed by the Government. A Government representative and a vessel crew member shall together verify the volume of fuel on board at the beginning of the charter and the end of the charter, in order to ensure the Government provides no more or less fuel than the performance of the charter requires. If the Government owes the contractor fuel at the end of the charter, the Government may provide to the contractor either fuel or funds equal to the amount it would cost the Government to provide the fuel. If the contractor has received more fuel than required for the charter, the Government shall deduct the Governments costs for the excess fuel from the final payment to the contractor. The Government may choose to order fuel oil through a

Government contract when it is available. Fuel required in ports where fuel is not procured through a Government contract shall be purchased by the vessel charter contractor. Fuel purchased by the contractor to replace that used for charter operations will be billed to and payable by the vessel charter contractor who will in turn bill the Government for reimbursement. (Reference Part III, Paragraph 3 for clause titled – INVOICING FOR FUEL, COMMUNICATIONS AND

MOORAGE) As used herein, fuel oil is defined as diesel oil for propulsion and auxiliary engines.

It does not include lube oil, lubricants, hydraulic oil or solvents, but does include gasoline and oil for outboard motors. THE CONTRACTOR MUST NOTIFY THE CONTRACTING

OFFICER WHEN THE FUEL EXPENDED DURING THE CHARTER REACHES 70% OF

THE TOTAL FUEL FUNDING PROVIDED UNDER THE CONTRACT. SHOULD

ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR FUEL BECOME NECESSARY, ADDITIONAL FUNDING

WILL BE ADDED TO THE CONTRACT BY MODIFICATION. SHOULD THE

CONTRACTOR EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF FUEL FUNDING ON THE CONTRACT, IT

WILL BE AT THE CONTRACTOR’S OWN RISK AND EXPENSE.

11. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS

Transmission charges for Government communications through the vessels’ communications tools

(cell phone, fax, etc.) during the charter performance period will be reimbursed by the Government and shall be included in the CLIN for Communications, reference CLINs 0002, 0006, 0010, 0014, 1002, 1006, 1010 and 1014, and reference Part III, Paragraph 3 for clause titled – INVOICING

FOR FUEL, COMMUNICATIONS AND MOORAGE AND DOCKSIDE SERVICES. Invoices for communication charges must provide a copy of the invoice from the service provider identifying the charges.

12. MOORAGE AND DOCKSIDE SERVICES REIMBURSEMENT COSTS

Actual costs incurred for moorage and dockside services needed to load and unload Government equipment (stevedoring) during the charter will be reimbursed under contract line items 0002, 0006, 0010, 0014, 1002, 1006, 1010 and 1014 (See Price Schedule), reference Part III, Paragraph 3, INVOICING FOR FUEL, COMMUNICATIONS AND MOORAGE AND DOCKSIDE

SERVICES. All reimbursable expenses must be invoiced with a copy of the receipt for the item attached to the invoice to the Government. Payment may only be made to the contractor of the vessel charter.

13. REIMBURSABLE COSTS

The costs identified below in this paragraph will be reimbursed by the Government. Invoices for such costs must include a copy of the invoice from the provider. Only actual costs will be reimbursed, and will only be reimbursed to the charter contractor.

- Fuel as described above.

- Government communications through the vessels’ communications tools (cell phone, fax, etc.) during the charter as described above.

- Mooring at private and municipal docks during the charter as described in paragraph 28 above.

- Dockside services as described above.

14. FUEL CONSUMPTION (**FOR EVALUATION PURPOSES ONLY**)

Estimated average daily fuel consumption is the number of gallons that a vessel is expected to consume during the base period and option period of the contract. The Government will use the calculations for these items for evaluation purposes only. At the Government’s option, the

Contractor may be required to purchase fuel during the charter and receive reimbursement from the

Government, should it be determined to be in the Government’s best interest to do so.

17. HARMLESS FROM LIABILITY

The contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers, agents, and employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind, including costs and expenses to which they may be subject to or on account of any or all suits or damages of any character whatsoever resulting from injuries or damages sustained by any person or persons or property by virtue of performance of this contract, arising or resulting in whole or in part from the fault, negligence, wrongful act or wrongful omission of the contractor, or any subcontractor, their employees, and agents.