1305M321QNFFS0014 SF18 - Combined Synopsis Solicitation GOA Charter.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

b. TELEPHONE

AREA CODE

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STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95) Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

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9. DESTINATION

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c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

7. DELIVERY

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE IMPORTANT: This is a request for information and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or service. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotation must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NUMBER

(a)

SUPPLIES/ SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

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PAGE OF PAGES

1. REQUEST NUMBER 2. DATE ISSUED 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

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RATING

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5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS)

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3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER

NF-FS7100-21-00644 1305M321QNFFS0014

WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE, SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

CRYSTINA R. JUBIE

CRYSTINA.R.JUBIE@NOAA.GOV

Please See Continuation Page for Line Item Details

206 526-6036

RES ASSESS AND CONSERV ENGINE

NOAA/NMFS 7600 SAND PT WAY NE /F/AKC1

SEATTLE

98115-6349WA

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

FEB 18, 2021 @ 2:00 PM, PST

6. DELIVER BY (Date)

SEPT 30, 2021

DUNS:

FS710031

JAN 28, 2021

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 Provide all labor, equipment and materials for a 55-day vessel charter in support of biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

Period of Performance: 04/15/2021 to 09/30/2021

55.00 DA

$500.00

NTE

0002 Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A not-to-exceed amount of $500 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense in curred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

Period of Performance: 04/15/2021 to 09/30/2021

1.00 LS

NTE

0003 Provide all labor, equipment and materials for up to 30 additional charter days in support of biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

30.00 DA

Period of Performance: 05/01/2021 to 09/30/2022

OPTION ITEM

Transport of Government equipment to survey start location in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

1.00 JB

Period of Performance: 05/01/2021 to 09/30/2022

OPTION ITEM

Transport of Government equipment from survey end location in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

1.00 JB

Period of Performance: 05/01/2021 to 09/30/2022

OPTION ITEM

Fuel charges in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Fuel is anticipated to be covered by Government SEA Card. In ports where the SEA Card is not accepted, the contractor may be required to purchase fuel and be reimbursed by the Government. A not-to-exceed amount of $67,500.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

Period of Performance: 05/01/2021 to 09/30/2022

1.00 LS

PAGE 2 OF 2 1305M321QNFFS0014

Vessel Charter to Conduct Biennial Bottom Trawl Survey of Groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska

NTE

$67,500.00

VESSEL CHARTER TO CONDUCT BIENNIAL BOTTOM TRAWL SURVEY OF ALASKAN

GROUNDFISH IN THE GULF OF ALASKA

i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with FAR Part 13.5, with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to award one firm fixed-price contract for a chartered vessel and crew to conduct a biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, as described in the Statement of Work. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by NOAA. The Government intends to select one contractor; however, the Government reserves the right to award no contract at all, depending on the quality of the quotations and prices submitted and the availability of funds.

ii) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Written quotes for RFQ number 1305M321QNFFS0014 shall be submitted on Standard Form 18.

iii) The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular No. 2021-04, dated January 19, 2021.

iv) This procurement is solicited using full-and-open competition. The associated NAICS code is 483114.

The small business size standard is 500 employees.

v) This combined synopsis/solicitation is for purchase of the following commercial supply items:

CLIN 0001: Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021; Quantity: 55 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 55-day vessel charter in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 0002: Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $500.00; Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A not-to-exceed amount of $500.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 0003: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021;

Quantity: 30 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for up to 30 additional charter days in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 0004: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021;

Quantity: 1 Job (JB); Transport of Government equipment to survey start location in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 0005: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021;

Quantity 1 Job (JB)Transport of Government equipment from survey end location in support of the http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/12.htm#P295_49268 biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 0006: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $67,500.00; Fuel charges in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Fuel is anticipated to be covered by Government SEA Card. In ports where the SEA Card is not accepted, the contractor may be required to purchase fuel and be reimbursed by the Government. A not-to-exceed amount of $67,500.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

vi) Description of requirements is as follows:

STATEMENT OF WORK

Title: Biennial Bottom Trawl Survey of Alaskan Groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska.

Summary of Requirements: The Government anticipates award one vessel from this solicitation, but should the requirement no longer be needed, an award may not be made. Requirements are to supply a bottom trawler with an experienced crew to conduct a stock assessment bottom trawl survey of groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska in the year 2021. The vessel shall be completely rigged for trawling with a stern ramp and gallows or gantry, two net reels each with capacity for one standard, four-seam Poly Nor'Eastern bottom trawl, and be equipped with modern navigation, fish-finding, and communication electronics. The Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering division will provide the trawls, bridles, and trawl doors. The survey areas comprise stations at depths that range from 10 m to 1,000 m (6 fm to 550 fm), requiring the vessel to have split trawl winches with a minimum of 1,463 m (800 fm) of 2.53 cm (1 in) diameter steel core trawl cable in good condition and available for fishing on each drum (not total capacity), but additional consideration may be given for vessels having 1,830 m (1,000 fm) of 2.53 cm (1 in) diameter steel core trawl cable or more available for fishing on each drum (not total capacity) to ensure complete coverage of the deeper sites in the study areas. An experienced Vessel Captain and a four-member fishing crew, will be needed to operate the vessel and the fishing gear, while a team of six Government Scientists will direct survey operations. The Gulf of Alaska survey spans up to 85 days and will be conducted from mid-May to late July or early August 2021 where approximately 300 15-minute tows will be conducted by the survey vessel.

Background: The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) conducts regular, comprehensive scientific bottom trawl surveys of marine fish and invertebrate resources in the Gulf of Alaska using chartered commercial fishing vessels on a biennial (odd year) schedule. The AFSC Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering (RACE) Division Groundfish Assessment Program conducts these comprehensive bottom trawl surveys and related research in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as required to monitor and quantitatively describe trends in abundance and distribution of commercially and ecologically valuable groundfish populations.

Objective: To conduct scientific bottom trawl survey operations as required by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to deliver quantitative estimates of groundfish biomass, population size and age-structure, and distribution to the Gulf of Alaska Plan Teams. These fishery-independent data are used in the stock assessment process to estimate Allowable Biological Catch and Total Allowable Catch under the auspices of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq.)

Additional biological, habitat, and related data collected on the surveys are used to improve understanding of life history of fish and invertebrate species and the ecological and physical factors affecting their distribution and abundance.

This requirement is to provide one bottom trawler, which will be necessary to conduct a section of the Gulf of Alaska biennial bottom trawl survey that covers the established survey design along the continental shelf and slope (see Map of survey area). Additional optional charter days are to allow for the full completion of each survey and for related research, which can extend the base charter days from 55 days to up to 30 additional charter days beyond the base charter days. Related research includes, but is not limited to:

1. Expanded trawl survey stations

2. Collection of auxiliary oceanographic, acoustic, or biological samples

3. Experimental gear comparison trials

4. Deployment of drop camera systems or camera equipped AUV (autonomous underwater vehicles) or

ROV (remotely operated vehicles) as needed to improve or enhance the delivery of estimates of groundfish and crab biomass and population size in support of stock assessments, within the Alaska

EEZ.

Requirements: In 2021 the AFSC, will be conducting the seventeenth successive biennial bottom trawl survey of the Gulf of Alaska and related research on groundfish, crab, and other invertebrates. The Gulf of Alaska biennial bottom trawl survey will be conducted from two or three charter vessels to assess groundfish resources on the continental shelf and slope from the Islands of Four Mountains (170° W long.)

eastward to Dixon Entrance, AK. This requirement is for award of one of the aforementioned 2-3 vessels required to conduct the survey. These charters are up to 85 days in length and will begin in Dutch Harbor, AK on or about May 18 and end in Ketchikan, AK (or another Alaskan port mutually agreeable to both parties) on or about July 31 or later for each charter. Offers for alternate starting dates earlier than May 18 or as late as June 7 may be considered. All survey operations must follow agreed upon and the most conservative COVID-19 field operations protocols between the contractor’s and AFSC’s COVID-19 protocols (see Appendix 1 AFSC COVID19 protocols). The contractor is required to provide their COVID-19 protocols with their quote for evaluation. The survey period will be divided into two to four legs of approximately equal duration with breaks planned in Sand Point, Kodiak, and Seward AK. Survey operations must also conform to the AFSC’s Protected Species Mitigation Measures that include roles for vessel captains and crews to monitor for protected species and possibly handle any captured animals.

Periodic port calls will be made for provisioning, exchange of Government Scientists and, if needed, vessel crew. If during any charter, the standard survey is completed before completion of the base charter days, remaining charter time that year may be used to conduct additional research in the survey area.

The Survey consists of a series of standardized bottom trawl operations conducted at pre-determined, randomly assigned stations as provided to the Vessel Captain prior to the survey. The survey will use the RACE Division's standardized high opening Poly Nor'Eastern trawls equipped with roller gear to sample stations ranging in depth from 10 m to 1,000 m (6 fm to 550 fm). Routine fishing operations consist of tows of 15-min duration 4-6 stations a day (weather dependent and work progress) at selected locations.

Approximately 280 tows will be conducted per vessel during the survey in the Gulf of Alaska. The workday length will be determined by the Chief Scientist in consultation with the Vessel Captain and normally requires 12 to 15 hours of work each day by the vessel's crew and Government Scientists. Survey catches generally range from 20 kg to 9,500 kg (45 lbs. to 10.5 T), averaging around 450 kg (0.5 T). At the conclusion of each tow, the catch will be lifted by crane to a table on the back deck to be sorted, counted, weighed, and sampled for length-frequency measurements and biological samples of key groundfish and other organisms. Large catches will be weighed in aggregate by means of lifting the net attached to a load cell off deck or may be sub-sampled and the catch weight of the remainder estimated by volume in a deck bin. Most of the catch will be discarded overboard by means of chutes available for both the sorting area (table) and deck bin. Vessel position, temperature, depth and trawl performance data will be collected for each tow by the Chief Scientist during trawling operations. All haul and biological data will be entered on

Government provided onboard computer systems by Government Scientists. Acoustic data will be collected continuously throughout the cruise requiring use of the vessel echosounder equipment and cooperation of the Vessel Captain.

All fishing operations shall conform to established AFSC standard operating protocols as described in NOAA Protocols for Groundfish Bottom Trawl Surveys of the Nation's Fishery Resources at http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/RACE/gearsupport/tmspo65.pdf. as necessary to ensure:

1. scientific consistency and

2. statistical continuity of the time series used to reliably monitor the status and forecast the trends of fish and crab populations.

A. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

1. Minimum overall length (LOA) of 36.5 m (120 ft.) and the vessel will have been actively used for commercial bottom trawling or research where bottom trawl gear was used in the past 12 months.

2. Minimum continuous horsepower output from main engine of 1,000HP.

a. Vessel must be able to tow the standard survey bottom trawl, a 27.4/36.5 m (90/120 ft.) Poly

Nor'Eastern bottom trawl (see Attachment 7) with rubber bobbin roller gear at a continuous speed of 5.6 km/hr. (3 kts) under weather conditions considered safe and typical for survey sampling.

b. Vessel must be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 16.8 km/hr. (9 kts) in low sea states.

3. Completely rigged for trawling including:

a. A stern ramp and gallows or gantry.

b. Two net reels each with capacity for one standard Poly Nor'Eastern bottom trawl equipped with roller gear as described above and in Attachments 5 & 6. An aft location of the two net reels that keeps the trawl alley open is preferred.

c. Split trawl winches with a minimum of 1,463 m (800 fm) of 2.5 cm (1 in) diameter steel core trawl cable in good condition and free of signs of excessive wear (frayed, burrs, broken strands, corrosion) and available for fishing on each drum let out to the mark point). Vessels with 1,830 m (1,000 fm) trawl cable available for fishing on each drum (not total capacity) are preferred. At the beginning of the charter, the trawl cable shall be measured with Government provided wire counters and the crew shall mark the trawl wire at 45.7 m (25 fm) intervals. The trawl wire and marks may also be measured at the completion of the survey and may be measured during the survey if there are indications that the wire has stretched or if significant differences are found between the wire measurements from both trawl winches.

d. An auto-trawl system with the capability of adjustable winch brakes and measurement of trawl wire deployed. This auto-trawl system must be annually certified by factory inspectors to be operating as designed and maintained in usable condition throughout the duration of each survey.

e. Trawl cable must lead directly from the winches to the gallows trawl blocks.

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/RACE/gearsupport/tmspo65.pdf.

4. A deck area, clear of obstructions, of at least 55.7 m2 (600 sq. ft.) for sampling equipment supplied by the government including a 1.5 m X 3.0 m (5 ft. X 10 ft.) sampling/sorting table and one 1.2 m X 1.2 m (4 ft. X 4 ft.) sampling table for working on catches and obtaining biological data as well as a 1.2 m X

0.6 m (4 ft. X 2 ft.) table to house a platform scale with electrical power requirements. The work area should allow the sampling table to be positioned so that all four sides of the table can be used to conduct work, there is easy access to the rail or scuppers to discard catch, and access to deck bins described in Item A.8. Deck space should also include a 1.2 m X 1.2 m (4 ft. X 4 ft.) area for anchoring a holding tank with raw seawater supplies for keeping fish alive pending tagging. On deck work area(s) shall be clear of running gear, equipment, vertical obstructions (e.g., hatch coamings) and stowage.

5. Protected (sheltered from wind) and lighted areas on back deck with a combined area of at least 27.9 m2

(300 sq. ft.) where a minimum of two additional work tables can be set up for collection of weights and other biological data from specimens retained from the catch using electronic scales. (In particular, specimen scales need to be protected from wind and spray which can affect scale calibration and the accuracy of weight data).

6. Electric power (110/115 VAC.) outlets (minimum of two) near on-deck work area. This may be a temporary installation, if necessary, but must be safe to use.

7. Seawater deck hose for cleaning sorting table and sampling gear and for supplying fish holding tanks.

On/off switch should be readily available from the working deck.

8. Easy access to fresh water either on deck or from the deckhouse.

9. A deck bin or trawl alley subdivided with bin boards able to contain large catches up to 10 mt for catch sub-sampling and sorting. Bin boards must be in good condition; easy placement and removal is essential. Extra bin boards shall be available to replace any broken during use.

10. Efficient and effective overboard discard of samples. A system should be in place to service both the sorting table and the deck bins. An overboard discarding system that does not require lifting is preferred.

11. A hydraulic crane with the capability to extend out 3 m (10 ft.) past the side of the vessel and lifting winches rated for handling fishing gear, sampling gear, and catches weighing as much as 5.4 mt under dynamic load conditions. The crane must be rated to 10,000 lbs. (4.5 mt) and capable of raising or lowering the codend anywhere along the centerline of the working deck and must easily reach sampling tables described above.

12. Dry storage area of at least 56.6 m2 (2,900 cu ft.) in the hold for fishing gear and accessories. The vessel must have capacity to store up to seven trawls equipped with roller gear in the hold and/or on deck, along with two spare doors and scientific supplies.

13. Dry storage area of at least 5.4 m3 (190 cu ft.) in the main house for holding scientific supplies.

14. A minimum of 4.2 m3 (150 cu ft.) of freezer storage (exclusive of space for ship's stores) for stowing scientific samples and supplies. Freezer space must be reasonably and safely accessible from the deck and must be available at all times to the scientific party.

15. A suitable dedicated dry counter work space at least 0.6 m X 1.2 m (2 ft. X 4 ft.) with adjacent 110/ 115 volt power outlets on the bridge for installation of Government-supplied personal computers, printer, GPS and trawl mensuration electronics.

16. Access to and use of a suitable chart table.

17. Two 1-inch diameter through-bulkhead access holes to the outside from bridge for the passage of GPS and hydrophone cables to Government computers and trawl mensuration units on the bridge.

18. An office with a desk area (exclusive of galley and accessible at all times) at least 0.6 m X 1.2 m (2 ft. X

4 ft.) with adjacent 110/115 volt power outlets for data management and analysis. Government-supplied personal computers and printer will be installed here for logging data. The additional space is needed for storing data notebooks and office supplies.

19. Clean and sanitary accommodations for crew and six Government Scientists (prefer berthing capacity for up to 8 Government Scientists) which may include both male and female scientists. Stateroom and berthing arrangements must allow for separate rooms for male and female scientists. Bunk areas will shall contain at least one drawer or closet per occupant for storage of clothing and personal gear.

20. Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use (including showers and laundry) for 11 people for at least 25 days. If a water-maker is not available, then a minimum of 22,000 L (6,000 gal) is required.

21. Clean mattresses preferably with clean fitted covers for all Government Scientists.

22. A minimum of one head and one shower shall be available to Government Scientists. Additional heads/showers available to the Government Scientists are preferable. Facilities shall be separate from the living quarters. Adequate soap, toilet paper, and paper towels shall be provided by the vessel.

23. Workspaces, berthing, and galley spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke, vaping odors, excessive engine noise, and hydrocarbon or other noxious fumes.

24. Washer and dryer for personal laundry.

25. A skiff or rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) measuring at least 4.3 m (14 ft.) LOA with an outboard motor (minimum 15 hp). Skiff to be rated at minimum of 400 kg (880 lbs.) total carrying capacity; must be Stored away from the work area but be accessible so as to be easily deployed. A RHIB type skiff is preferred. Gasoline fuel for the outboard motor must be stored in Coast Guard approved tanks or containers.

26. Vessel should be ballasted to maintain sea-kindliness during the charter. If crab tanks are used to ballast or trim the vessel, overboard (not on deck) discharge must be employed. Fuel oil considered as ballast should not be considered in the vessel's fuel-endurance estimation.

27. Provide a safe and stable portable gangway for use in boarding and debarking vessel while in port.

28. In an effort to reduce marine debris pollution, the Vessel Captain shall comply with waste management regulations as described in Section V of the MARPOL Convention. The vessel is required to have a storage facility, with or without a trash compactor, to retain all refuse (except food and paper materials) or a means to incinerate this refuse so that it is not disposed of at sea. Reference Solicitation and Contract Language, paragraph titled “Control of Plastic Discharges.”

29. Fuel is required to be purchased through the Defense Logistic Agency’s Seacard program when a Seacard vendor is available in that port. Fuel purchased through this program will be paid for directly by the Government. If no Seacard vendor is available in the port, the Contractor may be required to purchase fuel and these costs will be reimbursed by the Government.

30. One or more hull mounted transducers compatible with the Marport/Scanmar net mensuration system available for data acquisition on government computers during the survey is desired but not required and may be given additional consideration in technical evaluation of the offeror's quote.

B. ELECTRONIC and COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Radios:

a. VHF-- a minimum of two working sets.

b. Two working single side-band units with at least one being synthesized in the 2-18 MHz range.

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

2. Working video plotter with capability of plotting input from GPS.

3. GPS (Global Positioning System) with a minimum of two working units with at least six-channel, sequential capability to track satellites.

4. Radar--2 working units with a minimum range of 77.2 km (48 miles).

5. Working Depth sounders:

a. Minimum range of 1,100 m (600 fm) and operating in the 38-50 kHz range.

b. Back-up unit with a recording unit with equivalent ranges as above.

6. A working Simrad ES60 echo sounder system with either a 38-kHz single or (preferred) split beam transducer. In addition to the 38-kHz system, a working Simrad ES60 echosounder system simultaneously operating at 120 kHz with either a single or split beam transducer is also preferred. The ES60 echo sounder system(s) should be connected to the ship's GPS unit and should be running the most recent version of the Simrad ES60 software. All sources of noise and interference should be eliminated. Conventional fisheries sounders of the same or potentially interfering frequencies to the ES60 38 kHz system must either be synchronized with the ES60 38 kHz transducer or turned off during data collection. The Simrad ES60 sounder(s) will be calibrated before and after the survey under the supervision of Government Scientists.

7. An electronic charting system that will allow for continuous recording of position and depth by the scientific staff and allow the importation of point and line information.

8. An e-mail system with capabilities for sending and receiving messages, a satellite or broadband telephone, and a cellular telephone for use when service is available in the survey area or in port. The Government will reimburse the Contractor for transmission costs of Government messages and calls, or the cost of any necessary increase in system bandwidth to achieve mission communication goals if applicable.

C. CREW REQUIREMENTS

1. The minimum crew shall consist of a Vessel Captain, lead-fisher, engineer-fisher, general-fisher, and cook or cook-fisher and a Mate if required by law.

2. The Vessel Captain shall have a minimum of three (3) years of bottom trawl fishing experience as master of a comparable sized trawler in Alaskan waters and at least five (5) years total fishing experience as a master.

3. The Vessel Captain shall be competent in the use of modern navigational and fish-detecting equipment and be skilled in rigging and repairing bottom trawls.

4. The lead-fisher shall have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in otter trawl fishing and demonstrated experience in building, rigging, repairing, and operating bottom trawls. He/she must possess demonstrated competence for repairing damaged trawls to their original government specifications.

5. The engineer-fisher, general-fisher, and cook-fisher shall have a minimum of three (3) years' experience in trawl fishing and have the necessary net mending skills to assist the lead-fisher in bottom trawl repair.

6. In addition to the required fishing experience, the cook-fisher shall have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the planning and preparation of three daily meals for a group of at least 11 people.

7. Experience conducting research surveys is highly desirable for the Vessel Captain and lead-fisher, though not required.

8. Offerors shall complete the attached forms indicating pertinent employment experience for each crew member to include the past ten (10) years at a minimum. Similar documentation shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for approval of all replacement personnel proposed during the charter.

D. SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL

1. The Government Scientists generally consists of six personnel (possibly up to eight) and may include both men and women.

2. One Government Scientist will be designated Chief Scientist on each leg of the survey. That person will be responsible for implementation of the Scientific Cruise Plan, Protected Species Mitigation Plan, of catches and the conduct and performance of Government Scientists aboard the vessel.

3. Government Scientists will provide their own bedding, towels, and survival suits. (Except those items specified under Item A. 21 above).

E. OPERATING PROCEDURES

1. The Contractor shall provide three (3) nutritionally balanced meals and a light evening snack each charter day. Meal times shall be coordinated with the Chief Scientist to accommodate both the need to complete sampling work and the time required to prepare meals by the cook. Meals shall be provided by the vessel for the Government Scientists during all charter days including in-port days unless notified by the Chief Scientist that the Government Scientists will not be eating one or more meals aboard the vessel that day. The cook shall reasonably attempt to accommodate dietary requirements of Government Scientists for health or choice related diets (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose intolerant, food allergies, etc.).

2. The workday length shall be determined by the Chief Scientist in consultation with the Vessel Captain.

The decision will be based on the type of activity expected (in-port preparations, running, fishing, jogging, etc.) as well as on prevailing weather conditions and the Scientific Cruise Plan. A typical workday will last about 12 hours, although some days will run longer (14 hours up to 18 hours), beginning as early as 06:30 am. An average of five (5) stations or trawl hauls will be made each day. The workday for the vessel crew will likely exceed that of the Government Scientists, as they may be required to conduct a wheel/anchor watch at night while the vessel runs to the next station or anchorage after completion of the sampling day, drift, lies at anchor, or runs to the first station early in the morning. The Chief Scientist has the final authority except in matters relating to safety of the vessel and all personnel on board.

3. The Chief Scientist and Vessel Captain shall meet a minimum of twice a day to discuss survey operations and resolve any problems that occur. A meeting will occur at the start of the day before fishing 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.

4. The Chief Scientist and Vessel 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 Vessel Captain are unable to resolve any problem which has the potential for invalidating the survey or threatens the safety of the vessel personnel, the Chief Scientist will direct the vessel to return to port where an acceptable solution will be arranged between the Government and the Contractor, or the charter may 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 survey area.

5. The crew, when not required by the Vessel Captain for vessel operations, shall assist the Government

Scientists in sorting the catch and obtaining biological data; the Vessel Captain may be asked to assist Government Scientists with navigational and fishing record keeping.

6. The cruise typically begins in Dutch Harbor for loading and preparing for sea. The cruise is divided into

3 or 4 legs with in-port days at Sand Point, Kodiak, Seward, and ending in Ketchikan. Leg durations may range between 15 and 30 days but unusual conditions may alter this pattern.

7. The in-port days at the onset, end, and at breaks between each leg (approximately 24 hours in each instance), are used to load or unload nets and supplies, exchange personnel obtain fuel, water, and other necessary supplies and for repair or maintenance of shipboard equipment. A one or two-day off-charter break between legs at some point during the charter is optional and must be scheduled in advance with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at the contractor's option and expense. The vessel will be off charter with no payment during the off-charter breaks. The off-charter breaks would be in addition to the on-charter days that are spent in port for loading or unloading or for exchange of Government scientists between legs.

8. A mid-leg break may occur approximately halfway between each leg of the charter. A mid-leg break consists of a day not spent conducting bottom trawls but is used for resting and taking care of maintenance and personal needs. Often this day coincides with a day of poor weather when conditions are not favorable for survey operations.

9. At the end of each haul the Contractor is responsible for removing all biological material (fish, including

“gilled fish, invertebrates, seaweed etc.) from the entire trawl net and ensuring the fishing net is prepared to set for the next haul. This is critical in eliminating contamination of catches from previous hauls and optimizing standard gear performance.

10. When a net is retired and will no longer be used in the survey and at the end of the charter, the

Contractor is responsible for thoroughly cleaning, washing, and baling all nets. This includes removal of all fish, crabs, seaweed, etc. and towing the net behind the vessel until it is free of any biological material. All nets shall be neatly stacked and baled securely with rope. Dandy lines shall be coiled separately and tied at two points on the coil. The Government will provide rope for baling the nets and dandy lines.

11. All fish and shellfish taken in the trawl remain the property of the Government. The Chief Scientist is responsible for their disposition. NOAA policy specifically prohibits retaining any portion of the catch for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized by the contract or retaining specimens from survey catches for personal use and consumption. Reference Section C Contract Clauses- Incidental Catch Disposal, and Recreational Fishing.

12. Beginning at each leg, the Chief Scientist and Vessel Captain shall review the AFSC Protected Species

Mitigation Plan which complies with federal environmental compliance laws (NEPA, ESA, MMPA, NHPA and others). The plan details monitoring for and avoiding protected species during transit and survey operations, reporting, and planning for handling any captured animals by the vessel and scientific crew and for avoiding known shipwreck and historical objects.

13. Vessel crew and Government Scientists are NOT authorized to retain marine mammal or threatened or endangered species whole or parts unless permitted and authorized by Government entities.

14. The Vessel Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow safety procedures as directed by the Chief Scientist to help prevent damage or loss of Government gear and equipment, including trawl mensuration 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 or disregard of such instructions and procedures.

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

16. The Contractor shall provide for all operating expenses of the vessel exclusive of: fishing nets, trawl doors, trawl bridles, net mending supplies, fuel (including outboard motor fuel and oil), and mooring fees incurred during charter days. Communications costs such as use of satellite phone and email, cellular phones, or FAX/Telex costs to conduct official survey business will also be reimbursable.

17. Passengers are not permitted to be transported aboard NOAA chartered vessels for any reason without review and approval from the NOAA Contracting Officer in consultation with the COR, program official, or designee acting on behalf of the program office chartering the vessel. No individuals will be aboard without NOAA authorization. Exception to this requirement is permitted for purposes of rescuing and saving life at sea.

18. ALL survey personnel including Government Scientists and vessel crew shall follow the AFSC Code of

Conduct (see Solicitation and Contract Language titled AFSC CODE OF CONDUCT JULY 2018).

F. SAFETY

1. The vessel Captain is responsible for all matters relating to safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Vessel 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 scientific party at the beginning of each cruise leg. Reference Section C Contract Clauses – Charter Vessel Safety.

2. The Vessel Captain (or designee) must provide a detailed safety orientation before the vessel leaves the dock at the beginning of each leg. At a minimum, the orientation shall review the purpose, location, and emergency operation of vessel EPIRBS, VHF and single sideband radios, survival suits, life jackets, life rafts, fire-fighting equipment and first aid supplies. In addition, emergency procedures for man overboard and abandon ship must be reviewed including the responsibilities of each scientific crew member in case of the occurrence of these events. Any additional safety information that is specific to the vessel must also be covered at this time.

3. The Contractor shall adhere to the safety requirements set forth herein which include 46 CFR Part 28.

4. The Contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved Arctic-type survival suits for all vessel personnel. The Government personnel will provide their own suits. Adequate dry, top-side storage for all survival suits shall be provided.

5. The Contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all personnel aboard.

6. Periodic and unannounced safety drills shall be conducted during each leg of the survey. At least one unannounced drill shall be held each leg.

7. The Government will provide a first-aid kit, oxygen therapy bottles, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and a small boat emergency kit containing a compact Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

8. All personnel working or being transported in a skiff MUST WEAR a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or survival suit. Float coats or other substitutions are not acceptable.

9. Radio contact with the skiff shall be maintained while it is away from the vessel. The Government will provide portable VHF radios for this purpose.

10. At least one Category l 406 Mhz EPIRB must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

11. At least one crew member must be formally trained in survival and firefighting at a level equivalent to that offered by the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owner's Association. An additional crewmember with certified first aid or EMT (emergency medical technician) training is preferred and may be given additional consideration in the technical evaluation.

12. There shall be two identified escape routes from all general areas.

13. Hazardous materials. Quantities of all hazardous materials (e.g., ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde) shall be kept to a minimum and their storage, handling, and use shall be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Hazardous materials needed for the scientific mission shall be handled in accordance with chemical hygiene plans and prudent laboratory practices. Storage containers and storage locations, including labeling of containers and locations, shall meet transportation regulations and USCG or IMO standards for the type and quantity of material being carried. NOAA-authorized personnel will provide to the vessel's captain an inventory of the hazardous materials that will be brought aboard, along with copies of the relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and any special neutralizing agents and personal protective equipment that may be required that cannot reasonably be expected to be provided by the vessel. The captain, or the captain's designee, shall evaluate the risks posed by the materials and shall make all accommodations and take any precautions as may be necessary to protect the vessel and those aboard. Information related to OSHA's Hazard Communication, "Right to Know," Standards shall be maintained and made available to all on board. All hazardous materials brought aboard and hazardous waste generated by NOAA-authorized personnel that remain after completion of the mission shall be removed from the vessel prior to, or upon completion of, the charter unless specific arrangements have been made with the vessel owner and captain to deliver the hazardous material to a port other than the port of contract termination.

14. During the COVID-19 pandemic, agreed upon prevention procedures for sheltering-in-place and testing before boarding the vessel, vessel operations, survey operations, and handling emergent or suspected COVID infections shall be communicated and followed at the start of and during each survey leg.

G. GOVERNMENT-SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT AND CONSUMABLES FOR USE DURING

CHARTER

The following items will be provided by the Government for the charter:

1. Trawls, dandy lines, fishing gear hardware, spare webbing, twine, and floats.

2. Echo-sounder paper (if needed) or acoustic data storage media.

3. All scientific sampling equipment and supplies.

4. Bedding (except those items specified under Item A.21 above), towels, and survival suits (with Personal Locator Beacons).

5. Portable VHF radio(s) for use between the skiff and vessel, or between the deck and bridge.

6. A first-aid kit, oxygen therapy bottles, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a small boat emergency kit containing a compact EPIRB.

7. 1.5 m X 3 m (5 ft. X 10 ft.) sorting table, 1.2 m X 2.4 m (4 ft. X 8 ft.) biological specimen table, and 0.6 m X 1.2 m (2 ft. X 4 ft.) platform scale table for working up trawl catches.

8. Trawl doors--two pairs, 1.8 m X 2.7 m (6 ft. X 9 ft.), V-type, 726-908 kg (1,600-2,000 lbs.) each.

9. Materials needed for sampling large catches (for example, cargo nets, etc.).

10. Metal or fiberglass fish holding tanks.

H. POST-AWARD AND POST-SURVEY MEETINGS

1. Upon award of contract and prior to the start of the charter, a post-award meeting will be held at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (Seattle) (or alternatively a virtual meeting) to discuss issues relating to the charter and survey. The vessel manager, and all Vessel Captains participating in the charter, and crew members primarily responsible for the mending and maintenance of the research trawls (typically Lead Fishers) are required to attend the meeting. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) upon award of the contract at a time that is mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

2. After completion of the survey, a post-survey debriefing will be held at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (Seattle) (or alternatively a virtual meeting) time that is mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

3. The purpose of the debriefing is to provide the charter operator an evaluation of the performance of the vessel and crew during the charter. At a minimum, the vessel manager is required to attend the debriefing. The contractor may attend the meeting via phone conference, as necessary. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the COR upon completion of the survey at a time that is mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

I. OPTION FOR SHIPMENT OF GOVERNMENT GEAR AND EQUIPMENT

For each charter period, the offeror is requested to provide a price for the transport or shipment of the Government's gear and equipment from Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK prior to the start of the survey and back to Seattle, WA upon completion of the survey. The offeror can submit pricing for transport or shipment of the gear for only the start or end of the survey or for the round-trip. A list of the gear and equipment to be shipped is included in Attachment 7 Gear list. Shipment can be by the chartered survey vessel or commercial freight carrier. All gear and equipment must arrive in Dutch Harbor, AK one week (7 days) prior to the beginning of charter, if not transported via the chartered vessel and must be returned to Seattle, WA within three (3) weeks after completion of charter.

Map showing an example of Gulf of Alaska bottom trawl stations conducted during a normal survey. This map is for informational purposes only.

- End Statement of Work-

vii) Acceptance will take place aboard the contracted vessel.

viii) The provision at FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial items (JUN 2020) and addenda apply to this acquisition.

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

ADDITIONAL QUOTE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Offerors shall submit all attachments with complete information which clearly and concisely relates to the evaluation criteria in SOLICITATION PROVISIONS, FAR 52.212-1 EVALUATION CRITERIA (JUN 2020), specifically addressing the following:

Quotations are due no later than 2:00 PM Pacific time on February 18, 2021.

(a) General Instructions

NOTICE TO OFFERORS: Instructions for submitting offers under this solicitation must be followed.

Failure to provide all information may result in the offer being considered non-responsive. Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

(1) The offer must be prepared in two parts: A technical quote and a business/price quote. Each of the parts shall be separate and complete in itself so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently from evaluation of the other. The technical quote must not contain reference to price; however, adequate information must be contained in the technical quote so that the offeror’s technical approach is sufficiently detailed to provide a clear and concise presentation that addresses all contract requirements and demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

(2) The technical quote should be typed, double-spaced, with one inch margins, using Times New Roman size 11-font or equivalent, and printed, unreduced in size, on 8½" by 11" paper. The technical quote shall be no more than 60 pages, including all tables and graphics but excluding resumes, index/appendices and past performance references. Picture submissions shall not exceed 20 pages and video submissions should be no more than 10 minutes in duration. There is no size limitation for business/price quotes.

(3)…