Amendment_0003_1305M319QNFFS0023.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

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16C. DATE SIGNED

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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

VESSEL CHARTER FOR SOUTHEAST ALASKA HARBOR PORPOISE SURVEY

See Attached Page(s)

1 10

1305M319QNFFS00230003 MAY 09, 2019 NFFS7300-19-01137

AJ630031

WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE, SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

See Block 6

1305M319QNFFS0023

APR 24, 2019

See Schedule

X 1

Attachment Page

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Amendment #0003 to Solicitation 1305M319QNFFS0023 is issued:

1) To provide revisions to the Statement of Work contained in Amendment 0001 issued on May 6, 2019. The attached revised Statement of Work replaces the previous Statement of Work in its entirety. Changes are notated in blue strikeout and underscore.

2) The due date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to May 13, 2019 at 2:00 pm local, Seattle time.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

--End of solicitation Amendment--

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SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS

STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

The contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to perform the following Statement of Work/Specifications:

VESSEL CHARTER FOR SOUTHEAST ALASKA HARBOR PORPOISE SURVEY

Summary of Requirements One (1) commercial vessel with experienced crew is needed to assist with line transect surveys of harbor porpoise in the inland waters and, time permitting, coastal waters of Southeast Alaska. The vessel must have one (1) 17 to 23-foot rigid-hulled inflatable boat available for use by the scientific team to collect water samples. The vessel must be able to launch and retrieve the inflatable boat and to conduct line transect and water sampling. The vessel must have sufficient deck space to store the rigid-hulled inflatable boat in a location from which it can be launched easily and additional gear (as listed in Attachment 6, in section entitled CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS), and be equipped with modern navigation and communications electronics. The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) Division will provide line transect and water sampling gear. An experienced captain and a fivefour-member crew will be needed to operate the vessel, while a NOAA scientist will act as Chief Scientist and direct survey operations.

Background The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) conducted annual cetacean surveys within the inland waters of Southeast Alaska from 1991 through 2015 with a research emphasis on harbor porpoise, killer whales, and humpback whales. MML’s current focus in inland waters of Southeast Alaska is harbor porpoise because of bycatch issues with the salmon driftnet fishery around Wrangell and Zarembo. Harbor porpoise are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and NOAA is mandated to manage bycatch. To determine current abundance and collect information on stock structure, MML will conduct a harbor porpoise survey in 2019. All major inland waters of Southeast Alaska may be surveyed during the course of this project which could include, but is not limited to: Stephen’s Passage, Lynn Canal, Icy Strait, Cross Sound, Chatham Strait, Sumner Strait, Clarence Strait, Frederick Sound and coastal waters between Cape Spencer and Dixon Entrance.

Objectives Provide a vessel charter for up to six (6) NOAA biologists, both government and non-government, to investigate abundance, trends, and stock structure of harbor porpoise throughout the inland and coastal waters of Southeast Alaska.

Survey Periods:

Base Period – July 1 to August 31, 2019.

1. The survey is planned to begin on or around 20 July 2019. Start of survey can be delayed if absolutely necessary to 27 July 2019, but must be coordinated with the COR prior to the start date being changed.

2. The charter shall cover a twenty two (22) day period with an option for up to four (4) additional survey days.

3. As many as twenty four (24) days of line-transect work may occur during this survey.

Option Period I – July 1 to August 31, 2020.

1. The survey is planned to start on or around mid-July.

2. The charter shall cover a fourteen (14) day period with an option for up to fourteen (14) additional survey days.

Option Period II – July 1 to August 31, 2021.

1. The survey is planned to start on or around mid-July.

2. The charter shall cover a fourteen (14) day period with an option for up to fourteen (14) additional survey days.

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Option Period III – July 1 to August 31, 2022.

1. The survey is planned to start on or around mid-July.

2. The charter shall cover a fourteen (14) day period with an option for up to fourteen (14) additional survey days.

Option Period IV – July 1 to August 31, 2024.

1. The survey is planned to start on or around mid-July.

2. The charter shall cover a fourteen (14) day period with an option for up to fourteen (14) additional survey days.

Place of Performance The survey will begin and end in Juneau, Alaska and there will be one in-port in Juneau, AK to change scientific crew. The activity on this contract will occur in the major inland waterways of Southeast Alaska between Cape Spencer and Dixon Entrance which could include Stephen’s Passage, Lynn Canal, Icy Strait, Cross Sound, Chatham Strait, Sumner Strait, Clarence Strait, Frederick Sound and coastal waters between Cape Spencer and Dixon Entrance.

Mobilization, Demobilization, and Transit Requirements Mobilization (loading) will occur in Juneau, AK the first day of the charter and demobilization will occur in Juneau, AK the day after the end of the cruise.

Cruise Requirements MML has a requirement for the charter of a commercial vessel to support the line-transect surveys of harbor porpoise in the inland waters of Southeast Alaska. The scientific party will conduct a variety of research activities such as the following: visual observations for harbor porpoise and other cetaceans under strict line-transect protocols and collecting water samples in the water footprint of harbor porpoise. Line-transect surveys allows data on both harbor porpoise abundance and trends to be obtained by the scientific party. During line-transect operations, scientific observers rotate among three positions logging in all cetacean sightings, environmental conditions, and track line information. Pre-determined track lines shall be followed and all positional information (i.e., waypoints) will be given to the vessel Captain prior to departure for entry into the ship’s GPS system. General search patterns shall require the vessel to operate at 9-10 knots during these surveys. During line-transect days, approximately 100-120 nautical miles a day shall be surveyed with coverage ranging from Cape Spencer to Dixon Entrance. The number of line-transect days will vary depending on weather. Visual surveys will be conducted during daylight hours using hand-held binoculars from the observational area, weather permitting, or from the bridge. Some transiting may occur overnight to position the research vessel for survey effort for the following day.

The scientific party will embark and disembark in Juneau, AK with the charter cruise taking place in the inland waters of Southeast Alaska. The specific itinerary of the survey shall be flexible depending on both weather conditions and location of harbor porpoise. Itinerary decisions shall be coordinated between the Chief Scientist of this project and the vessel Captain.

On days when line-transect work is not required, the vessel shall remain in the same general area for periods of up to three (3) days to work with harbor porpoise groups and collect water samples. Scientists will work from the inflatable boat during this phase of the research. During harbor porpoise work, the vessel shall stay in close proximity (within at least 1 mile) or follow the inflatable boat to ensure the safety of the researchers. The crew on the inflatable boat will be attempting to collect water samples in the proximity of harbor porpoise groups.

Permits to conduct all phases of this research are obtained and held by the Chief Scientist.

Daily meetings are required each day to discuss operations and weather. Frequent communication between the Captain and Chief Scientist is required to ensure the success of the research. The Captain shall be responsible for checking weather conditions each morning and discussing this with the Chief Scientist. In this way, the overall success of the mission will be enhanced (i.e., best route to take to avoid aversive sea conditions and maximize data collection). A 12-hour work day is required each day; however, work day length may extend beyond the 12 hours depending upon the research that needs to be accomplished. The decision will be based on the type of activity, PAGE 5 OF 10 1305M319QNFFS00230003

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weather, sea state, and overall work progress. The Chief Scientist or designated alternate has final authority except for work stoppage resulting from uncontrollable situations such as unsafe weather and sea state conditions and other safety-of-life-at-sea considerations as determined by the vessel Captain. Scientific operations will be conducted during daylight hours. Some transiting may occur overnight to position the research vessel for survey effort for the following day; otherwise the vessel shall be anchored or jog in place overnight.

The vessel Captain shall provide safe, efficient working conditions and accommodations to the government personnel working on board. While conducting research, researchers will spend a considerable amount of time working in the wheelhouse. During working hours, vessel personnel shall refrain from playing loud music. The Contractor, its agents, subcontractors, and employees, including the Captain and crew of the vessel, shall not harass, assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, interfere with, or make unwelcome advances toward any member of the government scientific party. Violation of the Contractor's obligations under this Special Provision may result in termination of the contract, at the discretion of the government, and in consequent liability of the Contractor to the government for any costs incurred. Violation of the Contractor's obligations under this Special Provision may result in the criminal and/or civil prosecution of the person involved by either the government or effected government personnel, as provided by applicable law.

NOTE: Minimum Qualifications for the vessel are listed below; vessels not meeting the minimum qualifications will not be considered for award.

1. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

1.1. Minimum overall length of vessel of 85 feet and maximum length of 165 feet and draft of 12 feet.

1.2. Minimum cruising speed of 9 to 10 knots.

1.3. A weatherproof, heated wheelhouse or cockpit.

1.4. A clean, outside area suitable for observational work at a height above the water line of at least 15 feet. This area must be in close proximity to the wheelhouse and on the forward part of the vessel (aft-house vessels are not suitable). There must be room in this area for two (2) visual observers. Each observer will be scanning from their side of the vessel to the forward center line and must have an unobstructed view. The observation area could comprise two (2) areas of equal height such as the bridge wings.

1.5. Room in the wheelhouse for a scientific computer station. Space is required for a laptop computer and a portable GPS unit (both provided by the scientific party) and for a third visual observer to be stationed inside the wheelhouse of the ship as data recorded and with an unobstructed view forward of the vessel. When conditions, such as weather, prohibit observation from the outside station, room must be available in the wheelhouse for all three observers. Also required are an accessible 120 volt AC outlet and the ability to route a GPS antenna to the computer station. The station must be situated to allow observations forward of the vessel while working at the computer station. It is important that conditions inside the wheelhouse permit observers to easily view waters directly in front of and abeam of the vessel. The station must be situated to allow direct communication with the vessel’s captain.

1.6. A clean, 10 foot by 15 foot inside area suitable for processing water samples. A table or counter space and a power outlet for a water filter is required in this area.

1.7. Vessel shall be equipped with appropriate modern electronic navigation and communication equipment in compliance with industry safety standards. All communication equipment shall be tested and tuned before the charter begins. Minimum requirements are:

i. Two (2) all-weather radars (36 mile minimum range).

ii. At least one (1) VHF radio with a fixed installation.

iii. At least one (1) synthesized 1-18 MHz Single Side Band radio (one or more capable of communicating with AT&T High Seas Marine Operator).

iv. Two (2) GPS or Loran C navigational equipment.

v. One (1) fax machine capable of obtaining weather information or equivalent.

vi. A system for switching to backup power (e.g., battery) for radio operation in the event of interruption of the normal power supply.

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1.8. The vessel shall have one (1) 17 to 23-foot rigid-hulled inflatable boat which can be used by the scientific crew. The inflatable boat must have an outboard motor with a minimum 115 horsepower engine, Center console (not a tiller steer outboard engine), and room for three (3) NOAA scientists and an inflatable boat captain designated by the vessel’s captain. The side of the inflatable boat must be low enough to the water for a scientist to be able to collect a water sample from the exact location where a harbor porpoise submerged after the inflatable boat has reached that location. A crew member of the vessel is required to have the necessary licenses to operate (drive) the small boat; however, the Chief Scientist will have the right to provide a suitably qualified member of the scientific party as a driver. Water sampling would be conducted by the NOAA scientists.

1.9. The vessel must have capability for loading and off-loading the scientific party and the inflatable boat with outboard motor to and from the water; total weight of 3,400 pounds. If the inflatable boat is stored on deck, loading and off-loading of the boat shall be with a crane extendable to 10' past the side of the vessel and capable of lifting up to 2 tons. If the inflatable boat is towed, loading of scientific staff and gear must be accomplished in a safe manner, such as a secure ladder or dive platform.

1.10. The vessel must provide two (2), 55-gallon drums including pump to store gasoline for the inflatable boat.

1.11. A clean, flush deck area of at least 500 sq. ft. for storage and launching of inflatable boats. On deck work area(s) should be clear of running gear, equipment, and stowage.

1.12. Seawater deck hose for cleaning.

1.13. Secure and easily accessible rail cleats to securely tie the inflatable boat alongside the vessel.

1.14. Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use of up to ten (10) people for about 26 days.

If a water maker is not available then a minimum of 4,000 gallons is required.

1.15. Washer-dryer for personal laundry.

1.16. The contractor shall provide cold water immersion suits, which are in compliance with operational safety standards, for all personnel including crew and scientists. Adequate dry storage space for all survival suits shall be provided.

1.17. The vessel shall carry an up-to-date emergency trauma first aid kit in compliance with industry safety standards. It shall be stocked to provide first aid supplies for up to six (6) scientists plus vessel crew. At a minimum, this kit should be equivalent to the Marine 3000 made by Adventure Medical Kits (http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?catname=Marine&prodname=Marine%203000&product=11 8#) and supplemented with a box of nitrile gloves, oxygen therapy bottles, and an AED. The Government will inspect the kit at least one month prior to the vessel’s departure or as soon as possible after contract award, in Seattle to ensure that all items are unexpired and the kit is inclusive of all necessary items.

1.18. With submission of their proposal, the contractor shall provide the Stability Letter from the vessel's Stability Report, certified by a licensed naval architect/marine engineer, which describes the vessel's stability characteristics for the intended charter operations. Recent stability or marine survey reports, pictures, drawings, or blueprints must be included along with other required information to assist in the evaluation.

1.19. A Category I 406 MHz EPIRB must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The EPIRB must be up to date on all Coast Guard registration and inspection.

2. DESIRED (BUT NOT REQUIRED) VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS

Should an offeror provide the following desirable items, additional consideration may be given to Evaluation Factor 1, Vessel Characteristics and Configuration.

2.1. Unobstructed deck space (i.e., only a low deck rail) next to the inflatable boat launching location so that the inflatable boat can be lifted and placed in the water with a minimum amount of time spent in the air. Inflatable boat must be visible by line-handler(s) during entire launch procedure.

2.2. A drop of less than 12 feet from the top of the rail to the waterline at the inflatable boat launching location.

2.3. Access to email communication for the scientific party, the cost of which shall be included in the daily charter rate. If email access is not available, it will be provided to the scientific party through a Government supplied satellite phone at no cost to the Contractor.

2.4. The outside area described in 1.4 is at a height above the waterline of at least 15 feet and is no more than one level and 10 feet away from any wheelhouse door.

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3. CREW REQUIREMENTS

3.1. Minimum vessel crew shall consist of no fewer than four (4) and shall consist of captain, engineer-mate, cook-mate and first mate or deck-hand.

3.2. The captain shall have a minimum of ten (10) years' experience as a master of a vessel comparable in size to, or larger than, the vessel selected.

3.3. Additional preference may be given to captains with prior experience operating vessels throughout the inland waterways of Southeast Alaska and working with cetaceans in this area.

3.4. At times, the captain shall be required to closely approach under the direction of the Chief Scientist, but with due regard to navigational safety, harbor porpoise from the support vessel. Captains with prior experience with close approaches to harbor porpoise and other cetacean species to ensure the safety of these animals may be given additional preference.

3.5. The engineer-mate must be qualified for independently taking over operations of the vessel in the event the captain is absent or becomes incapacitated.

3.6. The cook-mate shall be experienced in preparing nutritionally balanced meals for ten (10) or more people including vegetarian meals and/or specific food requirements that will be described in advance of the cruise.

3.7. The deck hand must be able to safely operate the crane. There shall be at least two (2) crew members available on deck for all inflatable boat launching and retrieving operations, one to operate the crane and one to assist the scientific party.

3.8. At least one vessel crew member is required to have the necessary licenses to operate (drive) the inflatable boat.

3.9. At least one crew member must be currently certified in CPR plus Wilderness First Aid Training, and qualified/certified to suture and administer intravenous medication. Offerors must provide proof of certification in their proposal, as part of CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, Attachment 3, Master/Crew Work Experience.

3.10. At least one crew member must be formally trained in survival skills and firefighting at a level equivalent to that offered by the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association (http://www.npfvoa.org/index.html). Offerors must provide proof of the successful completion of this training in their proposal, as part of CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, Attachment 3, Master/Crew Work Experience.

3.11. Replacements for Key Personnel must possess qualifications equal to or exceeding the qualifications of the personnel being replaced. Any changes to Key Personnel specified must be approved by the Contracting Officer and the COR prior to substitutions being made.

4. ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS (all costs associated with accommodations and meals for crew and party shall be included in the daily rate)

4.1. Accommodations for a scientific party of six (6) which will include female scientists and possibly foreign nationals is required. The scientific party shall be accommodated separately from the crew, in at least three (3) bunk-rooms. Please provide schematics or descriptions of the number of berths and bunk rooms available to the scientific party with your quote.

4.2. Berthing spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from excessive engine noise and fumes.

4.3. Clean mattresses, covers, and bedding shall be provided by the Contractor.

4.4. Suitable sanitary accommodations, including head and shower separated from the living quarters and within the ship, shall be available. Hot, fresh water shower, shall be provided at least every second day for each member of the scientific party. The bathroom areas (including head and shower) and hallways shall be cleaned at least twice a week by the crew.

4.5. Three balanced, nutritious meals shall be provided by the contractor per day, one of which may be a

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shore lunch for the scientific party. All meals shall include fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetarian meals may be required for some members of the party. Any food allergy information of prospective scientific party members or other special food requirements will be provided to the contractor at least one (1) week prior to sailing to allow for proper provisioning. Water, juice, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks shall be available throughout the day. Due to the nature of the operation, meal hours must be flexible. The Captain and Chief Scientist will set meal hours that are mutually agreeable on a daily basis.

5. OPERATING PROCEDURES

5.1. During charter operations, the visual observations will require the vessel to operate at ~9-10 knots.

During water sampling operations, the inflatable boat shall be launched to collect water samples in the water footprint of harbor porpoise. The vessel and the inflatable may be required to closely approach several species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. All required marine mammal/scientific collection permits will be obtained by the Government prior to the charter. When the scientific party is aboard the inflatable boat, the vessel shall wait nearby or follow the scientific party and the crew shall maintain radio communication with the scientific party. In the event that sea conditions prohibit launching an inflatable boat, attempts to collect water samples from the charter vessel will be made at the discretion of the Chief Scientist and in consultation with the Vessel Captain.

5.2. The crew, when not required by the Captain for vessel operations, shall assist the Government scientific party during all survey activities, including but not limited to: water sampling, launching and retrieving the inflatable boat, and monitoring the location of the inflatable boat when away from the vessel.

5.3. Workday length will be determined each day by the Chief Scientist, in consultation with the Captain.

The decision will be based on the type of activity as well as prevailing situations regarding weather, sea state, work schedule, and work progress. Line-transect operations will occur during daylight hours; no night time operations will occur, but the vessel may be required to move to a new starting location overnight. The Chief Scientist has final authority on working hours, except for work stoppage resulting from uncontrollable situations such as unsafe weather and sea state conditions and other safety-of-life-at-sea considerations as determined by the Captain.

5.4. The Chief Scientist and Captain shall meet a minimum of twice a day to discuss survey operations and resolve any problems that occur. A meeting shall occur at the start of the day (before survey operations begin) to discuss the planned activities for the day, and at the end of the day to review the work completed that day, any problems which occurred, and plans for the next day’s operations.

5.5. The Chief Scientist and Captain shall work together to resolve all problems which occur regarding the charter and survey while at sea. In the event the Chief Scientist and Captain are unable to resolve any problem that has the potential for invalidating the survey or threatens the safety of the field party, the Chief Scientist will direct the vessel to return to port where an attempt shall be made to find an acceptable solution arranged between the Government and the contractor. The vessel will be off-charter if required to return to port and will remain off-charter until the problem has been resolved and the vessel has returned to the survey area. In the event that no solution can be agreed, the charter will be terminated.

5.6. The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow all safety procedures as directed by the Chief Scientist to help prevent damage to or loss of Government gear and equipment. Specific safety procedures may be presented in writing to the Captain by the Chief Scientist. Repair or replacement costs may be deducted from charter payments if loss or damage to Government equipment is the result of negligent disregard of such instructions and procedures.

5.7. All equipment and gear specified in the Government's statement of work and that which is not specified but is necessary for the safe and continued operation of the vessel shall be operational at the beginning of the charter and be maintained in working order throughout the duration of the charter.

5.8. Passengers are not permitted to be transported aboard NOAA chartered vessels for any reason without review and approval from the Contracting Officer in consultation with the COR. No individuals

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shall be aboard the vessel without NOAA’s authorization. Exceptions to this requirement are permitted for the purposes of rescuing and saving life at sea.

6. SAFETY

6.1. The Captain is responsible for all matters relating to the safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Captain shall adhere at all times to Navigational Rules and Rules of the Road whether it be while towing, running, drifting, or when at anchor. He/she shall review safety procedures and equipment with the scientific party at the beginning of each cruise leg.

6.2. Prior to the first inflatable boat launch, the Captain shall review launch and recovery procedures, and select an operations leader and four (4) additional line handlers (composed of the vessel’s crew and/or the scientific party). These personnel shall be the only people involved in inflatable boat launch and recovery, and all launch and recovery procedures shall be discussed with the operations leader prior to every execution.

6.3. The contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved Arctic-type survival suits, which are in compliance with operational safety standards, for all personnel, including scientists.

6.4. The Government will provide dry suits, float coats, life vests, or equivalent flotation devices the scientific crew for work on deck.

6.5. During each leg of the survey, at least one unannounced safety drill shall be conducted by the Captain during the survey.

6.6. The contractor shall provide an emergency trauma first aid kit, nitrile gloves, oxygen therapy bottles, and an AED as described in Specification 1.16 under A. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS.

6.7. At the time of submission of the proposal, the contractor shall provide the Stability Letter from the vessel's Stability Report as described in Specification 1.17 under A. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS.

6.8. The Government will provide one (1) small boat emergency kit, each containing a compact EPIRB and portable VHF radios for radio contact with the inflatable boat.

6.9. All personnel working on or being transported in the inflatable boat shall wear a Coast Guard-approved floatation coat, life jacket, dry suit and/or survival suit. Carrying life jackets in the inflatable boat but not wearing them is unacceptable.

6.10. Radio contact with the inflatable boat shall be maintained by the crew while it is away from the vessel. The scientific and vessel crew must maintain 100% visual contact with the inflatable boat during all operations.

6.11. A Category I 406 MHz EPIRB must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as described in Specification 1.18 under A. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS.

6.12. The ship’s general alarm must be audible from all sleeping locations.

6.13. All smoke alarms must be wired into the ship’s panel.

6.14. Smoking shall not be permitted anywhere inside the vessel, nor in the areas where marine mammal observers are working outside.

Government Responsibility The COR or his/her designee, the Chief Scientist, will be available during normal working hours to provide guidance to the Contractor in performance of the contract tasks. Written manuals of standard operating procedures for analyses, data sets, are available for use by the Contractor. The COR or Chief Scientist will regularly inspect the work of the Contractor, during performance and after completion, to ensure that acceptable procedures and standards of workmanship are being adhered to, and to avoid potential misunderstandings.

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Chief Scientist Designation The Government’s COR will be assigned, and will inspect and accept services rendered in this contract on behalf of the Government. Since the COR will not be participating in the survey, the Chief Scientist will act as a Technical Point of Contact during survey operations for technical and scientific questions and clarifications and to assist in communication between the Contractor and the COR and CO.

---End Statement of Work--