Revised FKNMS Buoy Pin Installation Contract SOW v4.pdf

FKNMS Key West Buoy Anchor Installation Contract Statement of Work

1.0 BACKGROUND

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) requires repair and proactive replacement of anchor hardware for 59 buoys within FKNMS.

2.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) protects 2,900 square nautical miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami westward to encompass the Dry Tortugas, excluding Dry Tortugas National Park. There are over 490 mooring buoys available for use throughout the FKNMS, allowing boaters to visit the Sanctuary without damaging the coral habitat below. These mooring buoys, along with Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) buoys, navigation buoys, and information buoys are installed and maintained by the FKNMS and allow for the preservation of the natural marine environment in the Florida Keys. These buoys and navigational aids endure the damaging effects of the marine environment and daily use by boaters, resulting in the need for constant maintenance and repair to ensure they are in working condition. Buoys are installed in both hard coral substrates and sandy/rubble areas which necessitates two differing types of installation hardware. The vendor shall purchase all hardware needed to complete installation of these buoys except for: FKNMS will be providing shackle, bottom downline and floats for 10 deeper water sites and small marker floats and lines for all new pins.

The vendor will engage in routine coordination, starting with a kickoff meeting before work begins, with the FKNMS Technical Representative to provide updates on progress, address any technical issues that arise and identify any issues that must be addressed by the Contracting Officer. The kickoff meeting shall be scheduled within one week of contract award and should also include the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Subsequent check-ins with the FKNMS Technical Representative should be at a minimum once per week.

The vendor must take reasonable care to avoid unnecessary impacts to coral and other benthic resources. No impacts to historical and cultural resources should occur. The selected contractor will be given a letter of authorization (LOA) under the “Superintendent’s permit” and will not require any other environmental permits. The LOA will identify FKNMS oversight requirements that pertain to the work under this SOW and would not result in additional fees beyond those required for state licensure, which is a prerequisite for this contract.

Please see Appendix A. A complete list of buoys that need servicing, along with their GPS coordinates.

3.0 DELIVERABLES

Deliver the following to NOAA ONMS Key West National Marine Sanctuary:

3.1 Documentation of Completed Work

Shall include the following metrics:

1. GPS coordinates shall be taken directly above anchor installation and recorded. A handheld GPS device (e.g., the accuracy from a phone) provides sufficient accuracy for this contract. Geographic positions (GPs) should be provided in the format of “degrees decimal minutes” -- the same format as those listed in Appendix A.

2. Recorded depth of water.

3. 2 profile pictures, taken approximately level with substrate from a distance of 2’, and 1 photo taken from directly above the anchor.

4. Flagging tape attached to the anchor and a small float with 10” of pink flagging tape attached as close as possible to substrate.

5. For installations greater than 40’, a shackle, midwater downline and subsurface float (provided by FKNMS) shall be attached to the anchor that comes to within 20’ of the surface no sooner than 96 hours after use of concrete.

3.2 Hardware to be purchased by Contractor as listed in 9.0.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Aug 1, 2021 – Oct 30, 2021

5.0 TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE

Brady Booton Marine Operations Supervisor NOAA/Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Brady.Booton@noaa.gov

305-923-0076

6.0 CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

Kathleen Jamison Deputy Superintendent NOAA/Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Office: 305-809-4689 Cell: 202-302-7600 Kathleen.jamison@noaa.gov

7.0 INVOICING

All invoices shall be emailed or sent to the COR.

8.0 DELIVERY ADDRESS

33 E. Quay Road Key West FL 33040 Kathleen.jamison@noaa.gov

9.0 Equipment

Below is a list of minimum required equipment needed to install buoy hardware.

Alternatives to cement may be discussed and utilized upon agreement between both parties, depending upon the type of substrate in which the pin is being installed.

9.1 Required Equipment

Anchors will be matched to substrate type and use. Manta anchors will be used in sand and rubble substrates and pins and U-bolts will be used in hard bottom and coral substrates. The recommended anchor type for each site location is listed in Appendix A.

Anchor Types:

1. Manta Anchor mailto:Kathleen.jamison@noaa.gov mailto:Kathleen.jamison@noaa.gov

MR 1 or MR-SR Manta Ray Anchors with a 1” shaft consist of either a 3 ½’ or a 7’ galvanized rod with a fixed eye at one end and a large holding anchor plate on the other. The anchor plate hinges from vertical to horizontal. Assembly of the Mantas should be done with 3M 5200 or an equivalent on all threaded parts.

Manta installation areas should be probed to approximately 8’ to determine whether installation is possible at the intended location.

Mantas should be installed with jackhammer until the eye is ~12" below the surface. A tag line should be attached to the eye prior to driving it below the surface. Pea gravel is used to fill the void left around the manta anchor rod after it has been driven into the bottom. It normally takes ½ to ¾ of a 5 gallon bucket to properly backfill the void. Softer bottom composition may require more fill while more firm bottom composition may require less fill. Pack as necessary while backfilling. Pour the gravel into the hole and shake the manta anchor rod back and forth to vibrate the gravel down into the hole. Continue to do this and pack the gravel by hand until the hole is filled. Load locker shall be used to a pressure of 18,000 lbs to ensure Manta base/foot has properly seated in horizontal. The eye should be no more than 4-5" proud of the surface. Align the eye with prevailing wind directions.

Attach a FKNMS provided line and small marker float and 12" of pink flagging tape to Manta eye. Locations in greater than 40’ are

Manta Anchor Type identified for immediate installation of a FKNMS provided shackle, bottom line and mid water float set.

If the site is noted to get a future replacement near an existing anchor, the new site should be less than 4’ away from the current anchor. If it is difficult to identify suitable substrate, please discuss with the Technical Representative.

2. Stainless Steel Pin Anchor

Stainless steel T pins are used for hard bottom and coral reef locations. T pin eyes must be aligned with prevailing wind direction.

A 21” long, ⅝ - ¾” diameter 316 stainless steel rod with a reinforced welded eye at one end and a 1 ¾” “T” on the other end.

This “T” is created by welding a ⅝ - ¾” diameter 316 piece of stainless steel at the base of the pin. This “T” locks into cement used to anchor it in the hole and prevents it from being pulled out.

The hole for the T pins shall be 3” in diameter and drilled to the depth of 20”. Only 2” of the pin should be proud of the surface. If any cement was displaced during the installation, replace and pack the cement down firmly.

Attach a FKNMS provided line and small marker float nearby with 12" of pink flagging tape to an appropriate structure in the immediate location. Downline sets for the locations that require

Stainless Steel Anchor Type installation of a FKNMS provided shackle, bottom line and mid water float set, should not be attached until the pin has cured for at least 96 hours.

If the site is noted to get a future replacement near an existing pin, the new site should be less than 4’ away from the current pin in hard substrate but NOT living coral. If it is difficult to identify suitable substrate, please discuss with the Technical Representative.

3. U-bolt Anchor

U Bolts are a specialized application for large commercial vessels.

U-bolt must be aligned with prevailing wind direction.

A U-shaped 24” long, ⅝ - ¾” 316 stainless steel rod with 1 ¾” “T” on each leg. This “T” is created by welding a ⅝ - ¾” diameter 316 piece of stainless steel at the base of the pin. This “T” locks into cement used to anchor it in the hole and prevents it from being pulled out.

The width of the U-Bolt should be approximately 13 1/2 “ center to center. Holes for the U-bolts shall be 3-4" in diameter and at a depth of 22". U-bolt should be cemented in place. Only 3" of the U-

U-Bolt Anchor Type bolt should be proud of the substrate. If any cement was displaced during the installation, replace and pack the cement down firmly.

If the site is noted to get a future replacement near an existing U Bolt, the new site should be less than 4’ away from the current pin in hard substrate but NOT living coral. If it is difficult to identify suitable substrate, please discuss with the Technical Representative.

Attach a FKNMS provided line and small marker float nearby with 12" of pink flagging tape to an appropriate structure in the immediate location. Downline sets for the locations that require installation of a FKNMS provided shackle, bottom line and mid water float set, should not be attached until the U Bolt has cured for at least 96 hours.

4. Rotary Drill with Core Bit

Tools for assembling anchors are the responsibility of the contractor; however, one specific tool is required for use by the contractor: a rotary drill with a core bit for drilling holes in the substrate. No hammer drills are allowed under this contract.

● Other equipment:

Load Locker and Locking Rod with Cone, and Load Locker Base

Note: a vendor may provide their own load locker if preferred. A load locker is a proprietary tool that allows the foot of the manta anchor to be moved from the vertical position to the horizontal position. The load locker and locking rod with cone tool is used in conjunction with the load locker base, referred to as “Table and Chair.” Approximate weight is 40lbs. Load Locker base is a two piece unit (“Table and Chair”) that rests on the substrate and supports the load locker while setting the base of the manta anchor.

Approximate weight is 60 lbs. Load Locker must be able to provide greater than an 18,000lb load. Use of a Load Locker is required to set Mantas to 18,000lb.

1. Marker Float

A small float on a short piece of line. This marker is normally attached to the head of a manta anchor so that the location of the manta will not be lost once it is driven into the substrate. In the case of a pin or u-bolt anchor installation, the small float should be attached with 12" of pink flagging tape to an appropriate structure in the immediate location of the new installation. The government will provide the small marker floats and 2’ of line for this identifying marker.

2. Backfill

Pea gravel is used to fill the void left around the manta anchor rod after it has been driven into the bottom. It normally takes ½ to ¾ of a 5 gallon bucket to properly backfill the void. Softer bottom composition may require more fill while more firm bottom composition may require less fill. The contractor is responsible for supplying the pea gravel.

3. Cement and Cement Bag/Fill Tubes

Portland Type 2 cement should be used. The contractor may propose an alternative to Portland Type 2 cement with information regarding holding power and toxicity; however, if the government determines that the alternative would not be sufficient, it reserves the right to require the contractor to use Portland Type 2 cement.

The contractor is responsible for supplying the cement.

Cement should be applied via either a cement back or fill tube to the T pin and U-Bolt holes with minimum overage on the surrounding substrate.

9.2 Government Furnished Equipment

Government furnished equipment that may be supplied to the bidder includes:

● Dock space for appropriately sized (no more than 40’ length and 20’ beam width) vessel (no barges) in Key West and Key Largo.

● Shackle, bottom downline and midwater float sets will be provided for installation at deeper sites as noted.

● The small marker floats and lines will be provided for all sites as noted.

● FKNMS will provide a Load Locker and Locking Rod with Cone, and Load Locker Base if requested.

10.0 Regulations, Licensing, and Permitting

10.1 Regulations

The Contractor will comply with all applicable Federal and state safety and health standards and regulations applicable to this work, including but not limited to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Act, 29 U.S.C. 651 § et seq. To the extent the Contractor relies on sub-contractors in executing this work, the Contractor will have sole responsibility for ensuring the sub-contractors are qualified, appropriately trained and outfitted, and comply with all applicable safety and health standards and regulations.

10.2 Pre-award criteria.

The Contractor must provide:

A. A list of the qualifications and experience for key individuals involved in the operations to include, but not limited to, divers, tenders, designated persons in charge, and vessel captains.

B. A preliminary dive safety plan that includes potential risks involved in the operation, a mitigation plan to address the risks, and emergency contacts and evacuation plan.

C. Disclosure of any serious or repeat federal or state dive related OSHA safety violations within the past 12 months preceding the proposal due date.

D. The contractor shall provide NOAA a hurricane safety plan that addresses mobilization and demobilization. It is unlikely that vessels will be allowed to be secured at either NOAA facility during a hurricane. The contractor should plan accordingly. As a firm-fixed price contract, typical non-evacuation “weather days” should be incorporated into the price and proposal for the work and will not be reimbursed to the contractor after the award.

E. Should the contractor see any potential historic and cultural resources at the location of the anchor site, work will cease immediately and the Technical Representative will be notified.

Work may not recommence at the site until the FKNMS archaeologist has been consulted.

10.3 Post award

Within 5 days after contract award, the Contractor must:

A. Submit a written proposal plan which must include an analysis of the significant hazards to life, limb, and property inherent in contract work performance and a plan for controlling these hazards; a hazard mitigation plan and the safety and training plan for the divers, incident reporting plan, decompression plan, equipment inspection plan, and subcontractor plan to ensure the safety of divers.

B. The contractor will meet with the COR to discuss and develop a mutual understanding relative to administration of the Contractor’s overall safety program.

C. The contractor will attend at least one pre-mobilization “kickoff” meeting with the FKNMS Technical Representative and COR for a review of installation methods and to review the quality of the Mantas, T pins and U-Bolts.

D. The contractor will establish a routine weekly communication schedule (e.g., 30-min weekly conference call, written updates of completed work) in order to confirm priority and locations of anchor installations and to reach a mutual understanding of problems that may need addressing. Daily site reps from field activities should be sent to both the Technical Representative and the COR.

E. Any installation challenges should be discussed at the weekly meetings. Any material changes to the contract must be reviewed by the Contracting Officer prior to implementation.

10.4 Insurance Requirements

Contractors will, at their own expense, provide and maintain during the entire performance of the dive contract a minimum of the following kinds of insurance:

A. Workmen’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance. The

Contractor is required to comply with applicable Federal and state workers’ compensation and occupational disease statutes. If the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor’s commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employers liability coverage of at least $100,000 is required, except in states with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers’ compensation to be written by private carriers.

B. General Liability. The Contractor must have bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on the comprehensive form a policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

C. Automobile Liability. The Contractor must have automobile liability insurance written on the comprehensive form of policy. The policy must provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the contract. Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States will provide coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage.

D. Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability. When aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the Contractor must have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance.

E. Liability Coverage. Coverage will be at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger liability, and $200,000 per occurrence for property damage. Coverage for passenger liability bodily injury must be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

F. Vessel Liability. When contract performance involves use of vessels, the Contracting Officer will require, as determined by the agency, vessel collision liability and protection and indemnity liability insurance.

10.5 Responsibilities

A. The Contractor must immediately notify the Federal Government of any incident within 8 hours of occurrence followed by written correspondence within 24 hours detailing the problem, what corrective action was taken, and how the contractor plans to medicate the recurrence of future problems. Failing to report any breach of safety could be a reason for immediate termination.

B. Should the Contracting Officer become aware of any non-reported non-compliance with these requirements or any condition which poses a serious or imminent danger to the health or safety of the public or Federal Government personnel, the Contracting Officer must immediately notify the contractor orally and with written confirmation on your quest immediate initiation of corrective action.

This notice, when delivered to the Contractor or the Contractor’s Representative at the worksite, will be deemed sufficient notice of the non-compliance and that corrective action must be required.

After receiving the notice, the contractor must immediately take corrective action. If the Contractor fails or refuses to properly take corrective action, the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or part of the work until satisfactory correction action has been taken. The Contractor will not be entitled to any equitable adjustment of the contract price or extension of the performance schedule on any stop work order issued under this clause.

C. The Contracting Officer must inform the OSHA, or other cognizant Federal, state, or local officials, of instances where the Contractor has been notified to take immediate action to correct Serious or imminent dangers.

D. If at any time the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative has questions or concerns and is unsure of the applicable laws governing work to be conducted under the contract diver, the Contracting Officer may seek guidance through their NOAA Line or Staff Office Unit Dive Supervisor, the NOAA Diving Program Safety Officer, or the NOAA Diving Program Manager.

(NOTE: This will not be included in the contract; the NOAA Diving Program’s expertise is relied upon to identify any violation.)

10.6 Government Inspections

A. An FKNMS representative will perform at least two onsite inspections over the course of the contract (either on board the contractor vessel or from a government vessel) in addition to the kickoff meeting and regular (at least once per week) check-ins whose regularity will be determined upon award of the contract.

The inspections will be scheduled at the kickoff meeting and would occur once at the beginning of the performance period in order to confirm that the work is being performed adequately and will meet the terms of the SOW, and once again after most or all of the work is complete and would be a “spot check” of at least two buoy anchor installation locations.

B. There will not be an FKNMS representative on board daily with the dive crew. The contractor’s crew must operate under their own supervision.

10.7 Permitting

The proposed work under this contract is covered under the Superintendent’s permit; however performing the work solicited under this contract will trigger FKNMS regulations, and the contractor will be responsible for ensuring that all rules under the Superintendent’s permit are followed. The selected contractor will be given a letter of authorization (LOA) under the Superintendent’s permit and will not require any other environmental permits. The LOA will identify FKNMS oversight requirements that pertain to the work under the SOW. No additional environmental permits are required.

Although this activity will take place under an FKNMS Superintendent’s permit, if the contractor injures live corals during the course of this work by not following the guidance provided in the SOW and during the kickoff meeting and any subsequent check-ins, the contractor could be charged with injury to Sanctuary resources under Section 312 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

Additionally, no historical and cultural artifacts should be disturbed or removed during the operations. A map of historical and cultural artifact locations near the installation areas will be provided to the contractor at the kickoff meeting. The kickoff meeting will include a briefing on endangered coral identification, as well as locations to be avoided and any other special considerations for the areas of operation.