1305M319RNFFS0001_Amendment_0001.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

Fishery Observer Support Services for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, North Pacific Observer Program

See Attached Page(s)

1 18

1305M319RNFFS00010001 DEC 20, 2018 NFFS7600-18-01041

AJ630031

WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE, SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

See Block 6

1305M319RNFFS0001

DEC 04, 2018

See Schedule

X 1

Attachment Page

PAGE 2 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

Amendment 0001 to Solicitation 1305M319RNFFS0001 is issued to provide revisions to the solicitation issued on December 4, 2018. Revisions to the solicitation are as follows:

1) SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, PERFORMANCE

WORK STATEMENT, Paragraph 2.2.7 contained in the solicitation dated December 4, 2018 is replaced with the following (revisions are indicated in red underscore):

2.2.7. Outreach Requirements

Industry cooperation is essential to ensuring Observers are able to fulfill their duties. Without cooperation, coverage goals and data collection efforts may be impaired. The Contractor shall assist the Government in communicating and educating the fishing industry, vessel permit holders, owners, and captains about why the Government places Observers onboard fishing vessels, how Observer Programs operate, how priorities of Observer coverage are determined, how much Observer Programs cost, and why it is in the industry’s best interest to support the FMA’s NPOP.

The Contractor shall provide one representative to participate with the Government in at least one meeting with fishermen or their representatives annually. Meetings may be held in either Alaska or Seattle, WA as determined by the Government, in advance of the meeting. The Contractor shall not convene industry meetings without prior approval of the COR nor shall the Contractor represent the Government at public meetings or in the press.

2) SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, PERFORMANCE

WORK STATEMENT, Paragraph 2.4.2 contained in the solicitation dated December 4, 2018 is replaced with the following (revisions are indicated in red underscore):

2.4.2. Observer Training

Prospective Observer candidates must complete a three (3) week training course conducted by the Government.

Prospective Observer candidates must pass written/oral tests with a score of 80% or greater and meet all attendance, participation, performance, physical, and conduct standards provided to the candidates on the first day of training and must demonstrate their potential to collect accurate field data, exercise astuteness, and react to unfamiliar situations at sea in a professional manner. In addition, candidates must successfully complete the safety training that includes on-land and in-water tests of immersion suit and life raft use. Qualification for sea duty is determined by passing the Government-conducted Observer training and the Government’s training staff assessments.

The 3-week training course, the partial coverage briefing, and the annual briefing will take place in Seattle. The Deployment briefing may take place in Seattle, Anchorage, Dutch Harbor, or Kodiak.

The Government conducted Observer Training Curriculum includes:

(a) Observer Priorities and Duties,

(b) Methods of Independent Catch Estimation

(c) Proper Recording of Catch Data

(d) Methods of Sampling and Recording Species Composition Data

(e) Fish Identification and Use of Dichotomous Keys

(f) Gender Determination and Measurements of Fish and Crab

(g) Procedures for Collection of Age Structures

(h) Applications of Volume, Weight, Density

(i) Safety and Survival Skills

The Contractor shall submit to the FMA’s NPOP Designated Debriefing Staff, at least five (5) business days prior to the beginning date of a scheduled Observer training the following information:

PAGE 3 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

(a) Completed Training Class Registration Form for each candidate;

(b) A copy of each proposed candidate’s academic transcripts and resume;

(c) A statement signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury which discloses the candidate’s criminal convictions.

The Contractor shall submit to the FMA’s NPOP Designated Debriefing Staff, before the end of the training or briefing class the following information:

(a) Proof of medical fitness

The Contractor shall submit to the FMA’s NPOP Designated Debriefing Staff, at least five (5) business days prior to the beginning date of a scheduled Observer briefing the following information:

(a) Completed Briefing Registration Form

The Contractor shall submit to the FMA’s NPOP Designated Debriefing Staff, before the end of the partial coverage briefing the following information:

(a) Proof of CPR and First-Aid Certification

A briefing is required for those individuals who have previously successfully completed a three (3) week Observer training course conducted by the FMA’s NPOP Designated Debriefing Staff. The briefing sessions will be scheduled by the Government each quarter and posted on the website.

Before an observer can be deployed they must complete a:

a) Partial coverage briefing. Each observer, including those who have completed deployments for the FMA’s NPOP, must complete a partial coverage briefing prior to his or her first deployment to the partial coverage fleet.

b) Annual briefing. Each observer must complete an annual briefing prior to his or her first deployment within any calendar year subsequent to a year in which they completed the partial coverage briefing. This briefing is anticipated to last 4 days and will satisfy the annual briefing requirements for both the full coverage and the partial coverage fleets.

c) Deployment briefing. Each observer who has completed a deployment in the partial coverage fleet must complete a deployment briefing prior to any subsequent deployments in the partial coverage fleet for the remainder of that year. The type of briefing the observer must attend and successfully complete will be specified in writing by the FMA’s NPOP during the observer’s most recent debriefing. Briefings vary between 1-3 days in duration. On rare occasions, following an unsuccessful deployment, the Government may require a 3 week retraining for an observer prior to redeployment into the field.

The FMA’s NPOP Designated Debriefing Staff retains the right to reject any proposed Observer or Observer candidate who does not meet the required qualifications or standards identified herein or who has a previous unsatisfactory performance history (e.g., failure to complete debriefing or submitted data found to be false, inaccurate, or incomplete).

3) SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, PERFORMANCE

WORK STATEMENT, Paragraph 2.4.14 contained in the solicitation dated December 4, 2018 is replaced with the following (revisions are indicated in red underscore):

2.4.14. Observer Placement

PAGE 4 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

The Contractor must assign observers without regard to any preference by representatives of vessels, shoreside processors, or stationary floating processors.

The Contractor must not:

(a) Deploy an observer on the same vessel or at the same shore-side or stationary floating processor for more than 90 days in a 12-month period;

(b) Move an observer from a vessel or stationary floating or shore-side processor before that observer has completed his or her sampling duties.

(c) Assign an observer to vessels in the partial-coverage and full-coverage sectors within the same deployment.

The Contractor can assign an Observer to up to four vessels during a single deployment. If the Contractor wishes to assign an Observer to additional vessels, they can request a waiver from the Government. The Government will review the Observer’s performance and determine whether to approve the waiver request.

There is no limit to the number of waivers a Contractor can request for a single Observer during a deployment.

4) SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, PERFORMANCE

WORK STATEMENT, Paragraph 2.4.8 contained in the solicitation dated December 4, 2018 is replaced with the following (revisions are indicated in red strikeout):

2.4.8. Notification of Potential Infractions

The Contractor must report the following in writing using the Government’s reporting format to the COR within 24 hours of being made aware:

(a) Any information regarding possible Observer harassment;

(b) Any information regarding any action prohibited under 50 CFR §679.7(g) or §600.725(o), (t), and (u);

(c) Any concerns about vessel safety or marine casualty under 46 CFR §4.05-1(a)(1) through (7), Rule 5 of the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, or processor safety;

(d) Any Observer illness or injury that prevents the Observer from completing any of his or her duties described in the observer manual; and

(e) Any information, allegations, or reports regarding observer conflict of interest or failure to abide by the standards of behavior at PWS paragraphs 2.2.2.3 and C2.4.15.

5) SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, PERFORMANCE

WORK STATEMENT, Paragraph 2.4.15 contained in the solicitation dated December 4, 2018 is replaced with the following (revisions are indicated in red underscore):

2.4.15. Observer Conduct / Behavior

Observers must maintain a professional and objective demeanor at all times. The Observer must avoid any behavior which could adversely affect the confidence of the public in the integrity of the FMA’s NPOP or of the Government. Observers are thus expected to conduct themselves in a manner which will reflect favorably upon the FMA’s NPOP by maintaining high standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality, and conduct in all situations. The Contractor shall develop and enforce standards of conduct for Observer employees that are comparable to the following guidelines. Observers:

(a) Must diligently perform their assigned duties;

PAGE 5 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

(b) Must accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, and report honestly any observed or suspected violations of fisheries, natural resources conservation, or environmental laws or regulations;

(c) Must not falsify their data;

(d) Must protect the confidentiality of all collected data and observations made onboard vessels. Observers shall not use any data collected under this contract for purposes other than the performance of this contract nor shall Observers retain, release, reproduce, distribute, or publish any of the data without prior approval from the Government;

(e) May not have a current direct financial interest, other than the provision of Observer services, in a commercial fishery, including, but not limited to: vessels or shore-side facilities involved in the catching or processing of the products of the fishery, related interests in selling supplies or services to these vessels or shore-side facilities, or related interests in processing raw or processed products from these vessel or shore-side facilities;

(f) May not serve as an Observer on any vessel or at any shore-side facility owned or operated by a person who previously employed the Observer;

(g) Must not engage in any illegal actions or any other activities that would reflect negatively on their image as professional Observers or on the FMA’s NPOP as a whole. This would include, but is not limited to:

1) Engaging in drinking of alcoholic beverages during the period an Observer is assigned to a vessel;

2) Engaging in the use or distribution of illegal drugs (in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act);

3) Engaging in physical or emotional involvement with individuals directly related to or hired by the vessel owners, captains, or crew in the observed fishery; and

4) Engaging in criminal, dishonest, disrespectful, or disgraceful conduct that may be perceived as prejudicial to the Government.

(h) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value from anyone who conducts activities that are regulated by the Government, or who has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the Observer’s official duties.

If a vessel maintains a stricter policy for its employees, then the Observer must comply with said policy.

Behavior that is contrary to these standards or to the intent of these standards would be considered grounds for the Government’s disqualifying the offending Observer from further participation in the program and/or refusal to accept the candidate in future program participation.

6) SECTION D – CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, PERFORMANCE

WORK STATEMENT, Paragraph 12 contained in the solicitation dated December 4, 2018 is replaced with the following (revisions are indicated in red strikeout and underscore):

12. SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES

Following is a schedule of all deliverables, including administrative deliverables, required during the period of performance of this contract:

Item Description Quantity Due Date Deliver to: Reference 1 Monthly Status Report 1 Monthly CO/COR PWS PARAGRAPH

PAGE 6 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

2.1.3 2 Project Management

Plan 1 Draft Due: At proposal submission; approved plan to be incorporated into contract award. Final plan is due within 14 days after award. Updates required annually within 30 days after the contract anniversary date.

CO/COR

PWS PARAGRAPH

2.1.3

3 Contractor Quality Control Plan

1 Draft Due: At proposal submission; approved plan to be incorporated into contract award. Updates or revisions required annually within 30 days after the contract anniversary date.

CO/COR PWS PARAGRAPH

2.1.5

4 Physician's Statement As Required

Prior to certification of an observer. A new statement must be submitted prior to any deployment occurring after the expiration of the current physician’s statement which expires 12 months after the physical exam occurred.

Designated

FMA

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

2.2.2.4, & 7

5 CPR & First Aid Certifications

As Required

Prior to the first day of the partial coverage briefing.

New certifications are due annually.

Designated

FMA

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

2.2.2.7

6 Debriefing Registration

As Required

Within 5 business days after the completion of an observer’s deployment.

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

2.32.2.4

7 Data, reports required in the Observer Sampling Manual, biological samples, and the electronic vessel and/or processor surveys

As Required

Prior to the debriefing interview.

Designated

FMA

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

2.3.

8 Sampling and safety gear

As Required

Prior to the end of the debriefing.

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

2.3

9 Observers' electronic data files shall be transferred to the Government as specified by the Government

As Required

At the completion of each trip.

Designated

FMA

NPOP

Staff

2.3.1

PAGE 7 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

10 Documentation and

Notification:

Notification of potential infractions Safety, inadequacy of vessel’s facilities for Observers Observer illness or injury that prevents the Observer from completing their duties Any information, allegations, or reports regarding observer conflict of interest or failure to abide by the standards of behavior Renewals or updates conflict of interest

As Required

Day of the event. Designated

FMA

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

2.2.2.3 And 2.4.8

11 Annually update disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Annually Annually COR SECTION C –

CONTRACT

CLAUSES:

CONTRACTOR

CONFLICT OF

INTEREST

12 Observer Candidate Information

As Required

5 working days prior to training or briefing session.

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

3.3.2

13 Communications Logs As

Monthly.

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

3.3.7

14 Vessel Assignment Information

As Required

Within 2 hours of embarkation or disembarkation.

NPOP

Staff

PWS PARAGRAPH

2.2.8 3.3.10

15 Observer Placement Additional Vessel Waiver

As Required

Assignment of an Observer to more than 4 vessels.

COR PWS PARAGRAPH

3.3.14

16 Observer Release of Information

As Required

Authorization for Release of Information, to conduct a background investigation and a Security Worksheet for Non-employees, and

Designated

FMA

NPOP

Staff

PAGE 8 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

submit to the COR no later than five (5) business days prior to a scheduled training or briefing session.

17 SF 85P for all employees

Each Occasion

Upon hiring employee.

COR CAR

1352.237-70

18 Form 258, Fingerprint Chart

Each Occasion

Upon hiring employee.

19 Invoice Each Occasion

Monthly. COR/CO INVOICING

INSTRUCTIONS

paragraph, SECTION

C – CONTRACT

CLAUSES

20 Proof of Insurance As Required

Within 10 days after contract award; within 24 hours of any change thereafter.

CO 1352.228-70,

1352.228-72, and

INSURANCE

paragraph, SECTION

C – CONTRACT

CLAUSES

21 Request for changes to key personnel

As Required

At least 15 days prior to substitution.

COR/CO CAR 1352.237-75

22 Personnel Security Screening Forms

As Required

Within 14 days after contract award.

23 Notice of Delays As Required

Immediately upon knowledge.

COR PWS PARAGRAPH

24 System for Award Management (SAM) Updates

As Required

Annually. Online FAR 52.204-7

25 Employment Reports Veterans

As

Annually.

CO FAR

52.212-5

26 Restrictions Against Disclosure

As Required

Immediately upon knowledge.

CO CAR 1352.209-72

29 Conflicts of Interest As Required

Immediately upon Knowledge.

CO CONFLICTS OF

INTEREST

paragraph, SECTION

C – CONTRACT

CLAUSES

30 Employment Eligibility Verification

1 Within 30 days of contract award; within 3 days of new hires; and verify within 90 days.

21 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility

As Required

Semi-annually throughout the contract's life.

PAGE 9 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

7) The past performance questionnaire (Attachment #1) has been updated to address formatting issues and revise the due date for receipt of the questionnaire. The attached form replaces the form contained in the solicitation issued on December 4, 2018.

8) CAR 1352.215-70 PROPOSAL PREPARATION has been revised to clarify the submittal requirements. The following replaces the clause issued in the solicitation on December 4, 2018 in its entirety (revisions are indicated in red strikeout and underscore):

CAR 1352.215-70 PROPOSAL PREPARATION (APR 2010)

(a) General Instructions. Proposals are expected to conform to solicitation provisions and be prepared in accordance with this section. To aid in evaluation, the proposal shall be clearly and concisely written, neatly presented, indexed (cross-indexed as appropriate), and logically assembled. All pages of each part shall be appropriately numbered and identified with the name of the offeror, the date of the offer, and the solicitation number. Each volume shall be clearly marked by volume number and title. If submitted in hard copy, proposals should be sent to the following location:

DOC, NOAA, AGO, WAD

Attn: Crystina Jubie, Contracting Officer 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115-6349

Or by email to: Crystina.r.jubie@noaa.gov

(b) Overall Arrangement of Proposal. (1) VOLUME I—BUSINESS PROPOSAL

(i) Volume I, Business Proposal, consists of the actual offer to enter into a contract to perform the desired work. It also includes required representations, certifications, and acknowledgments, if applicable; justifications for noncompetitive proposed subcontracts; identification of technical data to be withheld; and any other required administrative information.

(ii) Format and Content. Volume I, Business Proposal, shall include the following documents (in the order listed):

(A) Proposal Form:

(1) Use of the Form—The Proposal Form (Standard Form 33 or 1449), is to be executed fully and used as the cover sheet (or first page) of Volume I. Include three (3)one (1) original signed copyies of the form in the original Volume I.

(2) Acceptance Period—The acceptance period entered on the Proposal Form by the offeror shall not be less than sixty (60) days.

(3) Signature Authority—The person signing the Proposal Form must have the authority to commit the offeror to all of the provisions of the proposal, fully recognizing that the Government has the right, by terms of the Solicitation, to make an award without discussion if it so elects.

(B) Other documentation identified in Section (A) above. The offeror shall submit one original, one copy, and one electronic copy via email, marked as such.

(2) VOLUME II—TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

PAGE 10 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

(i) General. (A) Volume II, technical proposal, consists of the offeror's proposal delineating its capabilities and how it intends to perform contract requirements. The Technical proposal will be evaluated in accord with the criteria contained in CAR 1352.215-74, and CAR 1352.215-75 as referenced in this section of the solicitation. The technical proposal at a minimum shall address the requirements set forth in paragraph (iii) below.

(B) In order that the technical proposal may be evaluated strictly on the merit of the material submitted, no contractual price information is to be included in Volume II. However, the type and quantity of labor and materials is to be included in the Technical Proposal, without any associated pricing information.

(C) The technical proposal must be typed, double-spaced, with one inch margins, times new roman font, 12 pitch type (with the exception of graphics, tables and figures which may be single-spaced, with one inch margins, times new roman font 10) and printed, unreduced in size, on 81

2 paper, not exceeding 30 pages, single-sided, exclusive of resumes the draft Quality Control Plan, draft Project Management Plan and related corporate experience documentation. Any pages in excess of 30 will be disregarded, and will not be included in the proposal evaluation. Failure of the offeror to comply with the page limitations, resulting in the excess pages not being evaluated, shall not constitute grounds for a protest.

The offeror shall submit one original (if submitting by hard copy) and one copy or one electronic copy via email (if submitting electronically), of Volume II, marked as such.

(ii) Format and Content. Volume II, Technical Proposal, shall include the following contents:

(A) Table of Contents

(B) List of Tables and Figures

(C) Summary of Technical Proposal

(D) Technical Proposal

(E) Exceptions and Deviations. These major headings may be subdivided or supplemented by the offeror as appropriate.

(1) Summary. This section shall provide a summary that addresses each of the technical evaluation factors set out in SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS.

(2) Technical Proposal. The offeror shall clearly address each of the technical evaluation criteria in

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS, and, at a minimum, cover each factor.

(3) Exceptions and Deviations. This section shall identify and explain any exceptions or deviations taken to any part of the solicitation or conditional assumptions made with respect to the technical requirements of the solicitation. Offerors should note that taking exceptions to the Government's requirements may indicate an unwillingness or inability to perform the contract, and the proposal may be evaluated as such.

(iii) Specific areas to be addressed:

Evaluation Factor 1— Technical Approach. Describe methods used in organizing, staffing and managing to accomplish contract requirements. Describe the approach to meeting requirements of deploying observers to selected vessels and trips; as well as the approach to accomplishing immediate deployment of observers to various ports in Alaska, demonstrating the approach to meeting the 72 hour turnaround timelines.

Describe the approach to supporting ODDS and deployment of observers to RACE cruises commencing at the date of contract award. Describe the approach in maintaining highest standard of quality of data collected by

PAGE 11 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

observers. Provide a detailed plan for handling urgent requirements and a contingency plan for multiple tasking peak periods when several tasks may be on-going simultaneously.

Describe methods to maintain a corps of experienced and qualified observers. Include description of recruitment methods of qualified observer candidates, e.g., recruitment sources, hiring criteria, selection process, security screening process, and hiring procedures. Specify your approach in addressing the maintenance of a stable work force, job satisfaction, and low turnover rates, e.g. observers’ salary base/level(s), promotion potential benefit package(s), compensation package or other inducements, and organizational policies affecting observer personnel. Describe in detail what benefit your company offers, which would encourage and promote workforce stability.

Provide a detailed plan that clearly demonstrates your firm’s ability to immediately deploy observers within

72 hours of notification of a planned trip, which ensures that services required under this solicitation are operational and the fleet coverage requirements are met. Also, describe what type of local presence your company has in Alaska and the methods to establish and maintain it for the contract duration to support the contract requirements by contract award. This includes immediate deployment of observers, providing local support for logistics required for deployment, conducting inventory of Government equipment, establishing the infrastructure required for immediate operations, financing travel, lodging and per diem expenses for observer personnel deploying to various ports in Alaska.

Provide documented experience for coverage of key personnel during planned and unplanned absences.

Provide a draft Quality Control Plan.

Provide a draft Project Management Plan.

Evaluation Factor 2— Corporate Experience. Offeror shall provide information that demonstrates the availability or access to personnel that their firm currently employs with the appropriate experience, skills and qualifications to perform the requirements of the PWS.

Describe experience in recruiting and maintaining a stable workforce of both experienced and new observers with minimal turnover, and deploying personnel to various locations.

Evaluation Factor 3— Key Personnel. Offeror shall include a list of the names and proposed duties of the key personnel assigned to the project. At a minimum, resumes for all key personnel shall be provided, which contain information on the education, background, recent work experience, and specific professional or technical accomplishments.

Evaluation Factor 4— Past Performance. Offeror shall provide past performance questionnaires

(Section D, Attachment #1) to no less than three references for relevant work conducted within the past five years. In their proposal submission, the offeror shall provide a list of references with contact information so that the Contracting Officer is aware of past performance evaluation questionnaires released. References should be for recent contracts similar in scope, in whole or in part, to the PWS.

Once completed, references shall provide responses directly to the Contracting Officer either by FAX or email (preferred) at the contact information referenced below:

Email: Crystina.R.Jubie@noaa.gov ((preferred) Fax: (206)527-3916

In order for past performance questionnaires to be considered, they must be received by the solicitation closing date. Past performance questionnaires received directly from the offeror will not be considered.

The offeror shall submit one original (if submitting by hard copy) and one copy or one electronic copy via email (if submitting electronically), of Volume III, marked as such.

PAGE 12 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

(3) Volume III—Price proposal

(i) Price proposals must generally adhere to the pricing structure beginning on page 3 of this solicitation in

Section B, Schedule of Prices. The offeror shall submit one original (if submitting by hard copy) and one copy oor one electronic copy via email (if submitting electronically), of Volume III, marked as such.

(ii) Each offeror's price proposal must be based on the offeror's own technical proposal, the

Government's specifications, and other contractual requirements. If the prices to be used are based on a published price list or catalog, the offeror shall so state, and provide a copy of the document with its price proposal. If the prices are to be based on established market prices, not otherwise published, or are prices applicable only to the proposed contract, the offeror shall so state.

(iv) The Government expects that this contract will be awarded based upon adequate price competition.

However, in order to determine that offered prices are fair and reasonable, the Government reserves the right to request that the offeror to provide price breakdowns to support proposed prices. Information to support unit prices should include, but not be limited to, the following:

(A) Salary/wage information with associated payroll expenses, for personnel to be used in performance of the contract;

(B) Cost for equipment, supplies, and consumable materials;

(C) A breakout of related support costs, such as equipment maintenance, rental, transportation, etc.;

(D) Overhead costs;

(E) General Administrative expenses; and

(F) Profit

(End of Provision)

9) CAR 1352.215-75 EVALUATION CRITERIA has been revised for clarification. The following replaces the clause issued in the solicitation on December 4, 2018 in its entirety (revisions are indicated in red strikeout and underscore):

CAR 1352.215-75 EVALUATION CRITERIA (APR 2010)

In determining which proposal provides the best value to the Government, non-price (technical) evaluation factors are approximately equal to evaluated price.

Amongst the non-price factors, the technical approach, corporate experience and key personnel are of equal importance, and each are more important than past performance.

Based upon the results of the integrated assessment of the technical and cost/price proposals, the Government may make an award to other than the lowest-priced offeror or the offeror with the highest technical score if the source selection official determines that to do so would result in the best value to the Government.

(a) Technical Evaluation Factors.

Evaluation Factor 1 – Technical Approach. The proposal will be evaluated on the offeror’s approach to organizing, staffing, and managing in a way that will accomplish the contract requirements. Evaluation will be based upon the degree to which the proposal demonstrates a clear overall understanding of the requirements of deploying observers to selected vessels and trips; as well as the offeror’s ability to immediately deploy observers to various ports in Alaska, support ODDS, and deploy observers to RACE cruises commencing at the date of contract award while maintaining the highest standard of data quality. The draft quality control plan will be

PAGE 13 OF 18 1305M319RNFFS00010001

evaluated to determine if the offeror can efficiently manage all areas of responsibility as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The draft Project Management Plan will be evaluated on its demonstration of management of the contract and its Observers. The proposal will be evaluated on its demonstration of handling urgent requirements, and the offeror’s contingency plan for multiple tasking peak periods when several tasks may be on-going simultaneously. The technical approach shall enable Government personnel to make a thorough and complete evaluation and arrive at a sound determination on whether the services proposed satisfy the stated requirements of the Government. Merely repeating the contract requirements and stating that they will be accomplished, without discussing how the offeror will accomplish them, is not acceptable.

Evaluation Factor 2 – Corporate Experience. The proposal will be evaluated on the offeror´s corporate background, experience, and qualifications to determine the likelihood that the offeror can successfully perform the contract requirements. Evaluation will be based upon the offeror’s documented experience in accomplishing recruitment and screening of qualified observer candidates, maintaining a stable workforce of both experienced and new observers with minimal turnover, and deploying personnel to various locations, as well as documented experience which demonstrates the offeror’s successful approach for coverage of key personnel during planned and unplanned absences. Evaluation will be based on the offeror’s documented experience in providing the support and logistics required for deployment of FMA and RACE observers, support the ODDS, and manage travel/transportation for observers deploying to various ports in Alaska.

Evaluation Factor 3 – Key Personnel. The proposal will be evaluated on resume(s) submitted detailing the education, experience, and approximate percentage of time each key personnel will be working for this project.

The PWS designates the Project Manager as key.

Evaluation Factor 4 – Past Performance. The offeror´s past performance on recent contracts similar in scope, in whole or in part, to the Performance Work Statement herein, will be evaluated to determine the relevance as compared to the requirements stated within this solicitation. The relevance of an offeror’s past performance will be measured based on the similarity of support services, complexity of the work, dollar value, and contract type. More relevant past performance will have more influence on the past performance assessment than past performance of lesser relevance. Information must address relevant and recent performance for both Government and non-Government contracts, subcontracts, and grants for both the prime contractor and any major subcontractor(s) proposed.

Firms with a history of poor performance will receive a low rating on the "Past Performance" evaluation factor.

Firms with a strong history of reliable performance will receive a higher rating.

The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation, and the information may be obtained from references provided by the offeror, the agency's knowledge of contractor performance, other Government agencies or commercial entities, or past performance databases.

If an offeror does not have a history of relevant contract experience, or if past performance information is not available, the offeror will receive a neutral past performance rating; however, an offeror without a history of relevant experience may receive a lowered rating for the Corporate Experience evaluation factor.

(b) Price Evaluation.

(1) The proposed prices will be evaluated but not scored. The price evaluation will determine whether the proposed prices are complete, and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements. Proposed prices must be entirely compatible with the technical proposal.

(End of Provision)

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

--End of Amendment 0001--

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SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS

Attachment #1 Past Performance Questionnaire

Fishery Observer Support Services for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, North Pacific Observer Program – Solicitation 1305M319RNFFS0001

Instructions to Offerors Sending Reference Questionnaire Forms:

Section A shall be completed by the Offeror (the firm requesting the reference) prior to issuing the questionnaires.

The Offeror shall send the questionnaires for relevant projects that are in progress or completed in the past five

(5) years to the individuals who will provide the reference. For Government contracts, send to the Contracting Officer’s Representative. For commercial references, send to personnel with duties similar to those for Government contracts. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to follow-up and encourage references to submit the questionnaire. The completed questionnaire shall be submitted via e-mail directly from the person providing the reference.

Instructions to Person Providing Reference:

In order to assess potential vendors under the Department of Commerce (DOC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Western Acquisition Division (WAD) is obtaining past performance information with respect to each Offeror. As a reference for work performed by the firm identified in Section A of this questionnaire, your candid response will assist in the evaluation process. Please complete Section B of the questionnaire as thoroughly as possible. The questionnaire must be submitted to crystina.r.jubie@noaa.gov no later than 2:00 PM PT, January 15, 2019. The subject line in the submission e-mail shall clearly indicate: Solicitation 1305M319RNFFS0001 - Fishery Observer Support Services for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, North Pacific Observer Program. Past Performance Questionnaire Submission for <Company Name> and the message shall originate from the reference’s government or commercial e-mail system.

In addition to this questionnaire, you may receive a follow-up phone call to confirm or clarify information. If you have questions regarding this questionnaire or require assistance, please submit inquiries to Crystina.r.jubie@noaa.gov.

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SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS

SECTION A

TO BE COMPLETED BY OFFEROR (THE FIRM REQUESTING THE REFERENCE)

PART I: OFFEROR INFORMATION

COMPANY NAME AND DIVISION NAME OF OFFEROR:

VESSEL NAME:

OFFEROR ADDRESS:

OFFEROR DUNS:

PART II: PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

TITLE OF PROJECT/CONTRACT NUMBER FOR WHICH REFERENCE IS REQUESTED:

PROCUREMENT VEHICLE (e.g. CONTRACT/ORDER/SUBCONTRACT/OTHER):

TYPE OF CONTRACT (e.g. NEGOTIATED, SEALED BID):

PRICING TYPE: (Check all that apply)

___FP ___FPI ___CPFF ___CPAF ___CPIF ___IDIQ ___BOA

___Requirements ___Labor-Hour ___T&M ___Other (Specify)

DATE OF AWARD:

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (INCLUDING OPTIONS):

CONTRACT AMOUNT:

INITIAL CONTRACT DOLLAR VALUE (W/OPTIONS):

FINAL CONTRACT DOLLAR VALUE (W/OPTIONS):

ROLE ON

PROJECT:

___PRIME

___SUBCONTRACTOR (EXPLAIN TYPE AND EXTENT OF

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TYPE OF SERVICES/PRODUCTS REQUIRED UNDER THE

CONTRACT:

DESCRIBE COMPLEXITY OF WORK:

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SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS

SECTION B

TO BE COMPLETED BY EVALUATOR (PERSON PROVIDING REFERENCE)

PART I: REFERENCE INFORMATION

NAME & TITLE:

ORGANIZATION (INCLUDING AGENCYAND/OR COMPANY):

CONTRACT ROLE (e.g. CO, COR, PM):

ADDRESS:

PHONE NUMBER:

FAX NUMBER:

E-MAIL:

PART II: INFORMATION ABOUT PROJECT/CONTRACT FOR WHICH REFERENCE IS

REQUESTED

Please identify and correct any information that is not accurate in Section A.

Please objectively assess the requesting firm in each performance element below by assigning an “X” to the most appropriate rating:

Exceptional: Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds many to the Government’s benefit. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element being evaluated was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the contractor were highly effective.

Very Good: Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government’s benefit. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element being evaluated was accomplished with some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the contractor were effective.

Satisfactory: Performance meets contractual requirements. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the contractor appear or were satisfactory.

Marginal: Performance does not meet some contractual requirements. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element being evaluated reflects a serious problem for which the contractor has not yet identified corrective actions. The contractor’s proposed actions appear only marginally effective or were not fully implemented.

Unsatisfactory: Performance does not meet most contractual requirements and recovery is not likely in a timely manner. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element contains a serious problem(s) for which the contractor’s corrective actions appear or were ineffective.

Performance Element Exceptional Very Good Satisfactory Marginal Unsatisfactory

1. QUALITY OF PRODUCT OR

SERVICE Assess the contractor’s performance to contract requirements, specifications, and standards of good workmanship (e.g. commonly accepted technical, professional, environmental, or safety and health standards).

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SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS

Comments:

Performance Element Exceptional Very Good Satisfactory Marginal Unsatisfactory

2. SCHEDULE

Assess the timeliness of the Contractor against the completion of the contract, task orders, milestones, delivery schedules, and administrative requirements (e.g. efforts that contribute to or affect the schedule).

Comments:

3. COST CONTROL

Assess the contractor’s effectiveness in forecasting, managing, and controlling cost.* *Cost Control – not required for Firm Fixed Price (FFP). If FFP please extend N/A in the comments box.

Comments:

4. BUSINESS RELATIONS

Assess the integration and coordination of all activities needed to execute the contract, specifically the timeliness, completeness, and quality of problem identification, corrective action plans, proposal submittals, the contractor’s history of reasonable and cooperative behavior (to include timely identification of issues in controversy), customer satisfaction, timely award, and management of subcontractors.

Comments:

5. MANAGEMENT OF KEY

PERSONNEL

Assess the contractor’s performance in selecting, retaining, supporting, and replacing, when necessary, key personnel.

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SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS

Comments:

6. UTILIZATION OF SMALL

BUSINESS

FAR Subpart 19.7 and 15 U.S.C. 637 contains statutory requirements for complying with the Small Business subcontracting Program. Assess whether the contractor provided maximum practicable opportunity for small business to participate in contract performance consistent with efficient performance of the contract.* *Not required for Small Businesses.

7. Comments:

8. Additional comments you would like to share

SIGNATURE DATE