Attachment_1_-_Statement_of_Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

Vessel Charter for Surface Buoy Recovery and Deployment 300 nautical miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan

Background:

NOAA’s Ocean Climate Stations Project (OCS) maintains reference station moorings. These moorings have meteorological instruments on the surface buoy to measure winds, air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall, downward infrared radiation from the sky, incident light (heat) from the sun, as well as sea surface temperature and salinity.

Sensors attached to the mooring line measure upper ocean temperature, salinity, and near surface ocean currents. A sensor mounted on the anchor release measures bottom water temperature, salinity and pressure. The moorings also carry sensors from partner groups to measure atmospheric and seawater carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen, and pH. More information is available at https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/ocs/KEO-history.

Summary of Requirements:

Charter of a vessel and crew to recover and deploy a moored surface buoy approximately 300 nautical miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan, in the vicinity of 32.3°N, 144.6°E.

These moorings consist of a buoy of 2.7 meters in diameter. A tower and instruments extend

4.24 meters above the water line, and a bridle with hardware ends 2.62 meters below the water line, making the total height approximately seven (7) meters. The total weight of the buoy in air is approximately 1,800 kilograms. The upper 700 meters of the mooring line is wire rope, with scientific instruments at regular intervals. The total length of the mooring line from the buoy to the anchor is approximately 8,000 meters. The anchor is two stacks of train wheels, with a total weight in air of 3,750 kilograms.

Additional work may include taking water samples, conducting Conductivity-Temperature- Depth (CTD) casts (lowering an instrument over the side to a depth of at least 500 meters), and deploying drifter floats.

The vessel must provide for berthing and feeding of up to four scientists. The vessel and crew will be responsible to assist with loading and unloading scientific equipment from the pier.

Period of Performance:

Estimated between May 31, 2019 and October 30, 2019. Earlier in the period of performance is desired.

One day pre-cruise and one day post-cruise will be required for the loading and unloading of equipment. After transiting to the buoy location, the estimated amount of time to complete deployment, recovery, and other work at the site is 36 to 48 hours.

It is estimated five to six days at sea may be needed to complete the project.

https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/ocs/KEO-history

Mobilization, and Demobilization Requirements:

The loading of equipment shall take place at a pier arranged by the vendor. The pier must be able to handle the weight of equipment to be loaded. Scientists need two days on the pier to stage their gear prior to loading. Loading on the ship can take place in one day, unloading the ship can take place in one day. The vendor will be responsible for loading science equipment onto the vessel. The preferred port for loading is Yokohama, Japan.

The scientific party will embark aboard the ship after loading, and depart after equipment is unloaded from the ship.

Vessel must be equipped for the deployment and recovery of mooring buoy and gear. The moorings consist of a buoy of 2.7 meters in diameter. A tower and instruments extend 4.24 meters above the water line, and a bridle with hardware ends 2.62 meters below the water line, making the total height of approximately 7 meters. The buoy well contains electronics, alkaline batteries, and a 60ft3 charged gas cylinder of compressed air (UN1956). Total weight of the buoy in air is approximately 1,800 kilograms. The upper 700 meters of the mooring line is wire rope, with scientific instruments at regular intervals. The total length of the mooring line from the buoy to the anchor is approximately 8,000 meters (see attachment 1). The anchor is two stacks of train wheels, with a total weight in air of 3,750 kilograms. The anchor is not recovered with the buoy. A spare anchor will also be carried. The total weight of gear to be carried is approximately 14,500 kilograms.

1.1 One vessel with current inspections and endorsements to complete this type of work. This should include minimum safe manning and record of equipment for Cargo ship safety equipment certificate (FORM E).

1.2 The vessel must be able to maneuver at speeds of 1-2 knots.

1.3 A crane with a SWL of at least 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds) and a reach that extends outboard, for use in the deployment of the surface buoys. Cranes with a SWL less than 4,000 kilograms (9,000 pounds) will require the use of a tipping plate or stern A-frame to deploy the anchor.

1.4 A capstan with a 0.46 meter diameter drum or larger, capable of 40 meters per minute line speed at continuous duty. Must be able to pull 200 - 300 kilogram tension for up to 5,000 meters of line, and have the ability to let out the mooring line under tension.

1.5 Fairleads and pad eyes on deck for turning blocks, with SWL of at least 3,000 kilograms.

1.6 A well-lit, clean, uncovered, flush deck space shall be available, suitable to store scientific equipment for deployment and recovery of a large surface buoy. Recovery and deployment operations require sufficient deck space for two of these buoys (an area of approximately 3 meters x 6 meters for each buoy), so that one buoy can be recovered before the replacement is deployed. Additional space of approximately 20 square meters will be necessary for mooring hardware and spools of line, plus extra space for working. It is preferable to have crane access to the spools, so they can be lifted into position.

1.7 Small work areas in both wet and dry lab space is required.

1.8 Vessel and crew are responsible for loading and unloading the scientific gear described above. Crew will operate crane for loading and unloading scientific gear.

1.9 A work boat is strongly desired. Small boat operations are often necessary for the recovery of a buoy, and may also be required during deployments, if personnel need to get on the buoy for last minute repairs. A Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat is desirable for buoy access, with the ability to carry 3-4 people, in seas up to 2 meters.

1.10 The following capabilities are desirable, but not required:

(i) A stern A-frame with a SWL of 4,500 kilograms (10,000 pounds), height of 7.6 meters (25 feet) and width of at least 3.7 meters (12 feet) at the base. The A-frame would be used for recoveries and for line routing to facilitate instrument addition and removal.

(ii) Additional tuggers, capstans, cleats, and turning blocks. Baxter bolts for flexibility in deck layout are ideal.

(iii) Ability to declutch propeller or otherwise silence ship for underwater acoustic release communications.

(iv) A winch or capstan that will allow the deployment and recovery of an instrument (CTD) on a line to a minimum of 500 meters.

2.1 Crew shall meet all requirements required for vessel certification.

2.2 At least two crew members available on deck during operations. One to operate ship’s equipment, and the other to assist the scientific party. A third crew member would be needed just for the times when the buoy is being recovered and deployed from the ship using the crane or A-frame.

2.3 At least one crew member must be currently certified in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid training.

2.4 At least one crew member must be formally trained in survival skills and firefighting.

3.1 Accommodations for a scientific party of four that may include female and male personnel.

3.2 Clean mattresses, covers, bedding, blankets, and towels shall be provided by the vendor.

3.3 Suitable sanitary accommodations, including availability of at least two bathrooms and two showers.

3.4 Three balanced, nutritious meals shall be provided by the vendor per day. 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 vendor at least one week prior to sailing to allow for proper provisioning. Water, juice, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks shall be available throughout the day.

3.5 Smoking shall be prohibited in all interior spaces occupied by or utilized by the Scientific Field Party. No smoking may take place near oceanographic equipment deployed on deck or samples secured on deck to avoid contamination.

4.1 The Lead Scientist and Captain shall work together to resolve all problems that occur regarding the charter and mission while at sea. In the event the Lead Scientist and Captain are unable to resolve any problem that has the potential for invalidating the mission or threatens the safety of the field party, the Lead Scientist will direct the vessel to return to port where an acceptable solution will be arranged between the U.S. Government and the vendor, or the charter will be terminated. 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 work area.

4.2 The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow all safety procedures as directed by the Lead Scientist to help prevent damage to or loss of U.S. Government gear and equipment. 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.

4.3 All operations shall be conducted at the discretion of the Vessel Captain and the Lead Scientist depending on weather, research needs, and available time. The specific itinerary of the charter cruise will be flexible to allow for interruption of work by poor weather or equipment problems in the working area.

5.1 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. They shall review safety procedures and equipment with the crew and scientific party.

5.2 The vendor shall provide approved survival suits and Type I personal floatation devices, which are in compliance with operational safety standards, for all personnel, including scientists.

5.3 Safety orientation shall be given on the before sailing by the vessel master or designee to all scientists aboard, including location of exits, locations and operation of life rafts, communications, immersion suits, and procedures to follow for abandon ship, general emergency such as fire and flooding, and man overboard.

5.4 Vessel shall be equipped with electronic navigational and communication equipment in compliance with industry safety standards. All communication equipment shall be tested and tuned before the charter cruise begins. Minimum requirements are:

(i) Two all-weather radars with at least a 24-nautical mile maximum range.

(ii) At least one very high frequency (VHF) radio with a fixed installation.

(iii) At least one synthesized 1-18 megahertz (MHz) single sideband transmission (SSB) radio.

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

(v) Two global positioning system (GPS) units.

(vi) One fax machine capable of receiving weather information, or equivalent.

5.5 The vendor shall provide an emergency trauma first aid kit, nitrile gloves, oxygen therapy bottles, and an automated external defibrillator (AED).

5.6 A Category I 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the licensing agency.

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

Attachment 1