1305M323QNFFM0021 FormSF18.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

b. TELEPHONE

AREA CODE

NUMBER

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

8. TO:

b. COMPANYa. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

7. DELIVERY

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

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

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

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

ITEM NUMBER

(a)

SUPPLIES/ SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

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c. COUNTY

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14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

1. REQUEST NUMBER 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

RATING

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

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS)

NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

NF-FM7320-23-000471305M323QNFFM0021

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 PROTECTED SPECIES BR /F/NEC32

NOAA/NMFS 166 WATER STREET

WOODS HOLE

02543-1026MA

FEB 03, 2023

FEB 03, 2023

FM732073

Jan 18,2023

Attachment Page

PAGE 2 OF 98 1305M323QNFFM0021

VESSEL CHARTER TO CONDUCT BIENNIAL BOTTOM TRAWL SURVEY OF GROUNDFISH

AND CRAB OF THE EASTERN BERING SEA CONTINENTAL SHELF

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) intends to award one Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract for a chartered vessel and crew to conduct research in the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England for Acoustic Recorders Servicing, as described in the Statement of Work. All responsible Business 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, the prices submitted, and the availability of funds.

ii) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).Written quotes for RFQ number 1305M323QNFFM0021shall be submitted on Standard Form 18.

iii) The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition 2023- 01, dated December 30, 2022.

iv) This solicitation is 100% set-aside for small business concerns. The associated NAICS code is 483114. The small business size standard is 500 employees.

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

BASE PERIOD

CLIN 0001: Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023; Quantity: 4 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 4-day vessel charter in Southern New England: (2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 0002: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023 Quantity: up-to 6 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an up-to 6-day vessel charter in Southern New England: (2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 0003: Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $12,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $12,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 0004: Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023; Quantity: 8 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 8-day vessel charter in Gulf of Maine:(2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

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CLIN 0005: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023;

Quantity: up-to 6 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an up-to 6-day vessel charter in Gulf of Maine:(2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 0006: Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $24,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $24,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 0007: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023;

Quantity: up-to 8 Days (DA); Staging and de-staging (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 8 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 0008: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023;

Quantity: up-to 8 Days (DA); Mobilization - Demobilization (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 8 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 0009: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be March 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023;

Quantity: up-to 5 Days (DA); Dock day due to unplanned delay of weather conditions (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 5 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

OPTION PERIOD I:

CLIN 1001: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; Quantity: 4 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 4-day vessel charter in Southern New England: (2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 1002: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: up-to 6 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an up-to 6-day vessel charter in Southern New England: (2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 1003: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $12,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $12,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 1004: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; Quantity: 8 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 8-day vessel charter in Gulf of Maine:(2

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CLIN 1005: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: up-to 6 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an up-to 6-day vessel charter in Gulf of Maine:(2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 1006: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $24,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $24,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 1007: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: up-to 8 Days (DA); Staging and de-staging (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 8 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 1008: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: up-to 8 Days (DA); Mobilization - Demobilization (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 8 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 1009: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: up-to 5 Days (DA); Dock day due to unplanned delay of weather conditions (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 5 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

OPTION PERIOD II:

CLIN 2001: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025; Quantity: 4 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 4-day vessel charter in Southern New England: (2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 2002: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025;

Quantity: up-to 6 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an up-to 6-day vessel charter in Southern New England: (2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 2003: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $12,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $12,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 2004: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025; Quantity: 8 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 8-day vessel charter in Gulf of Maine:(2

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CLIN 2005: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025;

Quantity: up-to 6 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an up-to 6-day vessel charter in Gulf of Maine:(2 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 2006: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $24,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $24,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 2007: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025;

Quantity: up-to 8 Days (DA); Staging and de-staging (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 8 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 2008: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025;

Quantity: up-to 8 Days (DA); Mobilization - Demobilization (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 8 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 2009: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025;

Quantity: up-to 5 Days (DA); Dock day due to unplanned delay of weather conditions (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 5 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

OPTION PERIOD III:

CLIN 3001: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; Quantity: 6 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 6-day vessel charter in Southern New England: (3 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 3002: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026;

Quantity: up-to 9 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an up-to 9-day vessel charter in Southern New England: (3 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 3003: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $27,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $27,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 3004: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; Quantity: 12 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 12-day vessel charter in Gulf of Maine:(3 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

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CLIN 3005: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026;

Quantity: up-to 9 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an up-to 9-day vessel charter in Gulf of Maine:(3 Trips; April 2023 and September 2023) in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 3006: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $36,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $36,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 3007: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026;

Quantity: up-to 12 Days (DA); Staging and de-staging (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 12 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 3008: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026;

Quantity: up-to 12 Days (DA); Mobilization - Demobilization (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 12 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 3009: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026;

Quantity: up-to 8 Days (DA); Dock day due to unplanned delay of weather conditions (for all trips, if needed) for up-to 8 in support of the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England Acoustic Recorders Servicing, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days shall be exercisable in one-day increments.

vi) Description of requirements is as follows:

1. STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

The contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to perform the following Statement of Work/Specifications:

VESSEL SUPPORT FOR GULF OF MAINE ACOUSTIC AND SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

ACOUSTIC RECORDERS

1.0 OVERVIEW

Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Acts, the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is required to assess the status of marine mammal populations found in U.S. waters and charged with reducing the amount of anthropogenic mortality of protected species occurring within the US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), carries out the responsibilities of the NMFS in the northeast region and the Protected Species Branch (PSB) is responsible for regular abundance estimates of protected species.

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2.0 BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

The PSB has an active research program investigating how marine animals use sound, the importance thereof and the impacts on human- made noise on protected and/or endangered marine mammals, and other acoustically-sensitive marine animals (e.g., fishes, sharks and sea turtles). This project is part of the long-term monitoring of movements and distribution of large whales focused on understanding current and expected changes in their occurrence throughout biologically important areas.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The PSB is seeking a charter vessel(s) to assist with several acoustic recorder servicing (equipment retrieval and redeployment) trips of up to a maximum of 6 calendar days, every 5 months (total 12 sea days) to two separate area locations. The acoustic recorders require servicing (retrieval and redeployment) in two separate areas; the southeastern Gulf of Maine (4 sea days each trip) and southern New England (2 sea days each trip - which can be individual day trips) areas. Each trip has the option for additional sea days, if needed (not to exceed 6 days per region, per base period). The work for the Gulf of Maine and southern New England locations do not need to occur consecutively.

4.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

4.1 Project description: The Contractor shall provide a qualified vessel or vessels (see section 4.2 Cruise Operations and section 5.0 Vessel Requirements/Qualifications) to provide acoustic recorder servicing (retrieval and redeployment) trips, in two separate areas, every five (5) months. For each area, one (1) trip shall be in April and one (1) trip shall be in September. (Specific locations are listed in Identified Coordinates, Tables 1 and 2.)

Each trip will consist of up to 4 sea days in the Gulf of Maine and up to 2 sea days in the southern New England area (with optional days for each trip if needed). A total of 12 sea days is expected per period of performance.

The two (2) areas to be serviced are:

(1) in the southeastern Gulf of Maine for 4 consecutive days per trip (for a total of 8 days per base period of performance, with the option for additional days if needed, not to exceed 6 additional days per period of performance).

(2) in the southern New England areas for 2 days per trip - which can be individual day trips (for a total of 4 days per base period of performance, with the option for additional days if needed, not to exceed 6 additional days per period of performance).

The work for the Gulf of Maine and the southern New England areas do not need to occur consecutively.

Weather conditions, discussions between the science crew and contractor, in addition to science crew availability will determine whether the servicing happens in single trips or several trips. Adjustments to trip schedules and sea days due to COVID-19 or other pandemic restrictions or safety protocols may occur by mutual agreement and will be communicated between the contractor vessel and NEFSC prior to implementation.

The Government anticipates requiring the vessel to be available for staging prior to the start of each trip and de-staging at the conclusion of each trip. The contractor shall make the vessel available prior to the start of each trip, at a mutually agreeable port, to NEFSC scientific staff, for staging, to inspect the vessel, potentially train the crew for the deployments & retrievals, and to meet with the Master and owners. Any software, gear, and/or equipment installed on the vessel by the NEFSC/PSB for the purpose of conducting the research trip will be removed (de-staged) at the end of each trip. If needed, mobilization to/ from the contractor vessel’s homeport to the Woods Hole, MA Science Center’s docking area, will occur prior to the start of each trip and at the

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completion of each trip.

A sea day (CLINS 0001, 0004, 1001, 1004, 2001, 2004, 3001, and 3004) is defined as the vessel being at sea away from its planned departure port, transiting to or from planned areas of operation, conducting scientific operations (steaming to each location to provide acoustic recorder servicing - retrieval and redeployment) or laying to, due to inclement weather or scientific equipment failures. Counting of sea days will be suspended if scientific operations are suspended due to vessel equipment failure or the inability of the vessel and/or crew to carry out operations.

For multi-day trips, sea days will be counted on a 24 hour basis from the time of departure until the last day of the trip.

Fuel (CLINS 0003, 0006, 1003, 1006, 2003, 2006, 3003, and 3006)

a. The vessel's fuel tank(s) shall be topped-off at the beginning and end of each trip. The Government shall reimburse the contractor vessel for the cost of fuel used during a trip, in addition to the daily sea day rate. The Government will reimburse the Contractor only for the actual price paid for fuel. Reimbursement will be provided upon receipt of a copy of the paid invoice attached to a Contractor’s invoice for those services.

Payment may only be made to the Contractor of the vessel trip. A Government Representative and a vessel crew member shall, together, verify the volume of fuel on board at the beginning of the charter and the end of the charter, in order to ensure the Government pays for no more or less fuel than the performance of the charter requires.

b. When the Contractor expects total funding expended to reach 85 percent of the total funds available for fuel, the Contractor shall notify the COR and Contracting Officer within one (1) business day. The notice shall state the estimated amount of additional funds required to continue performance for the period specified in the Schedule. The Contractor shall not exceed or incur costs that exceed the amount of funding available for fuel.

The Government is not obligated to reimburse the Contractor for fuel in excess of the funded amount stated in the schedule.

Staging/destaging (CLINS 0007, 1007, 2007, and 3007) is defined as the contractor vessel being made available for the installation and removal of scientific equipment, fishing gear and personal gear onto or off of the vessel. During a staging/destaging day the contractor vessel shall be moored at a pre-agreed docking facility with adequate access for trucks and cranes and with vessel crew available, upon prior arrangement, to assist the staging/de-staging operations and dockside testing of systems and equipment. Staging/destaging is anticipated to take between 2 to 4 hours and to occur directly before leaving/returning to the dock for the trip: in this case this would be an at-sea day. If same day staging and departure are unavailable, the vessel shall be accessible the day before the trip and the staging option would be exercised.

A mobilization day (CLINS 0008, 1008, 2008, and 3008) is defined as, up to a full day, for the contractor vessel to steam from (or to) their homeport location to the Woods Hole, MA dock. If mobilization is required, the option would be exercised.

A dock day (CLINS 0009, 1009, 2009, and 3009) is defined as an unplanned delay where the vessel is unable to leave the dock, or has to return to the dock during the trip, due to unforeseen weather conditions or public health related issues. This option will be exercised only if the vessel cannot return to the home port.

The contracted vessel shall be prepared with the necessary fuel, food (see Provisions) and crew (see section 4.2 Cruise Operations) to conduct the retrieval and redeployment. NEFSC/PSB will provide between two to four scientific staff.

The contracted vessel shall be placed off-hire in the event of loss of time due to any contractor and vessel-

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related operational deficiencies. Any underway days lost by the contracted vessel during the currency of the contract due to excusable delays as defined in FAR 52.212-4f shall be added to the trip period per contract modification (See FAR 52.212-4c and FAR 52.212-4f).

The acoustic recorders that will be serviced (retrieved and redeployed) are the following with possible small changes in position and additional recorders being added over the years depending on research requirements (see Identified Coordinates Table 1 and Table 2). There is one site in the Gulf of Maine (GOM_USTR_11; Table 1) that is in Canadian waters; NOAA will be responsible to obtain the Canadian fishing vessel license required to enter Canadian waters.

Coordinates (Table 1 & 2)

Table 1. Positions and depth of the southeastern Gulf of Maine moorings that will be recovered and redeployed. Note * Site (GOM_USTR_011) is in Canadian waters.

Site

Latitude Dec degrees

Longitude Dec degrees

Latitude Deg Min

Longitude Deg Min

Depth (m)

GOM_USTR_001 42.03 -68.64 42° 01.7672' N 068° 38.2598' W 168

GOM_USTR_002 42.15 -68.34 42° 09.0684' N 068° 20.6001' W 187

GOM_USTR_003 42.27 -68.05 42° 16.4255' N 068° 02.9956' W 190

GOM_USTR_004 42.39 -67.75 42° 23.6958' N 067° 45.2928' W 207

GOM_USTR_005 42.51 -67.48 42° 30.5605' N 067° 28.7790' W 293

GOM_USTR_006 42.29 -67.32 42° 17.3726' N 067° 18.9108' W 275

GOM_USTR_007 42.18 -67.59 42° 10.5925' N 067° 35.3981' W 182

GOM_USTR_008 42.06 -67.88 42° 03.3064' N 067° 53.0204' W 183

GOM_USTR_009 41.93 -68.18 41° 56.0064' N 068° 10.6428' W 199

GOM_USTR_010 41.81 -68.47 41° 48.7292' N 068° 28.2329' W 203

GOM_USTR_011* 42.51 -67.21 41° 30.8316' N 068° 12.3038' W 329

*In Canadian waters

Table 2. Positions and depth of the southern New England moorings that will be recovered and redeployed.

Site

Latitude Dec degrees

Longitude Dec degrees

Longitude Deg Min Latitude Deg Min

NS01 41.03343 -70.3413 41° 02' 00.348"" N 070° 20' 28.5"" W

NS02 40.72413 -70.0169 40° 43' 26.868"" N 070° 01' 0.912"" W

NS03 40.8626 -70.2048 40° 51' 45.36"" N 070° 12' 17.28"" W

NS04 40.97809 -69.9335 40° 58' 41.106"" N 069° 56' 00.474"" W

NS05 40.62812 -69.766 40° 37' 41.232"" N 069° 45' 57.4884"" W

NS09 41.2502 -70.3896 41° 15' 00.72"" N 070° 23' 22.56"" W

NS06 40.61117 -70.26 40° 36' 40.212"" N 070° 15' 35.82"" W

NS07 40.83731 -70.4566 40° 50' 14.32"" N 070° 27' 23.751"" W

NS08 41.02761 -70.6715 41° 01' 39.410"" N 070° 40' 17.462"" W

COX01 41.14175 -71.1031 41° 08' 30.30"" N 071° 06' 11.232"" W

COX03 41.0402 -70.9086 41° 02' 24.72"" N 070° 54' 30.96"" W

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4.2 Cruise Operations

The contracted vessels must have at least two to three crew, covering the roles of Master, mate, engineer and chief steward, to operate the vessel and to support scientific operations. The Master and at least one other member of the vessel’s crew must be fluent in English. While at sea, the Master is responsible for the operation of the vessel to insure the safety of the scientific staff and all crew members. The vessel’s crew is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel and visiting all the designated retrieval and redeployment locations. Any damage to the vessel and its gear which occurs during the trip(s) is the responsibility of the contractor.

The trips will take place within the above specified time windows (April and September 2023 for the base year, see option years below for timing of subsequent years). The work for the Gulf of Maine and the southern New England areas do not need to occur consecutively. Weather conditions, discussions between the science crew and contractor, in addition to science crew availability will determine whether the servicing happens in single trips or several trips.

Conducting the research is defined as traveling to the identified coordinates where research gear will be retrieved and deployed (see Tables 1 & 2). The contracted vessel must have the endurance to travel to and visit the sites. For all sites, the vessel may spend 1-2 hours per site.

For the recorders at the Gulf of Maine sites, the contracted vessel will be either outfitted with an a-frame, davit, crane, or similar which is capable of lifting and releasing a 200 lb. anchor, or an open stern deck or rail where mooring system (float, line, instrumentation) may be trailed behind the vessel in route to the deployment station, and allowing the anchor to be pushed off the deck upon arrival to station. The components of the Gulf of Maine moorings in air weigh approximately 200 pounds with the anchor. Contracted vessel will have an openflybridge which is safely accessible to science crew. At least one science crew may be on the fly bridge to survey for marine mammals at any time during the day. Prior to the commencement of the trip, if needed, the vessel crew will install one pair of ‘big eye’ binocular stands on the fly bridge.

A similar setup is desirable for the southern New England sites, however the anchors are slightly lighter and weigh in the air approximately 100-150 pounds. A smaller vessel is appropriate for this trip and can be day trips if the home port is close enough to pick up the science crew and equipment and return in a single day.

4.3 Recovery & Redeployment Considerations

For the Gulf of Maine sites, the mooring system to be deployed consists of a 150 lb I-beam anchor, stainless steel wire rope to Innovasea VR2AR acoustic release, spectra line to strong-back housing the PAM recorder (SoundTrap 600), spectra line to 14” trawl float. The mooring length is ~ 10 meters from anchor to float (see Figure 1).

For the southern New England sites, the mooring system to be deployed consists of 100 lbs of gym weights for anchors, float rope to Innovasea VR2AR acoustic releases, float rope with two PAM recorders (SoundTrap 600 and FPOD acoustic recorders) to an 11” trawl float. The mooring length is ~13 meters from anchor to float (see Figure 2).

Each station will need to be recovered and then redeployed. All recovery and redeployment operations must occur during daylight hours. Prior to arriving at the station, the scientific personnel will prepare the instrumentation for the recovery and redeployment. The contractor shall provide 45 minutes notice prior to arrival at the station. The

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recovery/redeployment procedure is as follows: Arrive at GPS location, try to maintain on site while hydrophone is lowered into the water to communicate with the acoustic release. Ensure the echosounder is turned off during this process, if possible. Once a communication signal is locked on, after 2-3 minutes the acoustic release will be triggered. Afterwards the mooring will float to the surface, and crew can spot it from the deck (large orange float).

The mooring will be pulled on board with a boat hook and science crew. A new acoustic recorder mooring will be deployed in the same GPS location as the instrument just recovered. However, the contractor shall move the vessel to a new location if an instrument has been lost or other considerations occur as determined by the science crew.

The recovered mooring will then be refurbished and cleaned on deck. The entire process is estimated to take up to 1 hour.

NEFSC can provide a quick-release system for lifting and deploying the anchor if needed. The contractor shall provide a crane operator and at least one deck hand for deployment.

Figure 1. Mooring diagram for SoundTrap 600s for Gulf of Maine Sites

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Figure 2. Mooring diagram for southern New England sites (not shown are the 2 x

45 lb gym weights attached to acoustic release on bottom)

A Scientific Research Permit from the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Administrator will be obtained by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and maintained onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey. No Days- At-Sea (DAS) or catch allocation will be charged to the vessel under this survey activity; the vessel will be considered a NOAA research vessel under this contract. One of the sites (GOM_USTR_11, see Table 1), is located in Canadian waters; NOAA will be responsible for obtaining the Canadian fishing vessel Letter of Authorization (LOA) required to enter Canadian waters. The vessel captain and chief scientist are responsible for following all terms and conditions of the LOA.

The contracted vessel shall utilize and maintain nautical charts, deck log and/or computer software(s) that provide a record of the vessel’s location, operations, operating conditions and any vessel-related significant events. These charts, logs and software output(s) shall be made available upon request of the Chief Scientist. The Master shall provide access to scientific personnel, GPS location data, and other available operations data needed to log the locations of each of the deployment sites.

Nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating demise of the vessel to the Government. The Contractor under this contract shall retain complete and exclusive possession and operation of the vessel and its navigation.

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4.4 Meals

Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel chief steward for the scientists.

Meats shall be included at each lunch and dinner along with two vegetables and dessert or fruit. Vegetarians and vegans will be accommodated. Milk, coffee, tea, water, cold juice and soft drinks shall be available at all times.

Meals shall be prepared during each day of vessel operation under this contract.

5.0 Vessel Requirements/ Qualifications

5.1 Minimum Vessel Specifications

1) There are two separate needs. The first vessel needs to be capable of safe operation in the southern Gulf of Maine, north of Georges Bank, Franklin Basin, and George’s Basin across the Canadian border, and across Georges Bank on the continental shelf in waters. The other vessel needs to be capable of safe operation in waters closer to shore throughout the southern New England area, from Nantucket shoals to Cox Ledge areas.

The same vessel may be used for both locations, if appropriate.

2) The contracted vessel shall have experience collecting scientific data and/or a track record of prior work with passive acoustic recording unit deployment and/or retrieval is desirable.

3) The minimum vessel size needs to be 50 ft. in length with a maximum of 275 ft. in length.

4) Adequate deck space (minimum 7 ft.) to hold all mooring gear and instrumentation for trips.

5) Ability to safely deploy and retrieve gear (a recorder mooring, see Figures 1 and 2) off the side of the vessel.

6) Clean, sanitary, and sufficiently ventilated berths with mattresses for contracted vessel crew and 2-4 scientists. Bunk areas shall contain at least one drawer or closet per occupant for storage of clothing and personal gear.

7) A minimum of one head, one shower and sink with hot water that is available to the scientific crew.

5) Sufficient potable water and fuel capacity for the duration of the trip.

6) Galley facilities for concurrent seating of two (2) scientists

5.2 Electronic and Communication Equipment Requirements

1) Radios:

a. VHF (minimum 2)

b. Single side-band

c. Offshore communication phone (satellite, cellular, or other)

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2) Radar (minimum 2 units with minimum range 40 nm)

3) Global Positioning System (GPS) (minimum 2 units)

4) Plotters with capability of plotting input from GPS desirable

5) Depth sounder

6) Electrical outlets (minimum 2) accessible to science crew for field equipment needs

7) Email capability desirable

8) Weather FAX machine and printer desirable but not required

5.3 Vessel Crew requirements

1) The Captain shall have a minimum of three years’ experience as Master of a comparable-sized vessel in North Atlantic waters. The Captain shall be competent in the use of modern navigational equipment.

2) At least two other members of the crew shall have a minimum of three years of sea-going experience.

3) The designated cook should have adequate experience in the planning and preparation of three daily meals at sea for groups of 5 or more people. Day trips would not require a cook or food to be provided.

4) The contractor shall include documentation indicating pertinent employment experience for each vessel crew member indicating the requisite experience. Similar documentation will be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for approval of all replacement personnel proposed for hire during the vessel contracted period.

5.4 Safety

The Contractor shall provide documentation that a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Fishing Vessel Safety Inspection has been passed within one year of the start of the trip. 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, Part 28. The vessel shall be outfitted with a minimum of 2 EPIRBs, survival suits, personal floatation devices and survival craft (life rafts) 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.

Means of escape. Contractor vessel shall have two (2) identified escape routes from all general areas.

Fire protection. Contractor vessel shall have in place fully functional fire protection systems and equipment, such as portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers, fire pumps, fire mains, fixed gas extinguishing systems, and fire detection and alarm systems in accordance with USCG or SOLAS requirements.

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A navigational watch shall be maintained at all times while the vessel is at sea. No crew member shall be required to work continuously in excess of 12 hours at any given time on any given day. Under normal operating scenarios, all crew members shall be provided at least two rest periods per 24 hour period, one of which must be at least six continuous hours in duration. Aboard vessels employing a one-person bridge watch, a tamper resistant audible watch or bridge alarm in the wheelhouse are required with an activation cycle not to exceed 15 minute intervals during the charter.

All vessels must have an emergency source of electrical power, independent of the main source of electrical power, to provide power to emergency loads in accordance with USCG or SOLAS requirements for a vessel of its size, type, and service. At a minimum, chartered vessels shall have a means to provide emergency power to the following equipment: emergency lighting, navigation equipment, navigation lights, general alarm systems (where fitted), and emergency communication systems and equipment. The emergency source of electrical power must be capable of supplying connected emergency loads continuously for at least three hours and must be located in a space or locker other than the main machinery space. Batteries of sufficient size and capacity may serve as an adequate source of emergency power.

The Government reserves the right to inspect the vessels for safety, firefighting and lifesaving capabilities, and that the vessel can adequately support the cruise mission safely, in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between NMFS and the USCG prior to award and commencement of the research trip. A thorough pre-trip orientation aboard each vessel shall be conducted for the scientists and crew regarding the vessel’s safety, firefighting and lifesaving capabilities assigned responsibilities and procedures.

If the contractor vessel experiences a significant event during a trip that may affect the safety of the vessel (e.g. a breach of watertight integrity, fire or significant equipment failure), or a significant safety related condition is noted, a re-inspection will be conducted at the earliest opportunity. If repairs are necessary, the re-inspection will be conducted after repairs have been completed but prior to proceeding with the trip. The local USCG Marine Safety Office will be requested to conduct the re-inspection under the Memorandum of Understanding between NOAA and the USCG. Costs associated with repairs and the re-inspection shall be the responsibility of the vessel owner and may not be added to the cost of the vessel charter.

5.5 Material Condition, Structural and Watertight Integrity

The Contractor shall provide one or more of the following, reflecting the contracted vessel’s current configuration, as evidence of the vessel being maintained in a seaworthy condition: evidence of a drydocking survey, or underwater survey in lieu of drydocking, and an internal structural examination within the two years prior to the initiation of the trip; or proof of satisfactorily passing an inspection completed by the Contractors marine insurance carrier within one (1) year of initiation of the trip. 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 and commencement of the trips.

5.6 Regulatory Compliance

The contracted 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 300 tons. Vessels must not have any current operator or vessel permit sanctions.

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6.0 POST-AWARD AND POST-TRIP MEETINGS

6.1 Upon award of contract and prior to the start of the trip, a post-award meeting will be held by telephone/video conference to discuss issues relating to the trip. The contractor vessel manager and all contractor vessel Captains participating in the trip are required to attend the meeting.

6.2 Following completion of each trip, a post-trip debriefing meeting will be held via telephone/video conference.

The purpose of the debriefing is to provide the contractor vessel operator an evaluation of the performance of the vessel and crew during the trip. At a minimum, the contractor vessel manager is required to attend the debriefing.

Please reference the Contract/Order Number in your email subject line when submitting invoices.

7.0 ATTACHMENTS

1. ATTACHMENT #1- VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS

2. ATTACHMENT #2 - VESSEL CONFIGURATION

3. ATTACHMENT #3 - MASTER/CREW WORK EXPERIENCE

4. ATTACHMENT #4 - USCG REGULATION FOR MEDICAL FIRST AID EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING APPLICABLE TO

FISHING VESSELS

5. ATTACHMENT #5 - MAP POSITIONS FOR ACOUSTIC RECORDERS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN GULF OF MAINE AND

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

6. ATTACHMENT #6 - PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

---End Statement of Work--

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vii) Acceptance of all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) will take place aboard the contracted vessel.

viii) The provision at FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) and addenda apply to this acquisition.

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

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

ADDITIONAL QUOTE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Quotations are due no later than 2:00 PM Eastern Time on February 3, 2023, and shall be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist – Amanda Leal (amanda.leal@noaa.gov) and the Contracting Officer – Carina Topasna (carina.topasna@noaa.gov).

Offerors shall submit all attachments with complete information which clearly and concisely relates to the evaluation criteria in SOLICITATION PROVISIONS, FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021), specifically addressing the following:

(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. The technical quote shall be no more than 60 pages, including all tables and graphics but excluding resumes, index/appendices and past performance references. Picture submissions shall not exceed 20 pages and video submissions should be no more than 10 minutes in duration. There is no size limitation for business/price quotes.

(3) 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. There is no page limitation for the price quote.

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

(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.

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