1305M321QNFFS0057 FormSF18.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

NUMBER

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

8. TO:

b. COMPANYa. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

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.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

a. NAME OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

1. REQUEST NUMBER 2. DATE ISSUED

JULY 15, 2021

4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

RATING

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date)

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS)

NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER

NF-FS7100-21-02162 1305M321QNFFS0057

RES ASSESS AND CONSERV ENGINE

NOAA/NMFS 7600 SAND PT WAY NE

/F/AKC1

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

MONA M. ASH

MONA.M.ASH@NOAA.GOV

Please See Continuation Page for Line Item Details

206 526-4888 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)

JUL 29, 2021

SEP 25, 2021

DUNS:

FS710031

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Vessel Charter to Conduct Bottom Trawl Survey of Groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands

BASE PERIOD 04/01/2022 TO 03/31/2023

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

Period of Performance: 04/01/2022 to 03/31/2023

55.00 DA

0002 Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A not-to exceed amount of $6,000 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2022 to 03/31/2023

OPTION ITEM

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

NTE

30.00

DA

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2022 to 03/31/2023

OPTION ITEM

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

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2022 to 03/31/2023

OPTION ITEM

Fuel charges in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, 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 $84,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2022 to 03/31/2023

OPTION PERIOD I 04/01/2023 TO 03/31/2024

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

55.00 DA

PAGE 2 OF 5 1305M321QNFFS0057

Period of Performance: 04/01/2023 to 03/31/2024

OPT

1002 Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the 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 $7,725.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2023 to 03/31/2024

OPTION ITEM

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

NTE

30.00

DA

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2023 to 03/31/2024

OPTION ITEM

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

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2023 to 03/31/2024

OPTION ITEM

Fuel charges in support of the 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 $86,520.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2023 to 03/31/2024

OPTION PERIOD II 04/01/2024 TO 03/31/2025

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

Period of Performance: 04/01/2024 to 03/31/2025

55.00 DA

OPT

2002 Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A not-to exceed amount of $7,957.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred

1.00 JB

PAGE 3 OF 5 1305M321QNFFS0057

and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2024 to 03/31/2025

OPTION ITEM

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

NTE

30.00

DA

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2024 to 03/31/2025

OPTION ITEM

Transport of Government equipment to survey end location in support of the biennial bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2024 to 03/31/2025

OPTION ITEM

Fuel charges in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, 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 $89,116.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2024 to 03/31/2025

OPTON PERIOD III 04/01/2025 TO 03/31/2026

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

Period of Performance: 04/01/2025 to 03/31/2026

55.00 DA

OPT

3002 Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the 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 $8,195.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

1.00 JB

OPT 3003

Period of Performance: 04/01/2025 to 03/31/2026

OPTION ITEM

Provide all labor, equipment and materials for up to 30 additional charter days in support of the bottom trawl NTE

30.00 DA

PAGE 4 OF 5 1305M321QNFFS0057

survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2025 to 03/31/2026

OPTION ITEM

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

1.00 JB

OPT

Period of Performance: 04/01/2025 to 03/31/2026

OPTION ITEM

Fuel charges in support of the 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 $91,789.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

Period of Performance: 04/01/2025 to 03/31/2026

1.00 JB

PAGE 5 OF 5 1305M321QNFFS0057

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 and Aleutian Islands, 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 1305M321QNFFS0057 shall be submitted on Standard Form 18.

iii) The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular No. 2021-05, dated March 10, 2021.

iv) This procurement is solicited as 100% small business set-aside 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:

BASE PERIOD

CLIN 0001: Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023; Quantity: 55 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 55-day vessel charter in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 0002: Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $6,000.00; Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A not-to-exceed amount of $6,000.00 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 April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023;

Quantity: 30 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for up to 30 additional charter days in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, 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 April 1, 2022 through March 30, 2023;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS); Shipment and Transportation of Government Furnished Equipment to survey start location in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/12.htm#P295_49268

CLIN 0005: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $84,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, 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 $84,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

OPTION PERIOD I:

CLIN 1001: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024;

Quantity: 55 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 55-day vessel charter in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 1002: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $7,725.00; Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the 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 $7,725.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 1003: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024;

Quantity: 30 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for up to 30 additional charter days in support of the 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 1004: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS); Shipment and Transportation of Government Furnished Equipment to survey start location in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 1005: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $86,520.00; Fuel charges in support of the 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 $86,520.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

OPTION PERIOD II:

CLIN 2001: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025;

Quantity: 55 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 55-day vessel charter in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 2002: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $7,957.00; Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A not-to-exceed amount of $7,957.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 2003: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025;

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

CLIN 2004: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS); Shipment and Transportation of Government Furnished Equipment to survey end location in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 2005: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $89,116.00; Fuel charges in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, 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 $89,116.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

OPTION PERIOD III:

CLIN 3001: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026;

Quantity: 55 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 55-day vessel charter in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 3002: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $8,195.00; Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of the 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 $8,195.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 3003: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026;

Quantity: 30 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for up to 30 additional charter days in support of the 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 3004: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS); Shipment and Transportation of Government Furnished Equipment to survey end location in support of the bottom trawl survey of Alaskan groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 3005: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) not-to-exceed $91,789.00; Fuel charges in support of the 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 $91,789.00 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 & Aleutian Islands.

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 Aleutian Islands in 2022 & 2024 & Gulf of Alaska in 2023 & 2025. 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 & Aleutian Island surveys span up to 85 days and will be conducted from as early as mid-May to late July or mid-August in each year where approximately 270 to 310 15-minutes tows will be conducting in the Gulf of Alaska and 210 to 280 15-minute tows will be conducted by the Aleutian Islands.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 and Aleutian Islands 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 Alaska Fisheries Science Center 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 & Aleutian Island biennial bottom trawl surveys 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.

CHARTER REQUIREMENTS

Aleutian Islands: In 2022 & 2024 the AFSC, will be conducting the sixteenth and seventeenth successive biennial bottom trawl survey of the Aleutian Islands and related research on groundfish, crab, and other invertebrates. The Aleutian Islands survey will be conducted by two charter vessels and divided into three legs of roughly equal length and will begin in the Fox Islands region adjacent to Akutan Island (165º W long.) and continue westward to Stalemate Bank (170º E long.) (see survey map area below). This requirement is for award of one of the aforementioned two vessels required to conduct the survey. The Aleutian Island surveys are up to 85 days in length (typically 70 days) and will begin (port-set up) in Dutch Harbor, AK on or about June 1 and end in Dutch Harbor AK (port-off load), on or around August 9th. It is anticipated that fuel and water will be obtained and scientific personnel exchanged at Dutch Harbor after the first leg. The next port call typically occurs at Adak where water and air transportation are usually available, but where fuel and other supplies may be unavailable. The survey covers the area from nearshore out to 500 m in depth. Contractor offers for alternate starting dates between May 23 or as late as June 11 may be considered.

Gulf of Alaska: In 2023 & 2025 the AFSC will be conducting the eighteenth and nineteenth successive biennial bottom trawl survey of the Gulf of Alaska and related research on groundfish, crab, and other invertebrates. The Gulf of Alaska survey will be conducted by two or three charter vessels and divided into three legs of roughly equal length and will begin at the Islands of Four Mountains (170° W long.) and continue eastward to Dixon Entrance, AK (see maps of survey below). This requirement is for award of one of the aforementioned 2-3 vessels required to conduct the survey. The Gulf of Alaska surveys are up to 85 days in length (typically 75 days) and will begin in Dutch Harbor, AK on or about May 16 and end in Ketchikan, AK (or another Alaskan port mutually agreeable to both parties) on or about July 31. Port calls include Sand Point, Kodiak, Seward, and Ketchikan.

The Surveys consist 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 280-300 tows will be conducted per vessel during each of the surveys in the Aleutian Islands and 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, conductivity, 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 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. Vessel shall have a 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. Vessel shall have sufficient fuel capacity to allow survey trawling operation for up to 50 days without refueling.

3. Vessel shall have a minimum continuous horsepower output from main engine of 1,000HP.

4. Vessel shall 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.

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

6. Vessel shall be 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 shall be annually certified by factory inspectors to be operating as designed and maintained in usable condition throughout the duration of each survey.

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

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

7. Vessel shall have 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.

8. Vessel shall have a 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).

9. Vessel shall have electric power (110/115 VAC.) outlets (minimum of two) near on-deck work area.

This may be a temporary installation, if necessary, but shall be safe to use.

10. Vessel shall have a 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.

11. Vessel shall have easy access to fresh water either on deck or from the deckhouse.

12. Vessel shall have 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 shall be in good condition; easy placement and removal is essential. Extra bin boards shall be available to replace any broken during use.

13. Vessel shall have an 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.

14. Vessel shall have a hydraulic crane with the capability to extend out 3 m (10 ft.) beyond 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 shall 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 shall easily reach the sampling table described above.

15. Vessel shall have a dry storage area of at least 56.6 m2 (2,900 cu ft.) in the hold for fishing gear and accessories. The vessel shall 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.

16. Vessel shall have a dry storage area of at least 5.4 m3 (190 cu ft.) in the main house for holding scientific supplies.

17. Vessel shall have 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 shall be reasonably and safely accessible from the deck and shall be available at all times to the scientific party.

18. Vessel shall have 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.

19. Vessel shall have access to and use of a suitable chart table on the bridge.

20. Vessel shall have 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.

21. Vessel shall have 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.

22. Vessel shall have a 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 shall 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.

23. Vessel shall have 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.

24. Vessel shall have clean mattresses preferably with clean fitted covers for all Government Scientists.

25. Vessel shall have 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.

26. Vessel shall have 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.

27. Vessel shall have washer and dryers for personal laundry.

28. Vessel shall have 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; shall 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 shall be stored in Coast Guard approved tanks or containers.

29. Vessel shall 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 shall be employed. Fuel oil considered as ballast should not be considered in the vessel's fuel-endurance estimation.

30. Vessel shall provide a safe and stable portable gangway for use in boarding and debarking vessel while in port.

31. Vessel captain and crew shall comply with waste management, in an effort to reduce marine debris pollution, vessel 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.”

32. Vessel 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.

B. ELECTRONIC & COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Vessel may have 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.

2. 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.

3. Vessel shall have a system for switching to backup power (e.g., battery) for radio operation in the event of interruption of the normal power supply.

4. Vessel shall have a working video plotter with capability of plotting input from GPS.

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

b. Vessel shall have a minimum of two working radars with a minimum range of 77.2 km (48 miles).

c. Vessel shall have a minimum of two working depth sounders with a minimum range of 1,100 m (600

fm) and operating in the 38-50 kHz range.

5. Vessel shall have a working Simrad ES60 (or newer version) 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 shall 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.

6. Vessel shall have 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. Vessel shall have an email 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. OPERATING PROCEDURES-VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

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 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

D. CONTRACTOR 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 of experience in otter trawl fishing and demonstrated experience in building, rigging, repairing, and operating bottom trawls. The lead fisher shall 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 of 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 of 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. The contractor 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. GOVERNMENT/CONTRACTOR OPERATIONAL SURVEY PROTOCOLS

1. The Government Scientists generally consists of six personnel (possibly up to eight) and may include all genders.

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. 24 above).

4. 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 (up to 18 hours), beginning as early as 06:00 am. An average of approximately 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.

5. 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.

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.

6. Both the Aleutian Island and the Gulf of Alaska surveys typically begin in Dutch Harbor for loading and survey preparation. The cruise is divided into 3 or 4 legs with in-port days dependent on survey and may include Sand Point, Kodiak, Seward, Ketchikan (Gulf of Alaska survey), or Adak (Aleutian Island survey). Leg durations range between 15 and 30 days (typically 21 days) but unusual conditions may alter this pattern.

7. The in-port days at the onset, end, and at breaks between each leg (approximately 24-48 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.