1305M323QNFFS0126 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

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AREA CODE

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

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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)

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SUPPLIES/ SERVICES

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AMOUNT

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12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

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

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NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER

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NF-FS7100-23-01947 1305M323QNFFS0126

RES ASSESS AND CONSERV ENGINE

NOAA/NMFS 7600 SAND PT WAY NE

/F/AKC1

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

AMANDA ROSSITER

AMANDA.ROSSITER@NOAA.GOV

Please See Continuation Page for Line Item Details

206 526-6043 RES ASSESS AND CONSERV ENGINE

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

SEATTLE

98115-6349WA

AUG 18, 2023

AUG 18, 2023

FS710031

Attachment Page

PAGE 2 OF 118 1305M323QNFFS0126

VESSEL CHARTER TO CONDUCT NORTHERN BERING SEA EFFECTS OF TRAWLING STUDY

(NETS) IN THE NORTHERN BERING SEA

i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 in conjunction with Subpart 13.5, as supplemented 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 supply of a chartered vessel and crew to conduct Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS) in the Northern Bering Sea, 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 1305M323QNFFS0126 shall be submitted on Standard Form 18.

iii) The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition 2023- 04, dated June 2, 2023.

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 Time of Award through September 30, 2024; Quantity: 16 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 16-day vessel charter in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 0002: Period of Performance shall be Time of Award through September 30, 2024; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-To-Exceed (NTE) $3,000.00; Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $3,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 0003: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be Time of Award through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: 1 Job (JB); Not-To-Exceed (NTE) $30,000.00; Government Furnished Equipment Installations in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $30,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 0004: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be Time of Award through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: 23 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for up to 23 additional charter days in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days are exercisable in one-day increments.

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CLIN 0005: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be Time of Award through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: 1 Job(JB); Not-To-Exceed (NTE) $15,000.00; One-way Shipment and Transportation of Government Furnished Equipment in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $15,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 0006: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be Time of Award through September 30, 2024;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $185,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

Fuel is anticipated to be covered by Government SEA Card. In ports where the SEA Card is not accepted, the contractor may be required to purchase fuel and be reimbursed by the Government. A NTE amount of $185,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

OPTION PERIOD I:

CLIN 1001: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025; Quantity: 12 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 12-day vessel charter in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 1002: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-To-Exceed (NTE) $3,000.00; Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $3,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 1003: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025;

Quantity: 10 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for up to 10 additional charter days in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days are exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 1004: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025;

Lump Sum (LS); Not-To-Exceed (NTE) $15,000.00; One-way Shipment and Transportation of Government Furnished Equipment in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $15,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 1005: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $110,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

Fuel is anticipated to be covered by Government SEA Card. In ports where the SEA Card is not accepted, the contractor may be required to purchase fuel and be reimbursed by the Government. A NTE amount of $110,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

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OPTION PERIOD II:

CLIN 2001: 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 support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 2002: Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-To-Exceed (NTE) $3,000.00; Moorage, communications charges, and dockside services in support of Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $3,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 2003: Option Item – Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026;

Quantity: 10 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for up to 10 additional charter days in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. Option days are exercisable in one-day increments.

CLIN 2004: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026;

Lump Sum (LS); Not-To-Exceed (NTE) $15,000.00; One-way Shipment and Transportation of Government Furnished Equipment in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein. A NTE amount of $15,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

CLIN 2005: Option Item - Period of Performance shall be October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026;

Quantity: 1 Lump Sum (LS) Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $110,000.00; Fuel charges in support of the Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS), in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

Fuel is anticipated to be covered by Government SEA Card. In ports where the SEA Card is not accepted, the contractor may be required to purchase fuel and be reimbursed by the Government. A NTE amount of $110,000.00 is established for this line item and is reimbursable based on actual expense incurred and when accompanied with appropriate supporting documentation.

vi) Description of requirements is as follows:

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:

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NATIONAL OCEANIC ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICES

ALASKA FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER

RESOURCE ASSESSMENT AND CONSERVATION ENGINEERING DIVISION

STATEMENT OF WORK

NORTHERN BERING SEA EFFECTS OF TRAWLING STUDY

1.0 General

1.1. Background

NOAA Fisheries is the federal agency responsible for the stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and their habitats. The mission of the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) is to provide science and services in support of productive and sustainable fisheries, recovery and conservation of protected resources, and healthy ecosystems in the marine waters of Alaska.

1.2. Objective

The Northern Bering Sea Effects of Trawling Study (NETS) is a multi-year effort to design and execute experimental studies of trawling effects in the Northern Bering Sea Research Area. The results will inform possible future management of commercial bottom-trawl fisheries in the region.

This acquisition addresses Congressional mandates in the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act to describe and identify essential fish habitat and to minimize to the extent practicable adverse effects on such habitat caused by fishing.

A trawler and crew operating in Alaska fisheries is needed to test and demonstrate real-time positioning of a research/commercial bottom-trawl and to support at-sea research operations in 2023-2025+.

1.3. Specific tasks

1.3.1. Sea trials to evaluate real-time positioning of bottom trawls

Precise positioning of trawls and bottom sampling gear is a mission-critical capability for executing the project.

Successful proof of function and readiness for the Government’s ultra-short baseline (USBL) subsea positioning system on a trawler platform must be completed prior to mobilization for research cruises.

1.3.2. Research cruise – Northern Bering Sea

The effects of trawling will be directly studied by fishing a commercial bottom trawl in previously untrawled areas of the Northern Bering Sea Research Area. Conditions before and after trawling will be investigated with integrated biological and geological sampling (see Attachment 1 for additional details).

1.4. Operations schedule

FY23 or early FY24. Conduct sea trials to demonstrate mission-critical real-time subsea positioning of bottom trawls and other overboard sampling gear. Preferred locations (ordered): Puget Sound, coastal Washington, Alaska.

Preferred dates: completion of underway testing at least 90 days prior to beginning of the summer 2024 Research Cruise.

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FY24 (summer). A research cruise with 3 distinct events: (1) integrated biological and geological sampling in all research corridors, (2) experimental disturbance of Experimental research corridors with a commercial trawl; and (3) integrated biological and geological sampling in all research corridors. Preferred dates: completion prior to October 1, 2024.

FY25 (summer). A research cruise with 1 event: integrated biological and geological sampling in all research corridors. Preferred dates: completion prior to October 1, 2025.

Beyond FY25 (summer). Possible future work identical to FY25. Requirement TBD at a later date.

2.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

2.1. SEA TRIALS TO EVALUATE REAL-TIME POSITIONING OF BOTTOM TRAWL (BASE

PERIOD: FY24)

2.1.1. General requirements

Sea trials to evaluate the capability will consist of two main elements: (1) Dockside installation of Government-supplied USBL system and auxiliary electric winch, and (2) Underway testing of USBL system with a bottom trawl and grab sampler.

2.1.2. Installation work

The Government-supplied USBL system includes both topside and subsea components which determine range and bearing to a towed object. Real-time georeferenced positions are produced when interfaced with a GPS, attitude, and heading reference sensors. The topside components will be temporarily interfaced with Government-supplied GPS and auxiliary sensors, which include input of heading (gyrocompass) and vessel motion such as heave, pitch and roll (dynamic motion sensor). The topside installation requires dockside access to the vessel and support placing Government-supplied antennas, Government-supplied dynamic motion sensor (if not available from the vendor) at the surveyed center of gravity along the centerline of the vessel, and obtaining cabled-access to data streams from the ship’s sensors (if deemed necessary) at the enclosed topside USBL navigation station. A video display for navigating the trawl will be temporarily installed in plain view of the ship’s helmsman and will require running an Ethernet cable from the wheelhouse to the USBL navigation station (Item A.14.c in the section 2.1.5) at a remote location on the ship. The subsea transceiver1 can be hull-mounted or installed on an auxiliary over-the-side (OTS) pole.

Experience with OTS poles and other vessels recommends mounting the transceiver on an existing retractable through-hull hydraulic ram if clearance below the keel is ≥ 1.6 m when fully extended and completely free of bubble sweep and prop wash.

If installed on the ship’s ram (and fully retractable), the Government-supplied transceiver could remain in place until the next opportune time for removal. Alternatively, see Attachment 2 for images of a previously deployed Government-supplied OTS pole available for installation or modification to fit the hull of the Contractor’s vessel.

CAD drawings and an engineering report are available upon request. All work for modifying, installing, any essential adjustments to location, and removing the USBL hydrophone pole will be carried out or paid for by the Contractor and should therefore be included as reimbursable in the offeror’s quote.

An auxiliary winch is required to deploy a benthic grab sampler and a conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensor. The footprint of the winch is 4.5 x 4.5 ft. and it weighs 1,435 lbs. (Attachment 3). Anchoring the winch can be accomplished by any means that does not affect the structural integrity or performance of the winch after removal.

1 Sonardyne Type 8021 transceiver head is 9 in. diameter, 19 in. long, and weighs 29.7 lbs. in water. Installation options are described in section 3 of the manufacturer’s system installation and maintenance manual, including adapting an existing bolt pattern on the mount with a flange having the required pattern (Attachment 2).

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Connection to 3-phase 440 VAC sufficient to run the electric motor on the winch must be accessible at the location for the winch. The winch will be located with a minimum of 3 ft. clearance along the back and either side, and with a clear run to a minimum 16 in. stringing block.

The block shall be far enough aft to let the level wind work effectively, allow near vertical lifting of the grab sampler, and high enough that the cable passing through the block is unobstructed. The block can be suspended from a crane or boom or (preferably) a moveable independent davit, A-frame or gantry supplied by the Contractor.

Under CLIN 0003-All work for affixing and rigging the auxiliary winch, as well as any essential adjustments to location, shall be carried out or paid for by the Contractor and should therefore be included as reimbursable in the offeror’s quote.

2.1.3. Underway testing

Real-time positioning will be evaluated by towing a bottom trawl with an open cod end and with deployment and recovery of a seabed sampler in suitable waters adjacent to the ship’s location.

Field operations will consist of: (1) preliminary dockside testing of USBL function, (2) GNSS Azimuth Measurement Subsystem (GAMS) calibration by maneuvering the ship in open water in a quick figure 8 (or some dynamic maneuvering) pattern for a period of roughly 3-5 minutes, (3) a “box-in” calibration procedure where the vessel sails a prescribed grid about an acoustic beacon moored to the seafloor (approximately 6 hours)2, (4) one or more deployments of a fully rigged bottom trawl to evaluate real-time positioning and navigation capabilities; and (time permitting) (5) an evaluation of capability with a Government-supplied seabed grab sampler while the vessel holds position. It is anticipated that one (1) full day will be required to complete underway testing, with a second day held in reserve for contingencies. Two optional charter days are to allow for troubleshooting and additional testing if necessary.

Preferred dates: completion of underway testing at least 90 days prior to beginning of the 2024 Summer Research Cruise involving the same vessel.

2 https://apps-afsc.fisheries.noaa.gov/RACE/surveys/cruise_archives/cruises2010/results_Fairweather_FISHPAC-2010.pdf

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2.2 RESEARCH CRUISE – NORTHERN BERING SEA

2.2.1 General requirements

A trawler and crew operating in Alaska fisheries is needed to support the at-sea operations (Attachment 4). Precise subsea positioning of the trawls and other overboard sampling gear with Government-supplied equipment is a mission-critical capability for the chartered vessel.

Additional optional charter days are to allow for the full completion of the NETS experimental plan and for related research, which can extend the base charter days each year up to 10 additional charter days beyond the base charter.

Related research includes, but is not limited to:

● Collection of auxiliary biological, geological, oceanographic, or acoustic samples

● Gear calibrations and testing

2.2.2 Specifications and requirements

NOTE: Minimum Qualification for each vessel and crew are indicated by red font and denoted with an asterisk (*).

Additional highly desired qualifications are indicated as “Preferred”, listed in black font, not bolded, and immediately follow the relevant required item(s) when appropriate. Additional consideration may be given for proposals which offer highly desirable items. Additional information is also provided in black, non-bolded font.

From past experience, we realize that it may be difficult to find a vessel that will meet all of the specifications and requirements listed for this charter. Therefore, we encourage offerors to submit alternative proposals for consideration of any vessel that may meet most but not all of the requirements listed below.

A. GENERAL VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

1. * Minimum overall length (LOA) of 120 ft. and the vessel shall have been actively used for commercial trawling or research in which trawl gear was used in the past 12 months.

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

3. * Vessel must be able to consistently deploy, tow along the seabed at a continuous speed of no more or less than 3 knots, and retrieve the standard NMFS 83/112 ft. survey trawl (Attachment 5) under normally expected fishing conditions for the duration of the study. Preferred: variable pitch propeller or kort nozzle for speed control.

4. * Vessel must be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 9 knots in low sea states. Preferred: the vessel be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 10 knots.

5. * Vessel must also be able maintain position in a 100 m x 100 m area while collecting a bottom-grab or water-column sample. Preferred: bow thrusters or other active means of holding position at sea.

6. * Vessel must have fuel holding capacity for at least 5 weeks of continuous fishing operations without refueling, and the fuel must be usable and not required for ballast.

7. Vessel must be rigged for bottom trawling including:

a. * A gallows or gantry. Preferred: a stern ramp and a stern gate that can be opened and closed for additional safety.

b. * Minimum of two (2) net reels with capacity for a NMFS 83/112 ft. bottom trawl and a standard Bering Sea commercial-style bottom trawl (Item A.9). Preferred: two (2) aft net reels, attached to gallows or gantry.

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c. * Split trawl winches with a minimum of 325 fm of 1 in. diameter steel core trawl cable in good condition and free of signs of excessive wear (frayed, burrs, broken strands, corrosion) and available for fishing on each drum.

d. *An auto-trawl system with the capability of adjustable winch brakes and measurement of trawl wire deployed.

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

f. * At the beginning of the charter, the trawl cable shall be measured with Government- supplied wire counters and the crew shall mark the trawl wire at 25 fm intervals. The trawl wire may be measured during the charter if there are indications that the wire has stretched or if significant differences appear between the wire measurements from both trawl winches as per NOAA protocol.

g. * Vessel must be able to retrieve wire at a speed of at least 30 fm/minute for all wire lengths between 25 and 300 fm.

8. * The exact location of the vessel centerline and center of gravity is needed for mounting a Government-supplied dynamic motion sensor.

9. Commercial-style Bering Sea bottom trawls:

a. * Two (2) matching commercial bottom trawls used in either the Bering Sea flatfish or Pacific cod fisheries with headrope at least 80 ft. in length, 12-16 in. footrope diameter, and sweeps at least 45 fm in length. The trawls must be in good repair, rigged and ready to fish, with all commercial scale accessories (i.e. doors, tailchains, sweeps, bridles and groundgear) necessary to fish in the Bering Sea groundfish fisheries. Approximately 24 3-hr tows will be made using the vessel’s trawl gear. Preferred: A codend sensor or other capability to detect overfilling of the commercial-trawl codend because individual tows will be approximately 3 hours in duration in areas previously closed to trawling. Trawls are ones currently used by the vessel.

b. * All web, material and manpower necessary to maintain the commercial trawl in working condition shall be provided by the Contractor.

c. * Offerors shall supply full net and rigging plans for proposed gear including make, model and description of the trawl doors and a detailed description of the sweeps, bridles, and groundgear along with their technical proposal when their quotes are submitted. The total weight in air of the deployed trawl and accessories shall be provided by the Contractor.

10. Deck requirements:

a. * A deck area clear of obstructions of at least 800 ft2 for sampling equipment including a 5 x 10 ft.

sorting table for working on catches and obtaining biological and geological data, a 2 x 4 ft. platform scale table for working on catches and obtaining biological data, a 2 x 4 ft. sediment/infauna processing table, and a 4 x 4 ft. area for anchoring a tank with raw seawater supply for keeping biological specimens alive. Preferred: additional deck space clear of obstructions. It is also preferred if the available deck space is a cohesive area of the deck and not broken into parcels by trawl fences, bulkheads, or other structures.

b. * The sorting table must be positioned such that all four sides of the table can be used to sample fish catches, there is easy access for discarding catch, and there is access to bins described below used to hold catches. Preferred: the sampling table is temporarily positionable so that that an improvised chute on the fourth side of the table can be used for direct overboarding of fish.

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c. * Two (2) adjacent deck bins, measuring 6 x 6 x 3 ft. minimum each, for holding and splitting catches.

Bin boards must be in good condition, free of signs of wear that indicate mechanical damage. Easy placement and removal of the bin boards is essential. Replacement bin boards must be provided in the event of breakage or damage of bin boards. Preferred: the bins should be incorporated with, or in close proximity to, one or more overboard discard chutes.

d. * The deck work area(s) should be clear of running gear, equipment, vertical obstructions (e.g., hatch coamings), and stowage.

e. * A protected (sheltered from wind – e.g. shelter deck or wave wall) and lighted area on the deck where two work tables can be set up for collection of weights, other biological data from specimens retained from the catch, and sediment-/infauna-sample processing.

f. * Ability to communicate directly between the deck and wheelhouse (e.g. intercom or handheld radios).

g. * At least two electric power (110/115 VAC) outlets near on-deck work areas. This may be a grounded temporary installation, if necessary and safe to use.

h. * Seawater deck hose with sufficient volume and pressure to allow for cleaning of sorting table and sampling gear, for supplying saltwater to fish holding tanks, and for washing of benthic grab samples.

Pumps must be adequate for prolonged and continuous operation of fish holding tanks. An On/Off switch should be readily available from the working deck. Preferred: high volume seawater hose with adjustable flow rate.

i. * Freshwater deck hose for occasional use to wash scientific instruments and other sensitive gear.

j. * Adequate illumination to enable scientific operations under all conditions.

11. Ability to lift and manipulate catches and scientific sampling equipment:

a. * A hydraulic crane with the capability to lift catches of up to 6 T completely clear of the deck under normal weather conditions for the purposes of weighing larger catches. The crane must be made available for weighing catches under these circumstances. The crane must also have the ability to extend out 10 ft. past the side of the vessel. The crane must be able to manipulate the codend anywhere along the centerline of the working deck. The crane must be able to pivot the USBL hydrophone pole (Item A.15; Attachment 2) into the water for underway or static subsea positioning and to a secure position for transiting or foul weather. Preferred: More than one (1) crane and increased crane lifting capacity.

b. * A minimum of two lifting winches for handling fishing gear and catches (e.g. Gilson winches).

Preferred: additional lifting winches.

12. Storage areas:

a. * Dry storage area of at least 190 ft3 in the deckhouse for holding and storing scientific supplies. This space must be easily accessible by the scientific crew and available at all times. Preferred: larger interior storage area.

b. * Storage area of at least 2,000 ft3 for fishing gear and accessories. Preferred: dry storage space for fishing gear and accessories, such as a hold or other vessel space.

13. Auxiliary winch:

a. * Provision to anchor an auxiliary winch to the deck. The winch will be used to deploy a benthic grab sampler and a conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensor. The footprint of the Government-supplied winch is 4.5 x 4.5 ft. and it weighs 1,435 lbs. (Attachment 3). Anchoring can be accomplished by any means that does not affect the structural integrity or performance of the winch after removal.

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b. * Connection to 3-phase 440 VAC sufficient to run the electric motor on the winch must be accessible at the location for the winch. The winch shall be located with a clear run to the block described below (Item A.13.c) and a minimum of 3 ft. clearance along the back and either side. CLIN 00003-All work for connecting and affixing the winch, as well as any essential adjustments to location, shall be carried out or paid for by the Contractor and should therefore be included in the offeror’s quote.

c. * Provision to suspend a minimum 16 in. stringing block for the auxiliary winch cable near the pivot point of the vessel for over the side deployment of a grab sampler and CTD instrument. The block shall be far enough aft to let the level wind work effectively, allow near vertical lifting of the grab sampler, and high enough that the cable passing through the block is unobstructed. The block can be suspended from a crane or boom. Preferred: suspend the block from a moveable independent davit, A-frame or gantry supplied by the Contractor.

14. Interior spaces:

a. * Net mensuration station. A suitable desk or dry counter work space of at least 8 ft2 in the wheelhouse with adjacent 110/115 VAC power outlets for installation of Government-supplied personal computers, printer, GPS, trawl mensuration cabinet, and other trawl mensuration equipment. Two (2) 1 in. diameter through-bulkhead access holes to the outside from the wheelhouse for the passage of GPS and hydrophone cables to Government computers and trawl mensuration units in the wheelhouse.

Preferred: an area of 15 ft2 for this purpose.

b. * Wheelhouse navigation station. Additional space is required for a 15 in. navigation-display monitor in the helmsman’s view. Provision must permit the running of a CAT5 Ethernet cable from a remote location where the USBL navigation station is set up. Access to and use of a suitable chart table in the wheelhouse.

c. * USBL navigation station. A dry, heated and lighted area preferably measuring 10 x 15 ft., or 150 ft2 overall, with a 3 ft. deep x 12 ft. long desk/benchtop space. The desk space requirement could be reduced with adequate headroom for stacking equipment and need not be contiguous. This area must be suitable for computer/electronic equipment and be adjacent to 110/115 VAC power outlets. The area may be located either in the deck house, deck locker or enclosed shelter deck, but must have easy access to the deck; provide easy, safe access for routing cables with connectors in and out of the area; and be within the following distances: 100 ft. of the USBL hydrophone (minus the length of the hydrophone pole; Item A.15 in the section 2.1.5.), 100 ft. of the Government-supplied antennas (Item A.16- in the section 2.1.5.), and no more than 50 ft. from the surveyed center of gravity where the dynamic motion sensor IMU will be mounted (Item A.8, which may require additional through-holes of up to 2.5 in.

diameter).

d. * Data office. Two (2) suitable desk or shelf areas at least 2 x 4 ft. each with adjacent 110/115 VAC power outlets for installation of Government-supplied personal computers and printers. The desks or counter spaces should be located in space exclusive of the galley or wheelhouse and can be used almost exclusively by the scientific staff for data entry and analysis.

e. * Charging station. A dry area of at least 10 ft2 with sufficient amperage for charging net mensuration sensors and data collection devices (typically 10 tablets, multiple headsets, and Bluetooth peripherals).

Preferred: the space is easily accessible from (or within) the Data office space outlined above in (Item A.14.d in the section 2.1.5.).

15. Ultra-short baseline (USBL) hydrophone pole:

a. * A Government supplied over-the-side transducer arm assembly (“pole”) will need to be mounted aboard the ship to enable real-time acoustic positioning of the trawls and other sampling gear. The pole is comprised of two sections, each constructed from Schedule 80 steel. The top section is 8 in. in diameter and extends to the bottom of the hull.

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The bottom section is 4 in. in diameter and extends approximately 2 m below vessel draft. A semi-circular brace (steady rest), with points of attachment on pole for fore and aft stabilizers/guy wires, reduces vibration while underway at reduced speed.

When transiting, the pole can be pivoted out of the water using the vessel’s crane or small ATV-style winch and secured to the rail.

The pole can usually be installed at dockside. The pole is secured to the vessel with an upper tension flange at the top, which bolts through the bulwarks, and a pivot index flange approximately 2 m from the top, which is secured in a latched socket attached to a steel plate that is welded to the exterior of the vessel. In the unlikely event of a severe curvature of the hull at the required point of attachment, an 11

in. diameter access through the bulwarks may be required. Both flanges are backed by 1 in. doubler plates.

To mount the bolt-on steady rest at or below the water line, ballast can be shifted or a weight extended outboard with the crane so the vessel exposes more of the hull. A crane will also be required to install the assembly and pivot it out of the water as necessary. CLIN 0003-All work for modifying, installing, and removing the USBL hydrophone pole will be carried out or paid for by the Contractor and should therefore be included in the offeror’s quote. Photographic images of an installed pole are found in Attachment 2. CAD files and an engineering report are available for inspection.

Government-supplied components of the pole will be removed from the vessel upon completion of the mission unless specific arrangements have been made with the vessel owner and Captain to deliver the components to a port other that the port of contract termination.

Preferred: a retractable, through-hull installation powered by a retractable hydraulic ram that can accommodate the 9 in. diameter and 19 in. length of the USBL transceiver. Previous experience installing and operating a fully functional USBL system is highly desirable.

16. * Provision to mount antennas in an area that is free of obstruction to satellites, including two (2) antennas mounted on a bar with a 2 m separation.

17. * A minimum of 17 ft3 of freezer storage. Freezer space must be reasonably and safely available from the deck and must be continuously available to the scientific party.

18. * One clothes washer and one clothes dryer in proper working order for personal laundry. Preferred:

additional washers and dryers in good working order. A dedicated dryer for foul weather gear.

19. * Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use (including showers and laundry) by vessel and scientific crew for approximately 5 weeks. If a water maker is not available, then a minimum holding capacity of 6,000 gal of freshwater is required. Preferred: a functioning water maker or larger water holding capacity.

20. Staterooms:

a. * Clean, sanitary, and appropriate accommodations for each member of the scientific field party, captain, and crew. Berthing must be able to accommodate a scientific field party of at least six with any mix of male and female scientists and single-sex staterooms. Preferred: bunk areas shall contain at least one drawer or closet for storage of clothing and personal gear per occupant or bunk. A single-person stateroom for special accommodations.

b. * Clean mattresses fitted with covers for all scientific personnel.

21. * Workspaces, berthing, and galley spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke, hydrocarbon fumes and excessive engine noise.

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22. * Vessel must be ballasted to maintain sea kindliness during the charter. If crab tanks are used to ballast or trim the vessel, overboard (not on deck) discharge shall be provided. Adequate ballasting must be independent of fuel and fresh water supplies required for 5 weeks.

23. * One head and one shower in good working condition available for use by the scientific crew. Soap, toilet paper, and paper towels shall be provided by the vessel. Preferred: additional heads and showers available for use by the scientific crew.

24. * A method allowing scientists to safely board and disembark the vessel while in port.

25. Electronic and Communication Equipment Requirements

a. * Gyrocompass capable of exporting vessel heading as an HDT serial string to the USBL navigation station located no more than 50 ft. away (Item A.14.c). Preferred: heading unit has an accuracy of 0.2 degrees.

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

c. * Depth sounders - two (2) color scope units with minimum range of 600 fm and operating in the 38-50 kHz range, with NMEA output available for Government use. These units may need to be shut off when the Government-supplied USBL acoustic positioning system (Item H.10) is being used.

d. * Minimum of two (2) GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers with Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capability.

e. * An electronic plotting and navigational charting system with the ability to upload station location (point data). Preferred: Globe navigational system (Electronic Charts, Inc.).

f. * Radar – two (2) units with a minimum range of 48 mi.

g. Radios:

i * VHF – a minimum of two (2) working units.

ii * Single sideband – a minimum of two (2) working units with at least one (1) being synthesized in the 2-18 MHZ range.

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

h. * A communication system allowing reliable sending and receiving of messages, and uploading and downloading of files. Preferred: full internet access at elevated bandwidth.

i. * A satellite or broadband telephone for use at sea.

j. * A cellular telephone for use when service is available in the survey area or in port.

k. Preferred: vessel may have one or more hull mounted transducers compatible with the Marport/Scanmar net mensuration system available for data acquisition on Government computers during the survey.

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B. CREW REQUIREMENTS

1. * The minimum crew shall consist of a Captain, lead-fisher, engineer-fisher, general-fisher, and cook or cook-fisher.

2. * The Captain shall have a minimum of three (3) years of bottom trawl fishing experience as master of a comparable-sized trawler in Bering Sea and/or Alaskan waters and at least five (5) years total fishing experience as a master. Preferred: the Captain also has at least six (6) months of recent experience as Captain or Mate on the offered vessel.

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

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

5. * The engineer-fisher shall have a minimum of two (2) years of experience as engineer aboard comparably-sized trawlers. Preferred: The engineer shall have spent at least 6 months at sea on the vessel prior to this project.

6. * Skilled manpower necessary to maintain the Government-supplied 83/112 trawl in working condition shall be provided by the vessel crew (Attachment 5).

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

8. Preferred: The cook-fisher shall have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the planning and preparation of three (3) daily meals for a group of at least ten (10) people. Must be able to accommodate special dietary needs of scientists (vegetarian, vegan, lactose-intolerant, gluten free, low-sodium, etc.). The Government will inform Contractor at least ten (10) days before the start of operations if special dietary needs will be requested.

9. Preferred: Captain and lead-fisher have experience conducting research surveys and/or complex at-sea scientific projects.

C. VESSEL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1. * The Contractor is required to provide a Stability Letter from the vessel's Stability Report, certified by a licensed naval architect/marine engineer, which describes the vessel's stability characteristics for the intended charter operations. Letter must be submitted with the Contractor's proposal. Recent stability or marine survey reports, pictures, drawings or blueprints should be included along with other required information (Attachments 7, Trawl Vessel Characteristics) to assist in proposal evaluation.

2. * A Category-I 406-MHz EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Preferred: additional Category-1 406- MHz EPIRBs.

3. * At least one crew member must be formally trained in survival and firefighting at a level equivalent to that offered by the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owner's Association. Preferred: additional crew members with comparable training.

4. * On vessels where the crew is required to perform wheel/anchor watches (i.e. no Mate), a watch alarm system is required.

5. * There shall be two identified escape routes from all general areas of the vessel.

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6. Hazardous materials:

a. * The vessel shall provide suitable storage space for a tote 4 x 4 x 3 ft. used to store hazardous materials routinely used by the projects (e.g. lubricants, ethanol, formaldehyde).

b. Quantities of all hazardous materials are kept to a minimum and their storage, handling, and use shall be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Hazardous materials needed for the scientific mission shall be handled in accordance with chemical hygiene plans and prudent laboratory practices.

Storage containers and storage locations, including labeling of containers and locations, shall meet transportation regulations and USCG or IMO standards for the type and quantity of material being carried. NOAA-authorized personnel will provide the vessel’s captain with an inventory of the hazardous materials that will be brought aboard, along with copies of MSDS’s and any special neutralizing agents and personal protective equipment that may be required that cannot reasonably be expected to be provided by the vessel. The Captain, or the Captain’s designee, shall evaluate the risks posed by the materials and shall make all accommodations and take any precautions as may be necessary to protect the vessel and those aboard. Information related to OSHA’s Hazard Communication, “Right to Know” Standards shall be maintained and made available to all on board. All hazardous materials brought aboard and hazardous waste generated by NOAA-authorized personnel that remain after completion of the mission shall be removed from the vessel prior to, or upon, completion of the charter unless specific arrangements have been made with the vessel owner and Captain to deliver the hazardous material to a port other that the port of contract termination.

D. SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL

1. The Government field party generally consists of six (6) personnel and may include any mix of genders.

2. One Government employee will be designated Chief Scientist. That person will be responsible for implementation of the Cruise Plan, compliance of vessel and crew with the charter terms, disposition of catches, and the conduct and performance of Government personnel aboard the vessel.

E. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Operational Safety Requirements

a. The vessel Captain is responsible for all matters relating to safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Captain will adhere at all times to Navigational Rules and Rules of the Road whether it be while towing, running, drifting, or when at anchor. He/she shall review safety procedures and equipment with the scientific party at the beginning of each research cruise.

b. * The Contractor shall adhere to the safety requirements set forth herein which includes 46 CFR Part 28 (Attachment 9).

c. * The Contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved Arctic-type survival suits for all vessel crew.

Adequate dry, top-side storage for all survival suits shall be provided, including up to 10 Government-supplied survival suits.

d. * Periodic and at least one (1) unannounced safety drills shall be conducted during each research cruise.

2. Crew Operational Requirements

a. * The Contractor shall provide three (3) nutritionally balanced meals and a light evening snack each charter day. Meal times shall be coordinated with the Chief Scientist to accommodate both the need to complete sampling work and the time required to prepare meals by the cook. Meals shall be provided by the vessel for the Government scientists during all charter days including in-port days unless notified by the Chief Scientist that the scientific staff will not be eating one or more meals aboard the vessel that day.

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b. * When not required by the Captain for vessel operations, the crew shall assist the scientific staff in sorting the catch and obtaining biological and geological data, including measuring fish and invertebrates, determining sex of selected species, or recording data. The Captain shall assist scientific personnel with navigational and fishing record keeping as requested.

c. * The crew is responsible for removing all fish and invertebrates including "gilled" fish from the trawl net following each haul. This is critical for eliminating contamination of catches from previous hauls and maintaining survey standardization.

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

e. * The Captain shall abide by all current MARPOL regulations concerning waste management and shall provide NOAA with the waste…