0 Statement of Work NFFP73002302385.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Nearshore sampling and gear deployment

1.0 ORGANIZATION

1.1 Organization: The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), of the

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and

Department of Commerce (DOC) is a government agency charged with the mission of stewardship for living marine resources.

1.2 Background and Objectives: The NWFSC, Fish Ecology Division, Estuary and Ocean Ecology Program studies the marine ecology of Pacific salmon. This research includes deploying research equipment (e.g., Slocum gliders, predation event recorders, and acoustic receivers) and taking biological samples (e.g., environmental DNA).

Specific Objectives:

1. Sample locations around ocean fronts in marine shelf coastal waters.

2. Retrieve and deploy sampling gear (e.g., acoustic receivers)

Work trips of up to 20 boat days will occur between 15 Sept 2023 and 10 November 2024. There will be an option for additional trips consisting if funds become available within the period of performance.

2.0 SERVICES REQUIRED

2.1 The NWFSC needs one vessel with a captain and one crew to take researchers on trips to collect samples and deploy and retrieve research equipment in marine waters between Grays Harbor, WA, and the Columbia River, departing from one of the following ports Westport, WA, Ilwaco, WA, or

Warrenton, OR.

2.2 A typical day would last between 6 – 12 hours, depending on tidal and sampling conditions.

2.3 Chartered vessels must be of sufficient size and hold research equipment and at least 3,000 pounds of anchor material. The vessel must be able to carry at least four scientists along with the crew provided by the vessel.

2.4 Chartered vessels must be capable of transiting among multiple sampling sites each day at speeds that will not limit access. Please include ‘normal cruising speed’ in the submitted cover sheet.

2.5 Chartered vessels must be equipped to deploy and recover Slocum gliders, weighted acoustic receivers, and oceanographic instrumentation weighing as much as 200 lbs.

2.6 Chartered vessels must have a space protected from the weather to set up a benchtop where a scientist can work (minimum of approximately 5X4 ft).

2.7 Chartered vessels must have electronics capable of detecting bottom depths from 0 to 800 feet and navigating safely in the region of work. Provide a list of electronics on the vessel in the bid submission.

2.8 Each qualified captain and the chartered vessel should be available to take scientists out for at least twelve days between 15 Sept 2023 and 10 November 2024.

2.9 Some work trips will occur on successive days depending on tidal conditions and the scheduling of the entire project. If you are bidding from outside of your vessel’s “home” port, please account for any moorage fees or fuel costs in your bid. We require meeting the vessel at one of the following ports Westport, WA, Ilwaco, WA, or Warrenton, OR.

3.0 SKILLS REQUIRED

3.1 Captains must have all required U.S. Coast Guard licenses for operating the chartered vessel.

Provide documentation in bid submission.

3.2 Captains of chartered vessels should have experience in nearshore ocean environments. Captains should submit resumes and references to substantiate their experience. In the resume, please also include any scientific sampling or surveys that you have been involved with in the past, regardless of the species involved in the sampling.

3.3 Captains of chartered vessels should have at least three years of experience operating in nearshore coastal waters.

3.4 Captains must have insurance for carrying all passengers on board. Provide documentation in bid submission.

3.5 Captains must be willing to consult with NWFSC biologists regarding weather and sampling sites.

4.0 DELIVERABLES

The vendor will provide the following deliverables to address the objective and questions in section 1.2 of this statement of work.

4.1 Vendors shall provide a captain and at least one crewman with the skills required to successfully operate a vessel equipped with all the necessary safety equipment for navigating waters in the region of interest, equipped with all the necessary gear for up to 4 persons for 6 – 12 hours, and capable of carrying up to 6 total persons.

5.0 PERFORMANCE

5.1 Place of Performance

Marine waters north of Grays Harbor to the southern extent of the Olympic Coast National Marine

Sanctuary and the Columbia River.

5.2 Period of Performance

The performance period is between 15 Sept 2023 and 10 November 2024 until all chartered days have been used.

6.0 Evaluation Factors

6.1 Purchase orders for this requirement will be awarded on a best-value basis where past performance and technical expertise are significantly more important than price.

6.2 Bids must contain an all-inclusive daily rate for 6-12 hours of vessel time.

Each bid must contain a detailed description of how the captain will operate the boat during operations. Please include the operating statement and include the following information with the quote: business name, captain’s name(s), vessel’s name(s), size and normal cruising speed of vessel(s), No. of persons, vessel(s) can carry, and quote per day of work (this should include all costs of the charter, including fuel and any additional costs associated with working away from the vessel’s “home” port).

Additional 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.

15. 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.