1305M322QNFFM0075 FormSF18 .pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

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

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12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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NF-FM7920-22-01821 1305M322QNFFM0075

WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE, SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

AMANDA LEAL

AMANDA.LEAL@NOAA.GOV

Please See Continuation Page for Line Item Details

206 526-6043 COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM

28 TARZWELL DRIVE

NARRAGANSETT

02882RI

AUG 12, 2022

AUG 12, 2022 2:00PM EST

NFFM7002

Attachment Page

PAGE 2 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

NOAA NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER -NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC STUDY

FLEET SERVICES

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 Subpart 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) is contemplating up to 10 Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) awards from the solicitation SBs in accordance with FAR 19.503. NOAA intends to award up to 10 contracts to participate in the Study Fleet Program to expand the value of the Study Fleet data to stock and ecosystem assessments, as described in the Performance Work Statement. All responsible business sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by NOAA. The Government intends to select multiple contractors; however, the Government reserves the right to award no contract at all, depending on the quality of the quotations, the prices submitted, and the availability of funds

ii) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Written quotes for RFQ number 1305M322QNFFM0075 shall be submitted on Standard Form 18.

iii) The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular No.

2022-06, dated May 26, 2022.

iv) This solicitation is 100% set-aside for small business concerns. NOAA is contemplating up to 10 awards from the solicitation. The associated NAICS code is 541715. The small business Number of Employees is 1,000.

v) This combined synopsis/solicitation is for purchase of commercial Study Fleet Services.

vi) Description of requirements is as follows:

BASE PERIOD:

CLIN 0001: Period of Performance shall be September 15, 2022– September 14, 2023; Quantity: 4 Each (EA);

Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services support NOAA Fisheries’ Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), in accordance with the Performance Work Statement contained herein.

Optional Items CLINs 0002, 0003, and 0004:

CLIN 0002 Optional Item: Delivery of Whole Fish Samples. Samples will be purchased at the average regional pricing for common species an example is listed in Appendix II Samples. CLIN 0002 has a NTE amount of $40,000.00 throughout the time of the contract. If the option is exercised, a price will be negotiated based on the actual fish samples needed. Period of Performance shall be September 15, 2022 – September 14, 2027.

CLIN 0003 Optional Item: Collection of Biological Information in the Schedule of Items and Prices. Provides the unit price for a day of biological sampling and other scientific information collection. CLIN 0003 has a NTE amount of $1,500.00 throughout the time of the contract. If the option is exercised, a price will be negotiated based on the actual Collection of Biological Information needed. Period of Performance shall be September 15, 2022 – September 14, 2027.

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CLIN 0004 Optional Item: Other Direct Costs (ODCs)-e.g. equipment, and travel. The cost for this option will be processed as contract modification under CLIN 0004. CLIN 0004 has a NTE amount of $100,000.00 throughout the time of the contract. If the option is exercised, a price will be negotiated based on the actual ODCs-e.g. equipment, and travel needed. Period of Performance shall be September 15, 2022 – September 14, 2027.

OPTION PERIOD I:

CLIN 0005: Period of Performance shall be September 15, 2023 –September 14, 2024; Quantity: 4 Each (EA);

Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services support NOAA Fisheries’ Northeast Fisheries Science

OPTION PERIOD II:

CLIN 0006: Period of Performance shall be September 15, 2024 – September 14, 2025; Quantity 4 Each (EA);

Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services support NOAA Fisheries’ Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), in accordance with the Performance Work Statement contained herein.

OPTION PERIOD III:

CLIN 0007: Period of Performance shall be September 15, 2025 – September 14, 2026; Quantity 4 Each (EA);

Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services support NOAA Fisheries’ Northeast Fisheries Science

OPTION PERIOD IV:

CLIN 0008: Period of Performance shall be September 15, 2026 – September 14, 2027; Quantity 4 Each (EA);

Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services support NOAA Fisheries’ Northeast Fisheries Science

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Price Schedule

CLIN DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

0001 Base Period - Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services;

Period of Performance: 09/15/2022 - 09/14/2023

4 EA

0002 Optional Item: Delivery of Whole Fish Samples.

Reference Ordering Schedule.

1 JB NTE

$40,000.00

0003 Optional Item: Collection of Biological Information 1 DA NTE $1,500.00

0004 Optional Item: Other Direct Costs (ODCs)-e.g.

equipment, travel

1 EA NTE

$100,000.00

0005 Option Period I - Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services;

Period of Performance: 09/15/2023 - 09/14/2024

4 EA

0006 Option Period II - Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services;

Period of Performance: 09/15/2024- 09/14/2025

4 EA

0007 Option Period III - Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services;

Period of Performance: 09/15/2025 - 09/14/2026

4 EA

0008 Option Period IV - Study Fleet Data Collection and Reporting Services;

Period of Performance: 09/15/2026 - 09/14/2027

4 EA

PAGE 5 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

Key:

EA: Each JB: Job NTE: Not-To-Exceed QR: Quarter DA: Day LS: Lump Sum

Note: The following Optional Items: CLINs 0002, 0003, and 0004 are priced with a not to exceed amount (NTE) according to the above price schedule. All optional items may be used at the time of need. The government will issue a notice of intent, with specified quantity during that time, prior to exercising the CLIN utilizing FAR 52.217-7 clause. The contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer (CO) with actual pricing within 5 days, a notice to proceed will be issued, and a formal contract modification with funding will be issued unilaterally. Any costs in excess of the NTE will be at the contractor’s own risk.

Note: CLIN 0004 A travel day will consist of more than five (5) hours spent traveling to and from, and participating in a meeting. This item is inclusive of all possible travel expenses, to include but not limited to, transportation, lodging and meal expenses.

PAGE 6 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

National Marine Fisheries Services Northeast Fisheries Science Center

SUMMARY

Title of Project: Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Study Fleet Services for Cooperative Research Branch

Period of Performance: September 15, 2022 to September 14, 2027, (1) base year plus (4) Options

This requirement consist of a base period and four option periods as follows:

Base Period: September 15, 2022 to September 14, 2023 Option Period 1: September 15, 2023 to September 14, 2024 Option Period 2: September 15, 2024 to September 14, 2025 Option Period 3: September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026 Option Period 4: September 15, 2026 to September 14, 2027

1.0 GENERAL

The goal of this work is to electronically collect detailed information about commercial fisheries catch, discards, and fishing effort from individual gear hauls to answer research questions related to fisheries dynamics in the Northeast region. Collection of detailed commercial fisheries data is necessary to fulfill the statutory requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). By collecting this high resolution spatial and temporal fishery dependent data we are improving the data available to advance understanding of population, ecosystem, and fishery dynamics in the Northeast region. This improved understanding helps the Northeast Fisheries Science Center produce accurate stock and ecosystem assessments and inform fisheries and ocean use management, which is essential to achieve the standards laid out in the Magnuson Stevens Act.

1.1 BACKGROUND

The mission of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is to provide the scientific information necessary for productive, sustainable, and healthy marine ecosystems and coastal communities in the Northeast region. This requires robust data on the resource species, fisheries, and ecosystems in the Northeast region. The mission of the Cooperative Research Branch (CRB) is to conduct research in collaboration with the fishing community to improve understanding of ocean ecosystems, support sustainable fisheries management, and build trust and understanding among the various stakeholders.

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This acquisition supports the mission of both the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and the Cooperative Research Branch by engaging commercial fishing vessels in collecting high resolution catch and effort data to advance understanding of the region’s marine and coastal ecosystems and to inform sustainable fisheries management.

This acquisition seeks to recruit contracted fishing vessels to participate in the Study Fleet Program to expand the value of the Study Fleet data to stock and ecosystem assessments. The Study Fleet program was developed in 2007 to collect the high resolution fishery dependent data necessary to support the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s research enterprise. The high spatial and temporal resolution of the data collected by Study Fleet vessels provide insight into fishing behavior and ecological dynamics that is not available through regulatory reporting. The NEFSC has developed an electronic data collection system that supports detailed tow-by-tow recording of fishing effort and catch (kept and discarded portions) with associated temperature and depth data. Fishermen use the system to record detailed fishing effort metrics, catch composition, and biological sampling information in support of fisheries science. Commercial fishing vessels participating in longfin squid, shortfin squid, mackerel, butterfish, scup, black sea bass, summer flounder, whiting, haddock, and tilefish fisheries are needed to provide long-term tow-by-tow data using the NEFSC Fisheries Logbook Data Recording Software (FLDRS), automated oceanographic sensors, and real-time data transmission.

The Study Fleet data are used to develop spatio-temporally explicit standardized catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) indices for species such as American plaice, haddock, and black sea bass, to develop socio-economically explicit standardized CPUE for the shortfin squid, to explore environmental drivers of shortfin squid, and to assess the economic impacts of offshore wind energy development on longfin squid fishing operations. To advance and expand applications of Study Fleet data in support of the NEFSC mission, greater vessel participation in and higher data density from Study Fleet are required.

Achieving expanded participation in the Study Fleet program to meet data needs of the NEFSC and CRB is the focus of this acquisition.

1.2 OBJECTIVE

This is a requirement for vessel support for the Northeast Cooperative Research Branch Study Fleet program in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Fisheries to assist in collecting high resolution catch, effort, and environmental data to address science and management needs for longfin squid, shortfin squid, mackerel, butterfish, scup, black sea bass, summer flounder, whiting, haddock, and tilefish fisheries.

These fisheries have been identified as our priority for the collection of long-term, tow-by-tow data using the Fisheries Logbook Data Recording software, automated oceanographic sensors, and real-time data transmission. The current research focuses on enhanced fishery and stock monitoring through the use of electronic technologies, production of fishing footprints, tracking the use of more selective fishing gears and practices, and linking oceanographic and socioeconomic factors to fishery models.

1.3 SCOPE

The Contractor shall collect and transmit tow-by-tow fishing effort and catch data using the NEFSC FLDRS electronic logbook system (Appendix I). The Contractor shall support the development and use of oceanographic data collection systems and real-time data transmission systems, as well as the testing of new hardware, software, and data collection protocols. Whole fish samples may be required for specific projects and during specific periods of time during the contract year, and the Contractor will be compensated as described in Section 4.0.

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The Government may require the Contractor to collect biological and other relevant scientific information on species requested by the NEFSC as described in Section 5.0. The Government may require the Contractor to travel to participate in Cooperative Research meetings for a partial day (described in Section 6.0) or multiple days (described in Section 6.0), to discuss Study Fleet program results and future deployments. The Government may require the Contractor to purchase materials to support routine performance requirements or special projects described in Section 6.0. The Contractor may be requested to engage in more extensive research or testing of new equipment and approaches that may be separate from fishing activities through the performance of additional services requested as described in Section 6.2.

1.4 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance is aboard commercial fishing vessels operating in the continental shelf from Maine to North Carolina.

2.0. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

2.1. Vessel Safety

The Contractor shall ensure a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Fishing Vessel Safety Inspection has been passed within one (1) year of the date of award.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/Fed_Regs.pdf The vessels shall meet all safety, firefighting and lifesaving equipment requirements as found in applicable sections of Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 28. The vessel shall be outfitted with personal floatation devices and survival craft of sufficient number and capacity to accommodate all on board including visiting scientific party and of the type required for a vessel of its size, class, and service in accordance with 46 CFR. Survival suits for the ship’s crew must be provided by the Contractor.

2.2. Stability

The Contractor’s vessel shall be of a design and shall be operated and maintained in a condition that warrants it seaworthy and stable in accordance with the American Bureau of Shipping’s Guide for Building and Classing Fishing Vessels and the 46 CFR, Part 28, Subchapter E.

2.3. Material Condition, Structural and Watertight Integrity

Throughout performance of this contract, the Contractor shall maintain a record of one or more of the following, reflecting the vessel’s current configuration, as evidence of the vessel being maintained in a seaworthy condition: evidence of a dry-docking survey, or underwater survey in lieu of dry-docking, and an internal structural examination within two (2) years; or proof of satisfactorily passing an inspection completed by the Contractor’s marine insurance carrier. If the insurer inspection report occurred more than one (1) year prior to contract award, a current inspection may be requested by the NEFSC if the current vessel configuration differs from the description in the insurance inspection report. The Government reserves the right to inspect the vessel’s material condition with respect to maintenance of vital systems, vessel configuration, and watertight integrity prior to award.

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2.4. Regulatory Compliance

The Contractor’s vessel shall be outfitted, operated and maintained to meet all applicable federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and pollution control regulations. The Contractor shall have on board during the currency of this contract all certificates, records and other documents required by applicable laws and regulation including a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility” meeting requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard for vessels over 400 tons. The Contractor’s vessel shall not have any current operator or vessel permit sanctions.

2.5. Exempted Fishing Permits

The Contractor shall comply with the conditions set forth in any Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) issued to the vessel, including reporting requirements.

3.0. QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS-CLIN 0001, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008

3.1. General Quarterly Performance Requirements - On a quarterly basis, the Contractor shall:

a. Provide approved equipment and hardware for tow-by-tow fishery data collection (See Section 3.2 below). Oceanographic data collection, telemetry, and any other specialized equipment will be provided by the NEFSC.

b. Participate in onshore and at-sea training and troubleshooting on fishery and oceanographic reporting software, consistent with the vessel’s normal fishing practices.

c. Report tow-by-tow data during normal commercial fishing trips.

d. Review and edit data when necessary within 30 days of error notice.

e. Provide feedback on the development and utility of associated software and hardware systems; and

f. Ensure that vessel staffing does not negatively affect the performance of the requirements under the contract, including data quality.

3.2. Information Technology and Equipment Requirements

The Contractor shall provide a dedicated computer which shall be used to collect the Study Fleet tow-by-tow data that can optionally be wired into the vessel’s depth sounder to automate filling required data fields. A secondary GPS unit will be required which will be integrated with the computer or data collection equipment.

If data transmission of the electronic logbook data will occur via a vessel monitoring system (VMS), the vessel’s VMS must be connected to the Study Fleet laptop. At this time only Skymate is compatible with FLDRS data submission.

The Contractor shall have fully functional data collection equipment within the first quarter of contract award as described in section 14.1 and attachment C. The minimum requirements for Study Fleet data collection using FLDRS software are:

PAGE 10 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

1. Dedicated Laptop Computer with the following minimum specifications:

a. Operating System: Windows 10 (32 or 64-bit) operating system or higher.

b. Processor: I3 or later.

c. Hard drive: 64 GB eMMC minimum. SSD strongly preferred.

d. Memory: 4+ GB.

e. USB 3.0 A ports: Min of 3 ports + (Powered hubs acceptable)

2. Dedicated GPS Receiver – must interpret NMEA 0183 data sentences - Note: Furuno and

Northstar units have been used with great success: the Global Stat BU-353 USB GPS is a USB-port enabled GPS that has also worked well. Furuno GP-32 does not work with our systems.

3. Battery Backup/Surge Protection.

4. 4-port RS 232 serial to USB Converter or a single serial-to-USB converter for each required data feed (2+).

5. Internal, External, or hotspot cellular data connection or dockside connection is highly recommended (not required but will allow for data submission via internet).

6. One USB 2.0 Flashdrive: 2+ GB (allows backup and land transmission of files).

3.3. Contractor Attendance at Government Provided Training

At the direction of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), the Contractor shall attend training necessary for use of the tow-by-tow software. Initial training will take place within the first full fiscal quarter of the contract period. Most training can be done on the vessel. Follow-up training and troubleshooting will be scheduled by the NEFSC Study Fleet contact based on fishermen’s comments as well as preliminary analyses of the data collected. The Contractor shall attend follow-up training on a mutually agreed-upon schedule at the direction of the COR.

3.4. Contractor Participation and Support of Coordination Meetings On a periodic basis, the Contractor shall meet with Study Fleet staff members at the vessel in order to install systems, discuss any technical issues, provide feedback, offer suggestions and allow for the download and archiving of supplementary data. Trouble-shooting meetings between the vessel operator and the NEFSC field technician may be necessary after the first initial trips, and with new software and hardware installations. These meetings may occur at the dock or while at sea during fishing operations on a mutually agreed upon schedule. Regular check-up meetings at the vessel will occur throughout the contract period.

3.5. Electronic Logbook and Oceanographic Data Reporting

The Contractor shall provide electronic logbook reporting (tow-by-tow catch and effort), collection of oceanographic data, and recording of dynamic data elements such as gear parameters when applicable through the FLDRS logbook. This data shall be submitted to the NEFSC Cooperative Research Branch.

Vessel operators who are required to file vessel trip reports (VTRs) with the NMFS Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regional Office (GARFO) must continue to do so.

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Vessel operators shall use FLDRS on all trips during the period of this contract. All electronic trip data shall contain Captain’s hail amounts of both the retained and discarded portion of the catch. The waiver is provided as Attachment A - Data Waiver.

3.6. Reporting and Performance Periods

It is understood that seasonal area or fishery closures may occasionally result in a Contractor not conducting fishing trips for a period of time. Not fishing for a period of more than 30 days during a reporting quarter will result in deductions to contract payment for that quarter. Repeated non-reporting periods of more than 30 days during the contract period may be considered grounds for reduction in scope and closeout of the contract through a bilateral modification.

3.7. Data Transfer

The Contractor shall transfer data from the vessel to NEFSC databases. This may be accomplished through a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) system, through wireless data services, through a combination of both, through a program-provided telemetry system.

3.8. Trip Data Review and Editing

The Contractor shall review and edit data when necessary within 30 days of error notice.

This may be accomplished through either a shore-based computer with internet access, or via an onboard computer with a mobile broadband card and data plan. Within five (5) days of contract award, the Contractor shall sign a Non-disclosure form for use of government network systems needed to access data. The Non-disclosure form is provided as Attachment B - Non-Disclosure Form for Use of Government Network Systems.

3.9. Contractor Support of NEFSC Staff on Vessel Deployment

Within each contract year, NEFSC staff may sail with the vessel periodically to:

a. Conduct independent verification of catch and effort estimates;

b. Test software and hardware modifications, and

c. Collect additional data (such a length frequencies) from commercial catch.

Within each contract year, the Contractor shall support up to 20 days of field staff deployment at sea.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing meals and bunk accommodations to staff during these trips and shall cooperate fully with staff in scheduling staff deployments at mutually agreeable times.

4.0. OPTIONAL ITEM: DELIVERY OF WHOLE FISH SAMPLES – CLIN 0002

4.1. General Description

Whole fish samples may be required for specific projects and during specific periods of time during the contract year, and will be compensated as described in Section 4.2.

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4.2. Contractor Special Packing, Marking and Delivery Requirements

Under performance of this option, Contractors are required to use the FLDRS electronic logbook during the selected trips, and fish will be landed whole (not dressed), iced, and in marked fish totes provided by and delivered to Study Fleet staff.

4.3. Vessel Trip Report Application

Contractors responsible for VTR reporting shall list all transactions for legal fish samples sold to Cooperative Research on the required VTRs; the dealer should be listed as “NMFS NEFSC Coop. Res., dealer permit number 3827” on their VTRs and in the FLDRS electronic logbook records. Any fish retained under this option will be deducted appropriately from the sector’s Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE) or common pool Total Allowable Catch (TAC).

4.4. Special Requirements for Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) Fish

This Option includes samples of fish that are landed under an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), such as those that are under-sized or amounts which exceed the Federal landing regulations (See Appendix II.

Average regional pricing for common species). Fish delivered under EFP requirements must be reported according to the requirements in the EFP.

5.0. OPTIONAL ITEM: COLLECTION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION AND

OTHER RELEVANT SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION – CLIN 0003

5.1. General Description

The Government may require the Contractor to collect biological and other relevant scientific information on species requested by the NEFSC. Examples of this information are length frequencies and sex ratios of commercially important and bycatch species.

5.2. Contractor Special Packing, Marking and Delivery Requirements

The Contractor is required to use the FLDRS electronic logbook during the selected trips, and record and deliver the data in the format provided by the NEFSC.

6.0. OPTIONAL ITEM: OTHER DIRECT COSTS-EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS

and TRAVEL – CLIN 0004

6.1. General Description

The Government may request the Contractor to participate in local meetings to discuss Study Fleet program results and future deployments. These meetings will be within a local range and for duration of less than five (5) hours (Generally 2-3 hours), with no more than two meetings per year.

The Government may require the Contractor to travel to participate in Cooperative Research meetings to discuss Cooperative Research program results and future deployments. Meetings may consist of annual Cooperative Research meetings, Fishery Management Plan Working Group Meetings, or may be in conjunction with Fishery Management Council meetings.

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The Government may require the Contractor to purchase material, computer/software to support routine performance requirements or special projects.

6.2 Requirements for Testing

The Contractor may be requested to engage in more extensive research or testing of new equipment and approaches that may be separate from fishing activities through the performance of additional services requests.

Research and testing shall be in support of broader applications of tow-by-tow and oceanographic data collection and transmission. Some examples of recent and potential research and testing areas are:

a. Specialized sampling to detect habitat associations of resource species.

b. Specialized testing of data collection software for fixed gear fisheries.

c. Integration and Use of Radio Frequency Identification Equipment.

d. Specialized sampling of catch to assess conversion factors.

The Contractor shall be able to perform additional test requirements during the contract period of performance without causing delay or disruption to the performance of the basic services or option items under this contract, any other contract, or any other work in process for the Government.

7.0 PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

7.1 Data Quality Standards

Performance Factor 1 (Table 1) must be achieved by the end of the first contract quarter. Performance factors will be effective beginning in the second full quarter of contract performance.

Required Services, Performance Standards, Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs), Monitoring Methods, Evaluation Bases, and Incentive/Disincentives are captured in Table 1 Required Quarterly Performance Metrics.

Table 1 - Required Quarterly Performance Metrics

Required Task Desired Outcome

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

Monitoring Method

Incentive/ Disincentive

Acquire necessary information technology and equipment, and participate in software training

All required information technology and equipment purchased and installed and software training complete.

Contractor will acquire all required information technology and equipment and participate in software training

All required information technology and equipment purchased and installed and software training complete

First quarter check-in with Study Fleet technician to determine if Contractor has met the requirement

Contractor payment will be reduced by 50% for each quarter of non-compliance

Collect tow-by-two commercial fishing data including all kept and

Collect tow-by-tow data on kept and discarded

Do not exceed a period of 30 days without

Do not exceed a period of 30 days without tow-by-

Quarterly Automated data audit checking

Quarterly payment will be reduced by 33.33% for every

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7.2 Quality Assurance and Monitoring

The Government’s Quality Assurance monitoring, accomplished by the COR (and others as designated) as described in the attached Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (provided as Attachment C – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan) and Table 1 in the above numbered section, will be reported by generating an automated Contract Quarter Performance Summary. This summary will document the COR’s understanding of the Contractor’s performance under the contract as determined by the automated, quarterly evaluation system to ensure that the requirements stated in the SOW are met.

7.3 Performance Incentives and Disincentives

Reduced Payment strategies will be employed based on Contractor performance for a given quarter and the results of the automated, quarterly evaluation system. Payment Reductions will be as follows:

a. Reduced quarter payment of 50% for every quarter the Contractor does not acquire necessary information technology and equipment, and participate in software training.

b. Reduced quarterly payment of 33.33% for every period over 30 days without fishing or providing FLDRS data reporting.

Repeated performance at Reduced Payment levels may result in a Government finding of poor performance and lead to non-exercise of the option to extend the term of the contract or possible termination for cause.

discarded species using FLDRS during commercial fishing activities without exceeding 30 days of non-commercial fishing or data collection catch on every commercial fishing trip using FLDRS tow-by-tow commercial fishing data.

tow commercial fishing data, and ensure completeness of tow-by-tow commercial fishing data.

for 30 consecutive days of no data collection.

period exceeding 30 days without collection of tow-by-tow commercial fishing data using

FLDRS

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APPENDICES

Appendix I. Fisheries Logbook Data Recording Software (FLDRS)

When the Study Fleet Program was initiated in 2006, an electronic logbook system, now FLDRS, was developed to record high resolution tow-by-tow, commercial fisheries data by Study Fleet participants. The software collects self-reported data on fishing effort, area fished, gear characteristics, catch, and biological observations. The software can capture data at haul by haul and subtrip levels.

FLDRS is also integrated with the vessel's GPS, VMS, and depth sounder feeds. The main goal is to enable fishermen to collect accurate and precise data on where and how many fish are caught, how much effort was expended as well as share their knowledge and at-sea observations on associated catch and effort. The software is maintained by the NEFSC Fishery Monitoring and Research Division’s Data Information Systems Branch. In particular, enhancements for use by fixed gear fleets are necessary to capture data consistent with observer protocols and to better adapt the system to operating practices on smaller coastal vessels.

Appendix II. Average regional pricing for common species as of April 26, 2022.

FISH TYPE QTY COST

Atlantic Cod 1 lb $3.35

Winter Flounder 1 lb $3.00

Summer Flounder 1 lb $4.50

Yellowtail Flounder 1 lb $2.50

Haddock 1 lb $3.00

Monkfish 1 lb $3.00

Tilefish 1 lb $4.50

Skates 1 lb $1.00

Atlantic Herring 1 lb $0.75

Atlantic Mackerel 1 lb $1.00

Black Sea Bass 1 lb $5.00

Butterfish 1 lb $1.75

Halibut 1 lb $9.00

Illex Squid 1 lb $1.75

Lobster 1 lb $6.25

Loligo Squid 1 lb $2.00

Ocean Perch (Redfish) 1 lb $1.75

Pollock 1 lb $1.75

Scup 1 lb $1.00

Sea Scallop (Cut) 1 lb $13.50

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Silver Hake 1 lb $1.50

Spiny Dogfish 1 lb $1.00

Other Species 1 lb $2.00

Exempted Fish Permit (EFP) Fish up to 50 lbs

1 Lot $50.00

Exempted Fish Permit (EFP) Fish above 50 lbs

1 lb $1.00

Atlantic Cusk 1 lb $2.00

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8. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A - Data Waiver Form (to be completed and submitted with quote) Attachment B - Non-Disclosure Form for Use of Government Network Systems Attachment C - Contractor Information Template (to be completed and submitted with quote) Attachment D - Quick Start Guide for Entities Interested in Being Eligible for Government Contracts

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ATTACHMENT A

NOAA/NMFS/NEFSC

COOPERATIVE RESEARCH BRANCH

Contract Number:

Contractor:

Data Waiver

I agree to the release of all data collected while performing work under the above-referenced contract, including:

1) All trip, effort, catch (kept and discard information), landings, and apportionment data

2) GPS data including position, speed, and track angle collected during project activities

3) Operations data collected during project activities

4) Vessel-related significant events

5) Gear specifications

6) Additional environmental data (optionally collected) including, but not limited to:

- Temperature and depth data

- Net mensuration data

- Weather data

Data collected under this contract is submitted directly to and is maintained by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Only subtrip level data that is collected to meet federal reporting requirements is submitted to the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office.

This contract supports current research topics relating to enhanced stock monitoring through the use of electronic reporting technology and testing, tracking the use of more selective fishing gears and practices, linking oceanographic and socioeconomic factors to fishery models, and real-time data transmission.

Vessel Owner Signature Date

PAGE 19 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

ATTACHMENT B

NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT AND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL

INTEREST NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER (NEFSC)

ACQUISITION FOR RFQ

I understand that in connection with my participation in the NOAA NMFS/Study Fleet Services Acquisition, I may acquire or have access to information relating to any aspect of that acquisition. I hereby agree that I will not discuss with or reveal to any representative of any governmental entity, business organization, other entity, or any individual person (except persons specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer (KO)), either within or outside the U.S. Government, any aspect of the NOAA NMFS/Study Fleet Services acquisition. The term “any aspect of the NOAA NMFS/ Study Fleet Services acquisition” includes, but is not limited to, information contained (or to be contained) in any acquisition documentation created by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration pursuant to FAR Subpart 7.1, requests for quotations, source selection information (as that term is defined in FAR § 2.101), trade secrets and other proprietary information (18 U.S.C. § 1832, §1905), the number and identity of Government personnel involved, and the schedule of key technical and acquisition events in the acquisition process. Except as specifically authorized by the KO, release of such information is not authorized. I agree that this obligation shall continue both during the period of my current participation and thereafter.

I recognize that a significant factor in the successful and proper completion of the NOAA NMFS/ Study Fleet Services acquisition is the strict confidentiality observed by all participants in the various evaluation, review, and discussion groups concerning all of the activities and procedures involved in acquisition development, and that failure to comply with these requirements may compromise the award decision. I acknowledge that the unauthorized release of acquisition information may result in the termination of my participation in this acquisition. Furthermore, I am aware that the unauthorized release of such information may subject me to criminal and civil penalties and adverse personnel actions.

In the event that I release any information described above or become aware that someone else has released such information, I agree to so advise the Contracting Officer. When advising the Contracting Officer, I will provide him/her with the following information: (1) the business organization or other entity, or individual person, to whom the information in question was divulged, (2) the identity of the person that disclosed the information, and (3) the content of the information.

I further affirm that if I am notified of the identity of Quotes, their subcontractors, joint venture partners, and team members by whatever means, I will:

(1) disclose to the Contracting Officer and to DOC Office of Counsel, Contract Law Division and Ethics Division whether I or any member of my immediate family* have any holdings or interest whatsoever in any Quote, their subcontractors, joint venture partners, or team members, and (2) if I or a member of my immediate family1* acquire

1 *The interest of a spouse, minor child, or other member of the employee’s immediate household is reported in the same manner as an interest of the employee.

SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – SEE FAR 2.101 and 3.104

PAGE 20 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT AND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL

INTEREST NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER (NEFSC)

ACQUISITION FOR

holdings or interest in any Quote, their subcontractors, joint venture partners, or team members, notify the Contracting Officer and will not participate in any aspect of the NOAA NMFS/ Study Fleet Services unless authorized to do so by the Contracting Officer and DOC Office of General Counsel Contract Law Division and Ethics Division.

If I am a DOC or DOC/NOAA employee and have been required by the Contracting Officer to complete the OGE Form 450, OGE Form 450-A or SF 278, a copy of my most recent OGE Form 450 or SF 278 is on file or is to be submitted prior to my participation in the NOAA NMFS/ Study Fleet Services acquisition.

Signature and Date Contractor

Printed Name Phone Number

SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – SEE FAR 2.101 and 3

ATTACHMENT C

Study Fleet Contractor Information Template

VESSEL DETAILS

Vessel Name:

Home Port/State:

Vessel: Permit #: Hull ID:

USCG Insp. Sticker: Mo: Yr: Life raft capacity:

EPIRB: Y N Location:

Construction: Year: Shipyard:

Measurements: Length: Beam: Draft:

Tonnage: Gross: Net:

Engine: mk/model: Year: HP:

Accommodations: Head: Y N # of Bunks:

Vessel Email: Satellite Phone:

Owner/Company:

Company Contact: email:

Address:

Office Phone:

Cell Phone:

Fax Number:

Company Duns No.

CAPTAIN DETAILS

Primary Captain: email:

Operator #:

Yrs. as Captain:

Cooperative Research Experience:

Secondary Captain: email:

Operator #:

Yrs. as Captain:

Cooperative Research Experience:

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VESSEL ELECTRONICS

Primary GPS: Make: Model: Software version:

Depth Sounder: Make: Model:

VMS: Y N Brand: MCT/Serial:

Net/Gear Sensors:

Other Electronics:

Electronic Tech.: City, ST: Phone:

FISHING ACTIVITIES

Permit(s) Held:

(include length of time in each fishery)

Type of Gears Used:

Areas Fished:

Avg # Days Fished Per

Year Crew Size: (including captain)

Max. Trip Length: # Days: Trip limitation:

fuel H2O provisions stability crew

Catch Storage: # Freezers: Ref. Seawater: Y N Ice:Y N

Conveyor: Y N

VESSEL INSURANCE

Insurance Carrier:

Address: State: Zip:

Contact:

Phone:

Include Photocopies of:

• Vessel Fishing Permit

Licenses held by Captain and Crew

• Landings allocation letter

• Stability Letter/Insurance Carrier Inspection

• Current Insurance Policy

• Medical Certifications- First Aid/CPR/AED

PAGE 22 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

List below, similar jobs, which you have successfully performed in the past, for the U.S.

Government and other Companies.

PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Point of Contact/Phone/E-mail Address

Year Contract Amount

Government Agency

Contract Number

Dollar Amount

Additional Applicant Comments:

PAGE 23 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

PAGE 24 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

Interested in working with NOAA Fisheries?

Here’s how to get started-

Get Registered! In most circumstances, you must have an active System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration with up-to-date certifications in order to submit an offer. So be ready to go by setting up your business early. SAM.gov is also where you will find contract opportunities.

Step one: Obtain Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number. This is a unique nine-digit identification number for each physical location of your business.

Where to start, includes checklists: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

Step two: Determine your NAICS code(s) and small business status. The North American Industry Classification System is used to classify businesses based on the products and services they provide. You can register for multiple codes

Find all NAICS codes here: https://www.census.gov/naics/

Common NAICS codes for NMFS actions: 483112 Deep Sea Passenger Transportation

483114 Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation

114111 Finfish Fishing

114119 Other Marine Fishing

541715 Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

541990 All other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Determine size status here: https://www.sba.gov/size-standards

Certify size status with SBA: https://certify.sba.gov/

Local small business support: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance

Step three: Complete SAM registration and representations and certifications. This database is used by Federal agencies to do market research about available vendors and to determine eligibility. Important planning note: Entity registration typically takes up to 7-10 business days to process.

Register here: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

Additional info: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

Small Business? Step Four: Register with NOAA’s Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) Small Business Profile Registration

System and check out other small business resources here: https://www.noaa.gov/organization/acquisition-grants/small-business-vendor-resources

Questions? Please contact the AGO Policy and Oversight Division, at NOAASB@noaa.gov for small business/registration questions or Sarah Waugh, Western Acquisition Division, at sarah.waugh@noaa.gov for contracting questions

Additional resource: Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) provides free registration support!

https://www.aptac-us.org/sam-registration/

ATTACHMENT D

Quick Start Guide for Entities Interested in Being Eligible for Government Contracts

PAGE 25 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

Interested in working with NOAA Fisheries?

Here’s how to find and submit offers for opportunities!

STEP 1: BE REGISTERED! In most circumstances, you must have an active System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration with up-to-date certifications in order to submit an offer. So be ready to go by setting up your business early. It may take up to a month to set up your business. Need assistance?

Ask for a copy of our Registering for NOAA Opportunities guidance, or

Contact the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers for FREE registration support:

Website: https://www.aptac-us.org/sam-registration/

Select your state from "Find your PTAC" and contact your closest state or local office

STEP 2: SEARCH IN SAM! SAM.gov is used to conduct market research as well as post solicitations. NOAA often conducts advance planning and market research before issuing formal solicitations. Industry engagement and input is a vital part of putting together a solicitation. NOAA takes industry input seriously and comments or questions about the specifications, qualifications, and other information is extremely helpful. See below for how to find and submit questions or comments on upcoming opportunities:

1. Select Domain: “Contract Opportunities”

2. Keyword Search: Stay broad-“Any Words” and fishing, survey, charter, or related words

3. Federal Organization: “1330-National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration”

4. Notice Type: “Special Notice,” “Presolicitation,” or “Sources Sought” are all used for market research purposes. These notices are often seeking input from industry to determine how many vendors can do the work and solicit feedback on contract requirements.

PAGE 26 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

Each notice will include information about the requirement and instructions for submitting information to the

Contracting Officer. The responses are used by the Government to determine whether to expect multiple offers and whether to set aside for small business entities. If there are issues with the work statement, send in questions or concerns! Each posting on SAM.gov includes a primary and secondary contact. Generally, email is the best form of communication.

PAGE 27 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

STEP 3: STAY IN THE LOOP: If the opportunity looks like something your business may be able to perform, click the

“Follow” button so you can easily find it again and receive updates if it is issued as a formal request for offers:

PAGE 28 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

STEP 4: FIND ACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES: Not all solicitations will be tied to a notice that you can follow. So make sure to search specifically for new opportunities as well. Log in and search by keyword, agency, and other details. Best practice-stay broad to start before narrowing down so you don’t miss anything!

Contract opportunities are posted for a minimum of 15 days, up to 30. If additional time is needed, please notify the

Contracting Officer named in the listing as soon as possible, with an explanation if possible. NOAA strives to achieve maximum participation and competition and may extend the solicitation due date.

1. Refine previous search with: Notice Type: “Solicitation” or “Combined Synopsis/Solicitation”

Narrowing down the search: You can filter by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code with more details if there are too many results. The NAICS code is based on the primary contract activity and will be used to set the small business size standard for each procurement:

NAICS Code: Common codes: 541715 Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences**This is commonly used for Study Fleet

PAGE 29 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

contracts and has a size standard of 1000 employees-any company with over 1000 employees will not be considered small.

483112 Deep Sea Passenger Transportation

483114 Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation

114111 Finfish Fishing

114119 Other Marine Fishing

541990 All other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

PAGE 30 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

STEP 5: PREPARE TO PROPOSE! Once you’ve found a solicitation that you are interested in, download the attachments.

Review the solicitation, with an emphasis on the Statement of Work/Performance Work Statement-This will include the scope of work, qualification requirements, deliverables, and other important information about what the Government wants to see in your quote and what you will be expected to do under contract. The following images are from the 2021

Study Fleet solicitation:

PAGE 31 OF 99 1305M322QNFFM0075

STEP 5: UNDERSTAND YOUR OBLIGATIONS: Review Contract Terms and Conditions-the contract will include clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR), and NOAA Acquisition Manual

(NAM). All terms and conditions must be followed during contract performance: See www.acquisition.gov for full language and prescriptions.