1305M321QNFFS0071 Combined Synopsis-Solicitation.pdf

RFQ IFB RFP

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODEFACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF.

DATE . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

OFFER

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

17a CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR.

CODE

8 (A)

SIZE STANDARD:

NAICS:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

EDWOSB

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

NF-FS5000-21-01212

1305M321QNFFS0071

ALEA COX

ALEA.COX@NOAA.GOV 206-526-6226

2:00 PM PT

AJ630031

WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE, SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

541620

FS502024

OPERATIONS, MGMT & INFO SVC

P.O. BOX 21668

/F/AKRX5

JUNEAU AK 99802-1668

see continuation page for line item details.

See Schedule

SEP 07, 2021

Please

AUG 18, 2021

X

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

1305M321QNFFS0071

Attachment Page

PAGE 3 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

COOK INLET BELUGA WHALE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION STUDIES

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 the photo identification studies of beluga whales 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 1305M321QNFFS0071 shall be submitted on Standard Form 1449.

iii) The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular No. 2021-06, dated June10, 2021.

iv) This procurement is solicited as 100% set aside for Women-Owned Small Businesses. The associated NAICS code is 541620 – Environmental Consulting Services. The small business size standard is $16.5 Million.

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

BASE PERIOD

CLIN 0001: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023;

Professional services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS).

OPTION PERIOD I:

CLIN 1001: Option Period I - Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024; Professional Services in accordance with the attached PWS.

OPTION PERIOD II:

CLIN 2001: Option Period II - Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025;

OPTION PERIOD III:

CLIN 3001: Option Period III - Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026; Professional Services in accordance with the attached PWS.

vi) Description of requirements is as follows:

PAGE 4 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Title: COOK INLET BELUGA WHALE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION STUDIES

1. Background The National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) Protected Resources Division (PRD) is responsible for implementing marine mammal conservation and recovery programs under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including programs for Cook Inlet beluga whales. NMFS listed Cook Inlet beluga whales as an endangered species under the ESA in 2008 and designated portions of Cook Inlet as beluga critical habitat in 2011. Despite these efforts, the Cook Inlet beluga whale population is still declining. Although monitoring for abundance estimates and distribution has been previously conducted by aerial surveys, satellite tagging, photo-identification studies, and passive acoustics, more information on life history parameters and habitat use is needed to better understand this small beluga whale population. Previous research studies have confirmed that most beluga whales possess distinct natural marks that persist across years, and these marks can be effectively recorded and identified with digital photography. In recent years, NMFS has emphasized the importance of recovering this endangered species, by publishing a Recovery Plan1 for Cook Inlet beluga whales, and identifying Cook Inlet beluga whales as one of the eight species under NMFS jurisdiction that are at most risk of extinction by including them as one of the Species in the Spotlight2. Information obtained from photo-identification studies can provide critical insight about individual and population characteristics for the Cook Inlet beluga whales, and improve NMFS’s conservation and recovery efforts for this species. NMFS monitors and manages human activities which have the potential to take belugas. Given the precarious status of this population, NMFS prefers non-invasive methods for obtaining this information when possible, and photo-identification has improved our understanding of some of these population characteristics to inform management actions or research focus.

The purpose of this contract is to obtain professional scientific services to use non-invasive photo-identification techniques to help fill data gaps regarding individual and population characteristics of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales, with the goal of providing information to NMFS which will aid NMFS in the management of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales. NMFS may use the information generated from this contract to: update population models, conduct project effects analyses during ESA section 7 consultations, and inform various recovery actions or scientific analyses.

NMFS PRD also implements a Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, and is responsible for coordinating responses to stranded or injured marine mammals. It is expected that the recipient of this contract will develop and implement a communication protocol to report any observations of, or information received about, stranded or injured marine mammals in Cook Inlet to the NMFS Alaska Region Stranding Coordinator as soon as possible. Responses to stranded marine mammals must be authorized by NMFS, and award of this contract does not imply authorization to implement a response.

1 For more information about the Recovery Plan go to: https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/pr/cib-recovery-plan 2 For more information about the Species in the Spotlight go to:

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/stories/2015/05/05_14_15species_in_the_spotlight.html

PAGE 5 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

2. Tasks Key tasks include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

Using non-invasive photographic identification methods, collect and analyze photographic data of Cook Inlet beluga whales, and provide NMFS with broad information regarding population demography like survival, reproductive characteristics (e.g., birth rates, calving intervals, age at sexual maturity, sex ratio, etc.), and habitat use, distribution and movements.

The collection of photographs will occur in the vicinity of Cook Inlet, with emphasis towards areas where Cook Inlet beluga whales are known or anticipated to be present during time of image collection.

The photo-identification study shall be at least comparable in effort to previous years3, if not more intensive, as a means to improve NMFS’s understanding of this population’s characteristics.

Conduct at least 25 photo-id surveys to collect quality identification photos of Cook Inlet beluga whales during the 2022 field season.

Incorporate these photographs and their associated data into the existing CCIBW Photo-ID Project catalog (2005-2020) using techniques that have been developed and used by the CIBW Photo-ID Project for the last 16 years.

Review select photographs provided by NMFS from CIBW strandings or other sources (e.g. extra-limital sightings, historic hunting or tagging photos) collected by NMFS or NMFS-identified partners during the period of performance, and incorporate any useable photographs and their associated data into the existing CIBW Photo-ID Project catalog. The number of photographs to be analyzed will be determined in a meeting between the project PI and the contract COR and TOR at the end of each field season.

Analyze data from the photo-id surveys and the NMFS-provided photos (and summarize them in six short reports to be distributed to NMFS and the public, analyzing and reporting the data in a manner consistent with reporting from the previously available years of the CIBW Photo-ID Project (see Deliverables for additional reporting details).

Share the results of this study (including the data collected) in accordance with NOAA’s Sharing Directive for NOAA Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts, version 3.0.

3. Deliverables (see NAM 1330-52.215-70 SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES)

4. Requirements The following is a list of requirements which may influence the submission of offers and the development of the requested information, and are important considerations prior to submitting an offer.

RESEARCH AUTHORIZATION: Activities with potential to harass marine mammals require a permit from NMFS, including scientific research.

o Offeror is expected to currently have or demonstrate the ability to obtain a research permit authorizing any harassment associated with the proposed work prior to start of the research program.

3 Prior photo-ID project reports are available online at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/pr/beluga-research-cook-inlet (click on the Photo-Identification Studies tab).

PAGE 6 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

o Advertisement of this solicitation is not a guarantee such permits will be authorized to the Offeror.

DATA SHARING: The contractor shall propose and clearly articulate a data sharing plan which adequately meets the needs articulated in this performance work statement and which is consistent with NOAA’s Data Sharing Directive for NOAA Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts, version 3.04 .

DATA COMPATIBILITY: Subtle changes in an individual whale’s marks occur over time, and these gradual changes must be documented in order to recognize and track an individual from one field season to the next. As such, proposed photo-identification imagery collection and analysis methods must be compatible with methods currently employed by the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-Identification Project5 so data could be added to the existing long-term photo-identification catalog.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY: Offeror is responsible for providing and maintaining all supplies and equipment necessary for completing the contract; no equipment or supplies shall be furnished by the Government.

5. Performance Requirements Summary This contract includes a Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). The PRS plays an integral role in the administration of the contract. In addition to any applicable inspection clauses or other related terms and conditions contained in the contract, the PRS shall serve as a primary tool for inspection and acceptance of services as facilitated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance shall be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the PRS, and will be conducted by the COR. The PRS constitutes a material aspect of the contract and will not be changed or otherwise modified without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

The PRS establishes key elements of Contractor performance that represent “mission essential” service requirements, which are identified in the table below in the “Service Output” column. The “Performance Objective” column represents the standard against which Contractor performance will be measured in relation to accomplishment of the corresponding service output. The performance objective or “standard” describes the minimum acceptable level of service by the Contractor for satisfactory performance. The “Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)” column displays the maximum allowable deviation from the performance objective, which, if exceeded, evokes the negative incentive specified in the table below. Attachment 1 describes the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan process developed for this contract. Attachments 2 and 3 outline the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan and the Quality Assurance Surveillance Activity, respectively. Attachment 4 provides a template for tracking Quality Assurance Surveillance.

4 For details on the NOAA Data Sharing Directive go to: https://nosc.noaa.gov/EDMC/PD.DSP.php 5 Prior photo-ID project reports are available online at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/pr/beluga-research-cook-inlet (click on the Photo-Identification Studies tab).

PAGE 7 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

Required Services

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

Methods of Surveillance

Incentive (Positive and/or Negative)

Successful Project Planning

Demonstration NLT 2 weeks prior to start of field work that all necessary planning steps for obtaining data necessary for project objectives to be met have been completed, per agreed upon study plan and other contract requirements (e.g., all required permits, equipment, and personnel have been obtained; data sharing plan is in place;

etc.).

90% Compliance required

Quarterly progress report reviews;

status update meeting 2-weeks prior to start of field work.

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Successful Field Work

Completion of field work and acquisition of sufficient number of quality photographs of Cook Inlet beluga whales to allow the project objectives to be met, as outlined in the approved study plan, or a mutually agreed upon revision of the study plan developed as a result of unanticipated issues.

80% completion of the approved study plan

Quarterly progress report reviews;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion), and random observations of field activities

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

PAGE 8 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

Level

Methods of Surveillance

Incentive (Positive and/or Negative)

Successful Photo Processing and Data Analysis

Completion of photo processing and data analysis to allow the project objectives to be met, as outlined in the approved study plan, or a mutually agreed upon revision of the study plan developed as a result of unanticipated issues, and to support successful project reporting (see below)

Final reports satisfy at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress reports include the status of photo processing and data analysis tasks;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Successful Project Reporting

High quality final reports submitted by deliverable due date which meet the requirements outlined in the contract for information to be included in the reports, and which demonstrate project objectives were met. Six reports will be produced, addressing the topics identified below.

Final reports satisfy at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress report reviews;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Report 1: Spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use by groups and individuals, with emphasis on feeding and reproduction (for each season, and for the composite of all field seasons since 2005)

Final reports satisfy at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress report reviews;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work

PAGE 9 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

Level

Methods of Surveillance

Incentive (Positive and/or Negative)

Report 2: Survival and mortality of identified individuals in 2022

Final reports satisfy at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress report reviews;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50%, and 75% completion)

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Report 3: Reproduction of identified individuals in 2022

Final reports satisfy at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress report reviews;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Report 4: Post-research monitoring of biopsies and satellite-tagged whales: sighting histories and photographs of wound healing in 2022

Final reports satisfy at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress report reviews;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Report 5: Human interactions:

observations of human activities (non-research) during beluga surveys and signs of anthropogenic trauma (e.g., entanglement, puncture, ship strike) in 2022

Final reports satisfy at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress report reviews;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work

PAGE 10 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

Level

Methods of Surveillance

Incentive (Positive and/or Negative)

Report 6: Summary of annual photo-id survey effort and group information (e.g., size, location, group composition) in 2022

Final reports satisfy at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress report reviews;

periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work

6. Confidentiality and Data Privacy This contract may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information. Services contractors are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA), and may be required to certify that there are no organizational (or other) conflicts of interest.

8. Government Furnished Resources Services Contractor will work primarily: On-Site X Off-Site Services Contractor requires access to NOAA facilities: Required X Not Required Services Contractor requires a PIV or CAC: Required X Not Required Services Contractor requires a NOAA email address: Required X Not Required Services Contractor requires use of DOC-Owned IT equipment (laptop or desktop computer)

Required X Not Required

Services Contractor requires non-Government IT equipment to connect to a DOC network:

Required X Not Required

Services Contractor requires access to non-public DOC/NOAA data:

Required X Not Required

Services Contractor will be provided on-site office space with incidental Government Property (desk, chair, phone, and other similar equipment that remains onsite, per FAR

45.000 (5)

Provided X Not Provided

For Services Contractors doing laboratory work, the government will provide typical lab supplies and equipment for use:

Provided X Not Provided

For Services Contractors doing field work, the Government will provide typical field equipment, gear, and supplies for use:

Provided X Not Provided

Description of other access or equipment requirements not already addressed above:

PAGE 11 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

11. Place of Performance Work will primarily be conducted (1) in the field via boat and shore-based surveys in Cook Inlet Alaska; and (2) at the offerer’s personal office location.

12. Overtime, Travel, and Training Fieldwork to conduct photo surveys is a required part of the contract. Travel to the Anchorage area may be accomplished by ground or air transport. Once in the Anchorage area, the contractor will travel by car and boat to survey locations throughout Cook Inlet. The contractor may also need to travel to NOAA offices or conference locations to participate in meetings and share project results with NOAA and the public. Travel funds are not to exceed $5,000 for the base period and each option period. All travel will be approved by the COR or Contracting Officer prior to traveling. Travel must be compliant with Federal Travel Regulations.

13. Special and/or Additional Requirements The following additional aspects are / are not anticipated during the performance of this order:

Domestic / U.S. Travel X Anticipated Not Anticipated Foreign / Overseas Travel Anticipated X Not Anticipated Specialized Air Travel / Aerial Surveys: Anticipated X Not Anticipated Sea Days (Deployed at Sea): X Anticipated Not Anticipated Dockside / Harbor Side Work: X Anticipated Not Anticipated Scuba Diving / Underwater Work: Anticipated X Not Anticipated Remote Working Conditions (e.g. Worksite lacks basic services, has isolated living conditions, or similar):

Anticipated X Not Anticipated

Other: {Provide description below} Anticipated X Not Anticipated Description of anticipated special and / or additional requirements not already described above:

PAGE 12 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

“PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIFIC SERVICES FOR

COOK INLET BELUGA WHALE PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION”

INTRODUCTION

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) has been developed to evaluate contractor actions while implementing this Performance Work Statement (PWS). It is designed to provide an effective surveillance method of monitoring contractor performance for each listed objective on the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) in the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-Identification contract. The QASP provides a systematic method to evaluate the services the contractor is required to furnish.

This QASP is based on the premise the Government desires to maintain a quality standard in scientific services for Cook Inlet beluga whale photo identification and that a service contract to provide the service is the best means of achieving that objective.

The contractor, and not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is quality assurance to ensure contract standards are achieved.

In this contract the quality control program is the driver for product quality. The contractor is required to develop a comprehensive program of inspections and monitoring actions. The first major step to ensuring a “self-correcting” contract is to ensure that the quality control program approved at the beginning of the contract provides the measures needed to lead the contractor to success.

Once the quality control program is approved, careful application of the process and standards presented in the remainder of this document will ensure a robust quality assurance program.

PAGE 13 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

ATTACHMENT #2

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Performance Objective PWS Para Performance Requirement Successful Project Planning (Pre-field Work)

Refer to study plan provided by contractor as part of proposal

Status update meeting between contractor and the COR (and/or technical monitor) to be held 2 weeks prior to commencing field work.

Contractor to summarize the work completed to-date and work still remaining to be completed, as well as discuss any known or anticipated complications. A mutually agreed upon plan for addressing known or anticipated complications is developed which allows project objectives to be met.

Successful Field Work Refer to study plan

Status update meetings between contractor and the COR (and/or technical monitor) to be held when 50% and 75% of the fieldwork has been completed. Contractor to summarize: the work completed to-date and work still remaining to be completed; steps taken to resolve known complications; as well as identification of any new or anticipated complications. A mutually agreed upon plan for addressing known or anticipated complications is developed which allows project objectives to be met.

Successful Data Analysis

Refer to study plan

Status update meetings between contractor and the COR (and/or technical monitor) to be held when 50% and 75% of the data analyses have been completed. Contractor to summarize: the work completed to-date and work still remaining to be completed; steps taken to resolve known complications; as well as identification of any new or anticipated complications. A mutually agreed upon plan for addressing known or anticipated complications is developed which allows project objectives to be met.

PAGE 14 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

Performance Objective PWS Para Performance Requirement Successful Project Reporting Refer to study plan provided by contractor as part of proposal

Status update meetings between contractor and the COR (and/or technical monitor) to be held when 50% and 75% of the writing of each report has been completed. Contractor to summarize: the work completed to-date and work still remaining to be completed; steps taken to resolve known complications; as well as identification of any new or anticipated complications. A mutually agreed upon plan for addressing known or anticipated complications is developed which allows project objectives to be met.

PAGE 15 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

ATTACHMENT #3

Quality Assurance Surveillance Activity

Surveillance Activity (To be performed per the Schedule Outlined Below)

Contract No.

Contract Requirement Contract Paragraph No.

Method of Surveillance

Date Accomplished

Compliance

Status Update - Project Planning (Pre-field Work)

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

2 weeks prior to commencing field work 100%

Status Update - Field Work -50% of fieldwork completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 50% of field work completion 100 %

Status Update – Field Work - 75% of fieldwork completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 75% of field work completion 100 %

Status Update - Data Analysis - 50% of analyses completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 50% of analyses report completion 100 %

Status Update - Data Analysis - 75% of analyses completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 75% of analyses report completion 100%

Status Update - Report Preparation - 50% of each document completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 50% completion of each report 100 %

Status Update - Report Preparation - 75% of each document completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 75% completion of each report 100%

PAGE 16 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

ATTACHMENT #4

Observation Record (Example)

Remarks:

Contracting Officer Representative (COR): ______________________ Date: _______________________

-End Performance Work Statement-

Surveillance Activity (To be performed per the Schedule Outlined Below)

Contract No.

Contract Requirements Contract

Paragraph No.

Method of

Surveillance Date

Accomplished Compliance

Status Update - Project Planning (Pre-field Work)

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

2 weeks prior to commencing field work

Status Update - Field Work -50% of fieldwork completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 50% of field work completion

Status Update – Field Work 75% of fieldwork completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 75% of field work completion

Status Update - Data Analysis - 50% of analyses completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 50% of analyses report completion

Status Update - Data Analysis - 75% of analyses completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 75% of analyses report completion

Status Update - Report Preparation - 50% of each document completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 50% completion of each report

Status Update - Report Preparation - 75% of each document completed

Refer to approved study plan in-person or via teleconference

@ 75% completion of each report

PAGE 17 OF 78 1305M321QNFFS0071

vii) Acceptance will take place at Cook Inlet, Alaska.

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:

Any questions related to this solicitation shall be emailed to alea.cox@noaa.gov on or before 2:00 PM Pacific time on August 30, 2021.

Quotations are due via email to alea.cox@noaa.gov no later than 2:00 PM Pacific time on September 7, 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 30 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) The offeror shall submit:

a. Technical Quote: One (1) copy, electronic required.

b. Business/Price Quote: One (1) copy, electronic required.

Each part shall be clearly marked by title.

(4) The Government will evaluate quotes in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section and with the evaluation criteria stated below.

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(5) The Offerors shall identify and explain any exceptions or deviations taken to any part of the solicitation or conditional assumptions made with respect to the technical requirements of the solicitation.

Offerors should note that taking exceptions to the Government’s requirements may indicate an unwillingness or inability to perform the contract, and the quote may be evaluated as such.

(b) Technical Quote

Vendors shall submit the following in their technical quote:

(1) Evaluation factor A; Technical Capability Technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement: The quote shall demonstrate the offeror´s plan for successfully executing the Performance Work Statement including demonstration of:

o Overall experience on contracts similar in type, scope, and complexity of this requirement which demonstrate the offeror’s technical capability to perform requirements at a high quality.

Subcontractor experience may be included.

o Key staff should provide resumes documenting their qualifications and experience o Proposed plans/contingencies to execute and achieve project goals/deadlines without significant delay.

o Environmental considerations – offeror’s proposed plans to minimize the environmental impact of field research on beluga whale population o COVID-19 Protocols

In the technical quote, offerors shall provide information and documentation in sufficient detail to clearly identify qualifications. A complete explanation shall be provided where information is unavailable or not applicable. If an offeror proposes to supply equipment for the contract that they do not currently have, they must provide the specifics of the equipment such as the make, model and expected delivery time of the item, in order for the equipment to be considered in the evaluation of their proposal. Images or video showing deck and house layouts are also requested and encouraged, but not required.

Reference Section E below for details regarding how the Government will evaluate this factor.

(2) Evaluation Factor B: Past Performance

Attachment #1 – Past Performance

The Government will conduct a past performance assessment based on the quality of the past performance of the contractor on similar contracts as it relates to the probability of successful accomplishment of the required effort. The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation. Information utilized will be obtained from the references listed in the quote, other customers known to the Government, and others who may have useful and relevant information. Information will also be considered regarding any significant subcontractors and key personnel, who may be referenced on Attachment No. 8.

Offerors shall provide a listing of customers to which Past Performance Questionnaire forms were distributed. The list must contain the firms’ names, the representative to whom the form was provided, a telephone number of the contact and an email address. Your customers are requested to complete the Past Performance form and submit the form by fax or email directly to the Contracting Officer noted below.

If an offeror does not have a history of similar or relevant past performance, or if it is not available, it should be noted as such in the quote.

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NOTE: Upon completion of the form, the customer shall return it to:

DOC, NOAA, Western Acquisition Division by email to: alea.cox@noaa.gov.

Please Note: Any Exceptional, Marginal or Unsatisfactory rating assessed by the customer on individual elements or overall rating assigned on the past performance questionnaire, shall include an explanatory narrative to be provided in the remarks block. These narratives need not be lengthy, just adequately detailed to support evidence of the specific ratings noted above. Failure to provide information supporting the assigned rating may result in a lower rating being designated than that assigned by the customer.

Offerors shall make every effort to ensure that forms are received no later than the submission date stated in the solicitation for the quote in order to be considered for evaluation of this factor. Questionnaires submitted directly by the offeror rather than by the customer may not be considered.

If an offeror does not have a history of relevant past performance, or if past performance information is not available, the offeror will receive a neutral past performance rating.

(c) Business/Price Quote Instructions Business/Price quotes must adhere to the pricing structure established in the Price Schedule.

The quote must include a price for all Contract Line Items (CLINS).

Any acceptance period entered on the quote form by the offeror shall not be less than forty-five days, which shall apply if no other period is offered.

The person signing the offer must have the authority to commit the offeror to all of the provisions of the quote, fully recognizing that the Government has the right, by terms of the Solicitation, to make an award without discussion if it so elects.

NOTICE TO OFFERORS: Instructions for submitting quotations under this request for quote must be followed. Failure to provide all information to aid in the evaluation may be considered non-responsive.

Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

1. Quotes shall be fully executed and returned on the Standard Form (SF) 1449 and any acknowledgements of solicitation amendments on the SF 30.

2. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation. Email quotes are required and should be sent to alea.cox@noaa.gov. Electronic/email quotes should be compatible with Microsoft Suite or Adobe. Due to size limitations placed on the NOAA email system, volumes of quotations may have to be sent in separate emails.

3. At a minimum the contractor shall provide the following information:

a) Point of contact name, telephone, facsimile and E-mail address.

b) DUNS Number

c) Acknowledgement of registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database

d) Identification of Authorized Negotiators, including name, telephone, facsimile and E-mail address

e) Certification that Representations and Certifications have been executed by an individual authorized to legally bind the offering firm.

Offerors are responsible for submitting quotations, and any revisions, so as to reach the email provided in this solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. The Government will not be responsible for any failure

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attributable to the transmission or receipt of the electronic information, including the missing of any deadlines that may be established by the process. It is the offeror’s responsibility to confirm receipt of any transmitted information. Upon written request to the Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer, offerors may be granted access to the Department of Commerce’s Kiteworks secure file transfer site for secure transmission of quotes. The offeror is responsible for requesting access in a timely manner to ensure on-time receipt of quotes. The Government is not responsible for quotes received late through the secure file transfer site.

FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/car

(End of provision)

FAR 52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING (AUG

2020) (Reference 4.1804)

CAR 1352.242-70 POST AWARD CONFERENCE (APR 2010)

(Reference 1342.503-70)

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY FULL-TEXT:

FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (OCT 2020)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

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(b) Prohibition.

(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year

2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award

Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It will, will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that— It does, does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures.

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

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(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand;

model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand;

model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

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(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of Provision)

FAR 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (AUG 2020)

(a)

(1) The Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that—

(i) The Offeror and/or any of its Principals–

(A) Are are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any Federal agency;

(B) Have have not , within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State, or local) contract or subcontract;

violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of…