AMENDMENT 0004.pdf

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended. is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NUMBER

IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

See Attachment Page.

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1305M223QNCNR00871305M223QNCNR00870004 JUN 12, 2023 NC-NR5000-23-00225

AJ830023

NOAA/AGO/EAD

601 E 12TH STREET

ROOM 1734

KANSAS CITY MO 64106

See Block 6

1305M223QNCNR0087

MAY 15, 2023

See Schedule

Attachment Page

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Amendment 0004 to Solicitation 1305M223QNCNR0087

The purpose of this amendment includes the following:

1. Answer the following:

a. Question: Does the bidder have to be SBE Certified to bid on this solicitation? Or is the bidder qualified to bid as long as it meets the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and size standard of this solicitation?

Answer: The offeror is not required to be Small Business Administration (SBA) certified. This requirement is a 100% small business set-aside for small business concerns as defined in FAR 2.101.

b. Question: The instructions to offerors states that the price quote is to be submitted separately. Does this mean in a separate email or just a separate PDF file within the same email submission as Volume I?

Answer: Per the provision at 52.212-1 within the solicitation, the volumes shall be submitted in two separate files in the same email.

c. Question: Is there a specific bid form to be used for Volume II – Price Quote?

Answer: There is no specific offer form to be used for Volume II - Price Quote. Per the provision at 52.212-1 within the solicitation, the offeror shall provide a total price quote in PDF format for the marine debris removal scenario provided in Volume I.

d. Question: I was looking at your solicitation and was wondering how you would like me to send my proposal.

Answer: Quotes shall be submitted in accordance with the provision at 52.212-1 within the solicitation.

e. Question: Does a prospective contractor have to be able to respond to all areas listed, or if they are able to respond to a sub-area, would they be considered?

Answer: No, they do not need to respond to all listed areas. Offerors shall clearly identify the geographic area(s) in which it can effectively operate based on the following regional definitions provided. Please refer to changes in red text for the provisions at FAR 52.212-1 and FAR 52.212-2.

f. Question: Page 3, third paragraph states the Government will award a FFP Blanket Purchase Agreement to up to five offerors. Please explain how a BPA can have a FFP.

i. Will the $2,750,000 shared capacity by the FFP, or will each of the contractors have a lower FFP for their respective contracts?

ii. Will individual task orders be awarded on a FFP task basis?

Answer: A BPA and its subsequent Call Orders are permitted to be FFP in accordance with FAR 16.202-2.

i. $2,750,000.00 is a shared capacity amongst all BPA holders.

ii. Call Orders will be awarded on an FFP basis.

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g. Question: Page 17, Section A(4) asks bidders to provide resumes from key personnel; however, Page 7, Section 8 only identifies a Project Manager as key.

i. Are you expecting resumes for multiple Project Managers? If yes, how many? Will individual task orders be awarded on a FFP task basis?

ii. Are you expecting resumes for other than the Project Manager (in which case the word key should perhaps be dropped from this section)?

Answer:

i. A resume is required for one Project Manager at the Base BPA level for this solicitation.

Individual Call Orders will be awarded on an FFP basis.

ii. No, resumes are not required for personnel other than the Project Manager. Per the Performance Work Statement, Section 8, Project Manager is the only personnel listed as key personnel.

h. Question: Page 22, last paragraph asked for a price quote in PDF format for the marine debris removal scenario in Volume 1.

i. Are you just looking for a lump sum price quote or are you expecting some detail. If details, please provide information on the breakout expected.

Answer: Further detail is required. Please refer to the updated changes in red text in the provision at FAR 52.212-2.

i. Question: The Contract Terms and Conditions on page 44 indicate that the Service Contract Act Labor Standards apply to the resulting contract. No wage determination is attached to the solicitation.

i. Provide the Wage Determination to be used for the removal scenario in Volume 1.

ii. Conform Wage Determinations will be included in subsequent task calls.

iii. Guidance on the pricing of divers is requested as those labor positions are rarely included in Wage

Determinations.

Answer:

i. The Wage Determination has been included for the removal scenario in Volume 1. Please see the updated information in red text included in RFQ 1305M223QNCNR0087 - Amendment 0003, 52.212-1(A) and RFQ Amendment 0004 - Attachment 1 - WD #2015-4577.

ii. Yes, Wage Determinations will be included in subsequent Call Orders.

iii. Please provide the price quote that conforms to the Wage Determination provided and the offeror’s knowledge.

j. Question: The Contract Terms and Conditions on page 45 includes 52.217-5 discusses rates specified in the contract. What rates?

Answer: The clause at 52.217-8 refers to rates specified in a Call Order issued within the base BPA’s period of performance extension.

k. Question: Can we offer on a regional basis?

Answer: Please refer to question 1e.

l. Question: On Page No. 18 of 56 in the Solicitation above, the removal scenario narrative references “Surveys conducted by local resource agencies…”. Please furnish a copy of these surveys for review, including photos and the condition assessments of the vessel and debris field. In addition, please provide details of any salvage attempts?

Answer: The removal scenario provided is hypothetical. There are no survey documents to provide and no salvage attempts to describe.

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m. Question: Wouldn’t it be better to qualify small businesses from multiple different areas so that you would have a capable company ready should an emergency response be needed in each area?

Answer: Please refer to question 1e.

n. Question: Addressing the removal scenario as it is described in Florida would require an extremely large mobilization and travel expenditure for us, coming from the Pacific. We also are intimately familiar with the local and federal permitting requirements in the Pacific but are less familiar with local permitting in Florida. For these reasons, would it be allowable and competitive for our proposal to respond to the exact same scenario, but local?

Answer: Please refer to the updated changes in red text in the provision at FAR 52.212-1.

o. Question: Our team, including our proposed Project Manager, has conducted ADV removal work funded by grants in the past but as employees of our partner non-profit. As this is a small-business set aside, we cannot apply through our non-profit so will be applying through our environmental consulting firm. What is the best way to get past performance evaluations in this situation? Would it be appropriate for the PPQ to be for the non-profit from the funding entity for our previous ADV work if we can explain that the team and everything else is the same?

Answer: Grant performance may be provided in the PPQ. Please see the updated changes in red text in the provision at FAR 52.212-1.

p. For most ADV and LMD removal situations we would most likely involve one of our partners, a local small business contractor who has a lot of experience in large marine debris removal projects. As a subcontractor to the proposal, would it be appropriate for this subcontractor to provide a past performance reference questionnaire, or should we stick to the prime's references for that?

Answer: Per the provision at 52.212-1 within the solicitation, B8, for each reference the offeror shall include the extent of subcontracting (if any). Also, Section B states, “Offerors that are newly formed entities or otherwise lack relevant prior contracts/orders/grant performance shall list contracts and subcontracts as required above for all applicable resources to be used in the effort being offered (where it may not be easily apparent, also explain the relevance of the past performance).”

q. Will geography be factored into the decision making process?

Answer: Please refer to question 1e.

r. Would this BPA cover the Freely Associated States as well? Or is it limited to just US States and Territories?

Answer: This BPA is limited to the United States and its Territories as identified in the PWS, Section 3.

Please see the updated changes in red text in the PWS.

s. There appears to be no vessel located at or near the coordinates provided in the solicitation. Having performed a site visit by water earlier this morning, in which to assess the removal situation for our proposal, the location provided is in open water devoid of a derelict vessel. Having checked and rechecked the furnished north latitude and west longitude and accessed the FWC A&DV website map, the coordinates were input corrected and the Bonita isn’t shown. Therefore, please provide amended coordinates for the proposal vessels location or disclose that the planned vessel removal is hypothetical.

Answer: The removal scenario provided is hypothetical. Please see the updated changes in red text in the provision at FAR 52.212-1.

t. Will these debries be on land or water during collection?

Answer: Potential large scale marine debris removal could occur on either land or in water.

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2. Please see the updated solicitation and Amendment 0004 - Attachment 1 for changes to the solicitation in red text.

3. No further questions will be answered. There are no further changes to this solicitation.

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COMBINED SYNOPSIS AND SOLICITATION FOR

MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM REMOVAL SERVICES

This is a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested.

This solicitation is a request for quotations (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2023-02.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 562119 – Other Waste Collection, with a small business size standard of $47,000,000.00. The product or service code is F999

– Other Environmental Services. The Government will award a firm-fixed price (FFP) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) resulting from this combined synopsis/solicitation to up to three responsible offerors per region, as specified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), whose offers, conforming to the synopsis/solicitation, will be most advantageous to the Government (as determined by the solicitation evaluation criteria).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking to purchase Marine Debris Program Removal Services.

All interested companies must provide quotation(s) for the following:

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National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

BPA

Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation FAR 13.303 Blanket Purchase Agreements, TBD, agrees to the following terms and conditions of the multiple-award BPA.

The following terms and conditions are mandatory:

(1) Description of agreement. The Supplier agrees to furnish marine debris program removal services in accordance with the incorporated PWS for the below specified region(s) if and when ordered by the Contracting Officer (CO) during the specified term of this agreement:

(2) Extent of obligation. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized purchases actually made under the BPA.

(3) Purchase limitation. The dollar amount of any one purchase under this agreement shall not exceed $250,000.00.

(4) Individuals authorized to purchase under the BPA. Any warranted CO within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) is authorized to place Call Orders under this agreement up to $250,000.00.

(5) Delivery tickets. All services under the agreement shall be accompanied by delivery tickets or sales slips that shall contain the following minimum information:

(i) Name of supplier.

(ii) BPA number.

(iii) Date of purchase.

(iv) Purchase number.

(v) Itemized list of services furnished.

(vi) Quantity, unit price, and extension of each item, less applicable discounts (unit prices and extensions need not be shown when incompatible with the use of automated systems, provided that the invoice is itemized to show this information).

(vii) Date of delivery.

(6) Invoices. A summary invoice shall be submitted at least monthly or upon expiration of this BPA, whichever occurs first, for all deliveries made during a billing period, identifying the delivery tickets covered therein, stating their total dollar value, and supported by receipt copies of the delivery tickets.

(7) Cancellation. Either party (the Government or Supplier) may cancel this BPA by providing written notice. The cancellation will take effect 30 calendar days after receipt of the cancellation notice. BPA cancellation does not release the BPA Supplier from the duty to continue performance on existing BPA Call Orders. Ongoing Call Orders continue until completion, even if the BPA is cancelled. Termination procedures for Call Orders are addressed in FAR 52.212-4(l)&(m).

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(8) Terms and conditions. The terms and conditions included in this agreement apply to all purchases made pursuant to this agreement. In the event of an inconsistency between the provisions of this agreement and the vendor’s receipt or invoice, the provisions of this agreement will take precedence.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) FOR RAPID REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES

DOMESTIC AND TERRITORY MARINE DEBRIS

1. BACKGROUND

Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or Great Lakes (15 CFR Part

909) and has become one of the most widespread pollution issues in oceans and waterways worldwide. In 2006, the Marine Debris Act established the NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) as the federal lead on marine debris issues for the U.S. government, with mandates to identify, determine sources of, assess, reduce, and prevent marine debris and its adverse impacts on the marine environment (33USC1951 et seq.). The MDP achieves its mission through six priorities: removal, prevention, research, monitoring and detection, regional and international coordination, and emergency response. Since the passage of the Marine Debris Act in 2006, Congress has updated and refined the MDP’s mission through subsequent amendments to the initial authorizing legislation (the Marine Debris Act amendments of 2012), as well as the passage of the Save Our Seas Act and Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, in 2018 and 2020, respectively. The Save our Seas 2.0 Act was signed into law on December 18, 2020 (P.L. 116-224), and enhances the United States’ domestic programs and international engagement to address and prevent marine debris.

Most recently, funding was made available to the MDP through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L.

117-58) to support marine debris removal efforts throughout the coastal United States and territories.

Consistent with the provisions of the MDP’s authorizing legislation, and central to the program’s core mission, is the ability to coordinate and respond to large scale marine debris events and chronic marine debris issues in a cost-effective and timely manner.

2. OBJECTIVE

NOAA MDP is requesting a contractor with the capabilities to coordinate and execute the rapid removal of marine debris targets in coastal areas on an as-needed basis, and as identified by the MDP, allowing the agency to provide reliable funding and support to such areas as quickly as possible.

3. SCOPE

The MDP coordinates and communicates across NOAA and with regional partners to address marine debris issues and identify in-situ removal targets in coastal communities of the United States and territories. The dynamic nature of marine debris and coastal environments often means that if not removed immediately, removal targets are at risk of being moved or broken down by storms and tides, which can cause localized habitat damage, navigational hazards, or threats to human safety. As a result, delayed removal and mitigation can also be more complicated and expensive.

There is a clear need for a funding mechanism that allows for rapid removal of marine debris. Currently, the MDP is only able to implement removal activities through grants and cooperative agreements, which can take up to a year to solicit, review, and award. It is critical that the agency has the ability to deploy financial resources toward the removal of marine debris targets quickly after being identified by the program.

As a national program, and the federal lead for marine debris issues for the federal government, the program’s rapid removal capabilities must cover the coastal United States and its territories. The contractor shall provide services for one or more of the regions defined below, as mentioned in the BPA’s terms and conditions:

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- Greater Atlantic Region (Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) and the Great Lakes Region (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan) will be considered a single region.

- Southeast / Caribbean Region (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina; Puerto Rico and United States Virgin Islands)

- Pacific Islands Region (Hawaii, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), American Samoa, Guam)

- West Coast Region (California, Oregon, Washington)

- Alaska

The contractor shall have expertise in the removal of marine debris of all types and sizes; the majority of removal targets are expected to consist of abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, storm/disaster related debris, shoreline debris, or other types as identified as necessary for removal by the MDP. Techniques that may be used include surveys and assessments, in-water removals involving vessel operations, debris removal by hand, debris removal using heavy equipment, environmental sampling, or other field experiments as needed.

The contractor shall be able to respond quickly to marine debris removal needs and coordinate and collaborate with the NOAA MDP and relevant federal, state, and local partners to ensure removal is conducted in a timely manner.

The contractor is expected to be knowledgeable of and comply with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and permit requirements relevant to the removal of marine debris.

This requirement is not meant to support research or other activities that do not encompass a removal action.

The contractor shall furnish all equipment, materials, and services necessary to conduct the project tasks as described below. The tasks shall be undertaken in active collaboration with NOAA MDP staff and its partners as needed, including open and scheduled communication through the most appropriate means (individual calls, conference calls, emails, etc.).

4. TASKS

The contractor shall complete Tasks One through Five below as-needed over the period of performance of a BPA Call Order, and in accordance with their quote. The contractor shall serve as a removal contractor for rapid marine debris removal needs within domestic (the United States and territories) and Great Lakes coastal, estuarine, and riverine areas. The contractor shall maintain readiness to respond to large-scale marine debris removal needs that are identified by the NOAA MDP, using safe and cost-effective techniques. Techniques that may be used are defined in Section 3 (Scope) above, whose appropriateness will be determined in coordination with the NOAA MDP. The identification of marine debris removal targets and the planning for all removal work will be done in coordination with the NOAA MDP.

TASK ONE. Maintain readiness for rapid removal of marine debris targets by:

- Establishing removal capabilities and resources

- Maintaining appropriate registrations

TASK TWO. Maintain and follow a comprehensive safety plan for all removal activities, and ensure safety protocols are followed and all personnel have appropriate training for the specified removal and disposal work.

- The contractor shall demonstrate knowledge of the anticipated removal activities and address potential challenges that could impact the safety of project participants during project activities.

- The contractor needs to have a written safety plan that shall consider safety at all project sites during and after project implementation and take into account potential safety concerns for current and future uses of the project site.

- If a project requires scuba diving or the use of surface-supplied air, it is the responsibility of the contractor

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to ensure that divers are qualified and trained to a level commensurate with the type and conditions of the diving activity being undertaken.

- All diving activities must meet, or be specifically exempted from, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Assuming all other relevant safety conditions are satisfied, divers that are not advanced divers must perform only simple activities, such as underwater surveys and/or removal of light, non-entangling objects.

TASK THREE. Coordinate with NOAA MDP as needed for assessment and planning for removal activities by:

- Ensuring all environmental compliance requirements are met prior to conducting removals;

- Ensuring best management practices, conservation recommendations and removal techniques are followed as required by NOAA or other federal, state or local agencies.

TASK FOUR. Conduct marine debris removal and disposal.

- Obtain all necessary permits for removal operations within 90 calendar days. If permits cannot be obtained within 90 days, the contractor must notify NOAA MDP to extend that deadline.

- Contractors must initiate on-site removal activities within 30 calendar days of receiving all required permits, and complete all removal activities within the period of performance for the Call Order.

- Once mobilization is complete, delays should be avoided. The contractor must notify NOAA MDP of any expected delays to removal activities.

- Removal metrics to be tracked include, at minimum: pounds of debris removed, the number of debris items and type removed (eg. vessels, derelict fishing gear, or other debris items), GPS coordinates, geographic area (in square miles or shoreline miles) surveyed, and others as determined by NOAA MDP.

- Ensure best management practices and conservation recommendations are followed during removal and disposal.

- Best management practices and conservation recommendations will be provided by the NOAA MDP prior to issuing any Call Orders under this BPA.

- Scuttling of vessels and debris is not an allowable removal / disposal option for work under this requirement.

TASK FIVE. Disseminate removal activity accomplishments, as requested by the NOAA MDP.

- Contractors may be required to provide follow-on informational briefings and presentations to communicate and disseminate accomplishments, outcomes, and findings to interested parties on an as-needed basis.

5. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The places of performance for rapid removal activities will be identified on an as-needed basis and at the direction of and in coordination with the NOAA MDP. Planning and coordination work may take place virtually, at the contractor’s facility, NOAA offices, or other meeting venues as necessary.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance (POP) for this BPA will not not exceed 60 months from the effective date with one, six-month option period in accordance with FAR 52.217-8.

7. TRAVEL

Contractor travel is subject to the agency’s operating status defined in the NOAA Reintegration Handbook. At the time of publication of this requirement travel is limited to mission critical only, and will be adjusted accordingly as NOAA phases in return to on-site policies. When developing the quote, the contractor should consider the possibility that travel will not be approved for the full, or substantial portion of this requirement. If NOAA and the contractor’s travel restrictions allow, the contractor may be expected to travel to the Washington D.C. Metro area for project planning purposes, and to disseminate results of removal activities.

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8. KEY PERSONNEL

The personnel specified below are considered to be essential to the work being performed under this BPA. Prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other projects, the contractor shall notify the CO reasonably in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. No diversion shall be made by the contractor without the written consent of the CO. Key personnel shall perform as follows:

Project Manager - responsible for managing the overall removal effort and coordinating with NOAA on contract matters. Demonstrated experience of at least three (3) years in field operations management, showing the ability to plan and coordinate, and provide technical oversight for marine debris removal (or similar) field operations.

Demonstrated experience with salvage operations is required. Demonstrated experience with or knowledge of permitting requirements for marine debris removal work is desirable.

9. DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide deliverables in electronic format with read/write capability using applications that are compatible with NOAA workstations (e.g., Windows, Microsoft Office Applications and Google Workspace). The products expected as part of each BPA Call Order are outlined below.

Item 1: Progress Reporting Deliverables include regular and timely reporting following the completion of each removal event. MDP may require the contractor to fill out data forms describing the characteristics of removed debris. Reports must describe the following:

- a narrative description of all mobilization activities, preparatory work, removal activities, and demobilization activities conducted for each removal event.

- a table showing the characteristics of removed debris, which shall include: debris ID number (if contractor removes multiple targets), debris proximity to nearest town, debris GPS coordinates, debris text description (if vessel, describe type, size, composition of vessel), removal techniques used (lift bags, cut in place, floating/towing, other), date removed, date disposed/recycled, and location/facility of disposal;

- removal outcomes and metrics

- removal metrics (include: pounds of debris removed, the number of debris items and type removed

(eg. vessels, derelict fishing gear, or other debris items), geographic area (in square miles or shoreline miles) surveyed, and others as determined by NOAA MDP.

- the contractor may be required to fill out NOAA MDP’s Removal Data Collection Form to track metrics and characteristics;

- include any associated documents for removal activities or planning done during the reporting period (permitting documentation, before/after photographs, metrics);

- a summary of all Best Management Practices followed before, during and after the removal event;

- a summary of all safety precautions followed before, during and after the removal event;

- a summary of any problems, unexpected issues, or deviations from the original work plan;

- any technical recommendations for improving similar removals in the future;

- a budget summary table for activities that occurred under the contract

Item 2: Informational Briefings The contractor may be asked to provide follow-on informational briefings and presentations to communicate and disseminate accomplishments, outcomes, and findings to interested parties on an as-needed basis.

10. POST AWARD CONFERENCE

Once Call Order is awarded, the contractor shall attend a Post Award Conference with the CO and the COR no later than 15 business days after the date of award. The purpose of the Post Award Conference, which will be chaired by the CO, is to discuss technical and contracting objectives of this Call Order. The Post Award Conference will take place via teleconference or video conference.

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11. PROGRESS MEETINGS

At the Call Order level, the Project Manager shall meet with the COR as needed to discuss progress, exchange information, and resolve any emergent technical problems and issues. Unless otherwise needed these meetings shall take place primarily via teleconference or video conference.

12. PROTECTION OF INFORMATION

Contractor access to information protected under the Privacy Act may be required under this PWS. Contractor employees shall safeguard this information against unauthorized disclosure or dissemination in accordance with the law and Government policy and regulation.

13. GOVERNMENT TERMS & DEFINITIONS

COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative CO – Contracting Officer ALDFG - Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear. See ‘DFG’ below.

DFG − Derelict Fishing Gear, sometimes referred to as "ghost gear," is any intentionally or unintentionally discarded, lost, or abandoned fishing gear in the marine environment. Often DFG is fishery- or region-specific;

sometimes characterized as fishing gear deployed during any closed season for the species, or any fishable gear during the open season that lacks a buoy, line, tag, identification, or other components critical for proper function.12 GESAMP - Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection GGGI - Global Ghost Gear Initiative MDP - Marine Debris Program Marine debris - any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes.

NOAA − National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

14. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

The Government will not furnish any resources to the contractor in support of this BPA.

15. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

The contractor shall furnish all facilities, materials, equipment and services necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

16. GOVERNMENT ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

The COR will review deliverables prior to acceptance and provide the contractor with an e-mail that provides documented reasons for non-acceptance. If the deliverable is acceptable, the COR will send an e-mail to the contractor notifying it that the deliverable has been accepted.

a. The COR will have the right to reject or require correction of any deficiencies found in the deliverables that are contrary to the information contained in the BPA. In the event of a rejected deliverable, the contractor will be notified in writing by the COR of the specific reasons for rejection. The contractor may have an opportunity to correct the rejected deliverable and return it per delivery instructions.

b. The COR will have 10 business days to review deliverables and make comments. The contractor shall have 10 business days to make corrections and redeliver.

c. All other review times and schedules for deliverables shall be agreed upon by the parties based on the Call Order’s quote. The contractor shall be responsible for timely delivery to Government personnel in the agreed upon review chain, at each stage of the review. The contractor shall work with personnel reviewing the deliverables to assure that the established schedule is maintained.

1 https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ghostfishing.html 2 FL FWC Trap Retrieval and Trap Debris Removal Rule 68B-55.001

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17. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective Standard Performance Threshold* Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1. The contractor shall maintain readiness for rapid removal of marine debris targets.

The contractor provided evidence or assurances of capabilities and professional registrations needed to conduct the types of removals required.

No expired certifications, training, registrations, or liability insurance for all personnel.

Direct observation of contractor-provided documentation.

PRS # 2. The contractor shall maintain and follow a comprehensive safety plan for all removal activities, and ensure safety protocols are followed.

The contractor:

- provided a safety plan to

NOAA MDP;

- demonstrated that all personnel have appropriate training for the specified removal and disposal work.

No expired certifications, training, registrations or liability insurance for all personnel.

Safety plan provided to

NOAA MDP.

Direct observation of contractor-provided documentation.

PRS # 3a. The contractor shall be properly permitted to conduct all removal activities identified under the BPA Call Order.

The contractor obtained all necessary permits for removal operations.

All required permits documented prior to removal mobilization.

Direct observation of contractor-provided documentation.

PRS # 3b. The contractor shall remove all marine debris targets identified under the BPA Call Order.

The contractor:

- initiated on-site removal in a timely manner as required by the PWS;

- completed all removal activities in an efficient manner as required by the

PWS;

- completed all removal activities using proper removal and disposal techniques;

- avoided unnecessary delays.

Removal activities started within 30 calendar days of receiving all required permits.

No work stoppages unless by unforeseen external delay.

Direct observation and periodic inspection of on-site removal activities.

PRS # 3c. The contractor shall follow all best management practices and conservation recommendations during mobilization, removal and disposal.

The contractor followed all best management practices and conservation recommendations during mobilization, removal and disposal.

No adverse environmental impact from removal activities unless by unforeseen external forces.

Direct observation and periodic inspection of on-site removal activities.

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PRS # 4. The contractor shall submit progress reporting following the completion of all removal activities.

The contractor submitted all required reporting.

Report submitted within 30 calendar days of completion of each removal event.

All required information is included in submitted reports.

Direct observation of contractor-provided documentation.

PRS # 5. The contractor may be asked to provide follow-on informational briefings and presentations to communicate and disseminate accomplishments, outcomes, and findings.

The contractor provided follow-on informational briefings and presentations successfully.

All accomplishments, outcomes, and findings are included in informational briefings and presentations.

Direct observation of contractor-provided informational briefings.

* This is the maximum error rate.

Table of Contents

52.212-1

52.212-2

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CLAUSES

52.212-1

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52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021) ADDENDUM

The text of paragraph “f” is hereby deleted, and the paragraph is annotated as “Reserved.” Paragraph “c” is amended as follows: “The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its quotation (quote) firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of quotes, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.”

Offerors shall submit their quotes in Two Volumes: Business Solution and Price.

Offerors interested in submitting a quote in response to this RFQ, must provide the following information by Friday, June 30, 2023 at 3:30 PM Central Daylight Time (CDT) via email to Kortney Carter at kortney.carter@noaa.gov with a copy to James Price at james.e.price@noaa.gov. The volumes shall be submitted in two separate files in the same email.

All questions shall be submitted via email only by Monday, May 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM CDT to Kortney Carter at kortney.carter@noaa.gov with a copy to James Price at james.e.price@noaa.gov.

Offerors are required to submit a Business Solution which will be used to assess the offeror’s capability to perform the services described in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The solution shall clearly demonstrate that the vendor has a thorough understanding of the effort required to successfully meet all tasks outlined in the PWS.

Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of them and that it will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Solution; as such, Solutions must be fully self-sufficient and provide all necessary information for a comprehensive evaluation. Solutions must be sufficient enough so as to show how the vendor proposes to accomplish the effort described in the PWS, including a full explanation of the procedures and techniques to be followed.

To be acceptable, the quote must meet all of the requirements of the RFQ. Failure to follow instructions regarding the format content of the quote may result in the quote not being considered for award. Quotes which merely offer to perform in accordance with the requirements of the PWS or merely state that requirements are understood and will be complied with, which paraphrase the PWS or parts thereof, or use phrases such as "standard industry practices will be employed,” or "well established techniques will be employed,” etc., may be considered unacceptable.

The following material shall be submitted for each quote:

VOLUME I – BUSINESS SOLUTION

Business Solution: Electronic copies shall include all information required for evaluation, excluding any reference to price. Volume I shall be subdivided into the following factors:

A. Technical Approach (Page Limit: 15) (Resumes and separate hypothetical removal scenario responses excluded) B. Past Performance (Page Limit: 5) (Excludes past performance questionnaires)

The Business Solution shall be subdivided by the factors listed above and shall collectively be no more than 20 pages, exclusive of resumes and past performance questionnaires. Pages submitted above this page count will not be read or considered part of the evaluation. Each side of a single sheet of paper is considered a page, such that a single sheet of 8 1Ú2 x 11. The cover page, and table of contents, are not to be considered part of the allowable 20-page limit. Each page in this volume shall be separately numbered. Font type shall be Times New Roman size 12-point.

No reduction of font size will be allowed in the quote. A Sans Serif type 10-point font is to be used for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes and legends. Costly, complex presentations are neither required nor desired. No columnar or newspaper style grid (columns) pages will be allowed.

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A. Technical Approach

The technical approach shall clearly demonstrate the offeror’s understanding and ability to furnish the full range of solutions and services necessary to meet the requirements of the PWS. Additionally, vendors shall demonstrate the following:

(1) Knowledge of, and practical expertise in the removal of marine debris of all types and sizes. The majority of removal targets shall consist of abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, storm/disaster related debris, shoreline debris, or other types as identified as necessary for removal by the NOAA Marine Debris Program (NOAA MDP).

(a) The contractor shall demonstrate experience with and proficiency in the techniques needed for debris removal.

(b) The contractor shall demonstrate the ability to determine the appropriate technique for a given removal requirement that minimizes cost, environmental impact, and time requirements. The term “debris removal” includes any required surveys and assessments, in-water removals involving vessel operations, debris removal by hand, in-water or shoreline debris removal using heavy equipment, environmental sampling, or other field experiments as may be related to debris removal activities.

(c) The contractor shall demonstrate the capability to perform debris removal throughout the coastal United States and territories.

(d) The contractor shall demonstrate quality assurance and control measures and procedures that will be in place to ensure removal efforts are completed in a timely manner, and that all best management practices and safety measures will be followed during removal implementation.

(e) The contractor shall demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of executing marine debris removal work. In particular, the contractor shall demonstrate the ability to provide sufficient staffing and oversight in the event multiple removal requirements overlap.

(2) Ability to respond quickly to marine debris removal needs and coordinate and collaborate with the NOAA MDP and relevant federal, state, and local partners to ensure removal is conducted in a timely manner. This is defined as the ability to start removal activities within 30 calendar days of receiving all required permits;

(a) The offeror shall clearly identify the geographic area(s) in which it can effectively operate based on the following regional definitions. Offerors may identify more than one geographic region for operational coverage:

(i) Greater Atlantic Region (Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) and the Great Lakes Region (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan) will be considered a single region.

(ii) Southeast / Caribbean Region (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina; Puerto Rico and United States Virgin Islands)

(iii) Pacific Islands Region (Hawaii, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), American Samoa, Guam)

(iv) West Coast Region (California, Oregon, Washington)

(v) Alaska

(b) The contractor shall demonstrate their readiness to deploy quickly and acquire or maintain all appropriate certifications that may be needed to conduct successful debris removal.

(c) Knowledge of all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and permit requirements relevant to the removal of marine debris, and the ability to adjust removal activities through the use of Best Management Practices that may be imposed on the project or required by NOAA or other federal, state or local agencies.

(d) The contractor shall demonstrate their willingness and ability to coordinate with NOAA MDP as needed to ensure all environmental compliance requirements are incorporated into removal work, as may be required.

(3) Ability to disseminate removal activity accomplishments, as requested by the NOAA MDP. The contractor may be required to provide follow-on informational briefings and presentations to communicate and disseminate accomplishments, outcomes, and findings to interested parties on an as-needed basis.

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(a) The contractor shall demonstrate the ability for all work and removal metrics and outcomes to be documented properly and reported on in a complete, timely, and accurate manner.

(b) The contractor shall demonstrate experience and knowledge in geographic information system (GIS) mapping, including, but not limited to, applying data standards, technical specifications, and standard operating procedures to process and prepare removal data for the possible development of mapping products.

(4) Provide resumes from key personnel detailing their qualifications, education, geographic coverage, and relevant debris removal experience;

A technical approach shall be submitted for the below hypothetical marine debris removal scenario. A separate technical approach shall be submitted for each region identified by the offeror to operate in Volume I, Section A(2)(a) of this provision. The technical approach shall convey the following:

(1) Knowledge of, and practical expertise in the removal of an abandoned and derelict vessel (ADV).

(2) The offeror shall demonstrate the ability to determine the appropriate technique for the scenario that minimizes cost, environmental impact, and time requirements.

(3) The offeror shall demonstrate quality assurance and control measures and procedures that will be in place to ensure removal efforts are completed in a timely manner, and that all best management practices and safety measures will be followed during removal implementation.

(4) The offeror shall demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of executing marine debris removal work within sensitive environments and habitats. In particular, the offeror shall demonstrate the ability to provide sufficient staffing and oversight in the event multiple removal requirements overlap.

(5) The offeror shall demonstrate knowledge of all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and permit requirements relevant to the removal of such a vessel, and the ability to adjust removal activities through the use of Best Management Practices that may be imposed on the project or required by NOAA or other federal, state or local agencies.

The hypothetical removal scenario is as follows:

- A 77-foot-long steel commercial fishing vessel originally grounded on October 10, 2018 while trying to evade a major storm. The fishing vessel is grounded in 11 feet of water about 2 miles from shore, which primarily consists of sandy bottom, however resource mappers indicate the vessel rests within potential Critical Habitat and Essential Fish Habitat. The four year old wreck was battered by strong winds, waves and several subsequent storms since it initially grounded. Surveys conducted by local resource agencies noted significant additional damage to the hull, with several large pieces in the nearby water or nearshore area. It also appears that the vessel has been pushed further onto its starboard side, likely causing additional damage to the vessel and the surrounding environment.

Avoidance Measures Stop operating mechanical construction equipment, including response vessels, immediately if a protected species is observed within a 50-ft radius of construction equipment and resume after the species has departed the area of its own…