Sol_1305M324Q0012_Amd_0003.pdf

(x)

1305M324Q0012 x x

1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

WAD-NMFS-S

SEATTLE WA 98115

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE BLDG 1

WAD-NMFS-Seattle

03/29/20240003

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

03/15/2024

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Period of Performance: 07/15/2024 to 12/31/2024

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

CRYSTINA R. JUBIE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

Amendment 0003 to Solicitation 1305M324Q0012 is issued to:

1. Provide revisions to the Statement of Work (SOW). The attached replaces the version contained in amendment 0001 issued on March 26, 2024 in its entirety. Revisions are indicated in yellow highlighting and red strikeout.

2. The due date for receipt of quotations has changed from 2:00 PM Pacific Time on March 22, 2024 to

5:00 PM Pacific Time on April 3, 2024.

3. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Section 4- Contract Documents, Exhibits, or Attachments

NATIONAL OCEANIC ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

NOAA FISHERIES

SOUTHWEST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER

MARINE MAMMAL AND TURTLE DIVISION and FISHERIES RESEARCH DIVISION

STATEMENT OF WORK

WEST COAST CHARTER FOR MARINE MAMMAL AND FISHERIES SURVEYS

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), Marine Mammal and Turtle Division and the Fisheries Research Division, conducts research on a variety of protected marine mammal, marine turtle, sea bird and fish species primarily in the Eastern North Pacific in support of recovery and fisheries management efforts. Our scientists:

● Investigate population structure;

● Estimate population size and trends in abundance;

● Identify and design measures to mitigate human-made threats;

● Designate critical habitat; and

● Assess health and condition of living and stranded marine mammals and turtles.

Our field-based research is conducted from research vessels, shore stations, small boats, crewed aircraft, and various autonomous platforms. Our laboratory-based research focuses on molecular genetics, including ancient and eDNA, photogrammetry, stable isotopes, hormone assays, passive acoustics, and necropsies.

A research vessel is needed to conduct a marine mammal and seabird survey during the 2024 calendar year. Data collected will inform assessments of West Coast marine mammal populations as mandated by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Option periods in 2025, 2026, and 2027 are included to conduct additional marine mammal surveys and/or fish surveys as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).

1.2 OBJECTIVE

The SWFSC has a requirement to charter a research vessel for approximately 120 consecutive days of at-sea work in 2024, with a start date between 15 July and 1 August and an end date between 30 November and 31 December 2024, off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. The vessel will mobilization and de-mobilization from San Diego. This requirement also includes options for as many as 60 days of at-sea work during the calendar years 2025, 2026, and 2027.

1.3 SCOPE

The work will consist of conducting a marine mammal, seabird, and ecosystem assessment survey using visual transects during daylight hours extending from the coast out to approximately 200 nautical miles offshore (US EEZ). Additional operations will include biopsy sampling from the vessel's bow and via small boat, deployment and retrieval of hydrophones suspended from small hand-held spar buoys, deployment of camera drones, and surveying oceanographic profiles. All sampling equipment except for the small boat and oceanographic sampling equipment will be provided by the government.

Option Periods may include other marine mammal surveys and/or fish resource surveys.

Observations during fish resource surveys will include pelagic fish trawls, active acoustic sampling, oceanographic profiles, and plankton tows.

The data collected will be used to inform assessments of various stocks of marine mammals and pelagic fishes. The Government will supply the trawl nets, doors, associated rigging, echosounders, and other sampling gear for use by the scientific party at sea. CTD, thermosalinograph and hull-mounted acoustic transducers shall be provided by the contractor.

Government will be responsible for maintaining relevant permits.

Fuel, port services (e.g. US Customs, pilot fees, and mooring fees), communications charges, and other services provided to the scientific party (e.g. accommodation, supplies, ground transport) shall be reimbursed at actual cost. Copies of all invoices shall be provided.

2.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TASKS/SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

For base period (marine mammal survey):

1. Overall vessel length of at least 170-feet.

2. Continuous horsepower (hp) output from main engine of at least 900 hp.

3. Maintain a cruising speed of at least 10 knots.

4. 13-15 bunks, mattresses, bedding, and towels in dedicated staterooms for scientists.

5. 600 square feet or more of dedicated dry laboratory space with 110/115 volt power (several outlets in the lab area required).

6. Access to the flying bridge, via an angled stairwell equipped with a guard/hand rail, for marine mammal and seabird observations. Observers of various ages and fitness levels need to be able to descend/ascend safely to the flying bridge in rough sea conditions.

Minimum standing eye-level height of 33 feet above the sea surface; 300 square feet of covered observation space with a 7-8’ height clearance above the deck; flying bridge atop wheelhouse (exterior); at least a 7’ minimum clearance from deck to radar scanners and other transmitting electronics; venturi or wind dam (4’ height) along entire front bulwarks and extending along the port and starboard sides; downshade along the aft side of covered area (e.g. dropping from the cover down to waist/knee height in order to keep the sun/wind off of the observers backs when the sun is aft of the ship); provision to attach stands by bolting to the deck for minimum three (3) 25x-power binoculars supplied by government; binocular stands are to be placed forward – one on port, one on starboard, with flexibility for where the third one is placed; wireway to connect observer equipment to inside data logging computers via Cat-6 cable that are run to a dry/science lab; 110 volt power on flying bridge; two (2) desk/table stations (preferably raised to counter/bar height) and two (2) chairs/stools to serve as a workstation for data recorders and bird surveyors on the flying bridge.

7. A small RHIB-type work boat and a safe system for deploying and recovering boat in an open seaway. Boat must be capable of 20 knots and being utilized for collecting biopsy samples for marine mammals and personnel transfers. Required navigation equipment includes VHF radio and GPS. Range is expected to be less than 2 n. mile from the larger vessel (e.g. within eyesight of the larger vessel); maximum use of 4 hours per day, however it is not expected that the small boat will be used on a majority of the days.

8. Winch and associated davit or A-frame for deploying Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD)/rosette array over the side (not over the stern). CTD winch shall have at least 1500 m of conducting cable. Minimum safe working load and acceptable horizontal/vertical clearance dependent upon what is necessary to safely deploy and recover the CTD from the vessel. Operator shall supply the winch, wire, CTD and deck unit for operating instrument and recording data. Electromechanical cable specification: UNOLS standard Rochester 0.322” Diameter 3 conductor or similar. The water sampler is not required for the base period.

9. Seabird SBE911+ CTD with calibration temperature, conductivity, oxygen, and fluorometer sensors is required; supplies necessary for two re-terminations of conducting cable. Real-time data logging is required. Operator shall provide the CTD and thermosalinograph.

10. Thermosalinograph with the ability to continuously measure and record surface salinity and temperature from an uncontaminated water source is required. The Thermosalinogrpah should be as close to the water source as possible, preferably <30 feet. It is preferable for the sea water source to be run to the wet lab.

11. Minimum of 200 cubic feet of scientific freezer storage (-20˚C) exclusive of space for ship’s stores for stowing scientific samples and supplies.

12. Global Positioning System (GPS) with National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) format output to flying bridge and scientific laboratories (e.g. RS232 $GPGGA @ 4800 BAUD RATE). Physical serial feed is needed.

13. Satellite telecommunications service with bandwidth of at least 500 kbps (ship to shore) that can provide both voice and data connections to land-based stations.

14. Wet laboratory for processing biopsy samples; requires sink with fresh water supply and minimum 6 feet of counter space.

15. Ultralow -80˚F freezer (minimum 5 cubic feet) or wet laboratory safe for storing and securing to vessel liquid nitrogen dewars (minimum 20L capacity) to hold samples up to 120 days.

Government will provide nitrogen dewars. Backup freezing system to -80 freezer required, preferably a -20 freezer exclusive of ship’s food storage or alternatively space for nitrogen dewars.

16. Ability to collect cetacean biopsies via deployment of crossbow bolts from the ship’s bow.

Bow will require deck stands (provided by the ship) to be used as standing platforms (single step height, either freestanding or built into the bow, 6-10’ minimum length to run much of the length of the bow) and the ability for biopsy techs wearing safety harnesses to clip into the ship via shock-absorbing lanyards

17. Deck hose with fresh water to rinse equipment.

18. Ship’s Global Positioning System (GPS) connections to multiple computer consoles

(minimum 3) in the scientific lab (mammal system, seabird system, and acoustics). Feeds required are the same as in 2.1.12. 4800 Baud rate is acceptable.

19. Network access to a printer with copying capabilities.

20. Space on the ship for eight (8) fish boxes; a minimum of two (2) fish boxes (approx

4x4x3 feet) must be stored on flying bridge.

21. Protected space to store a minimum of three (3) bigeye cases inside.

22. Grappling hook for retrieving acoustic spar buoys.

23. Spotlight to find acoustic spar buoys at night.

Additional capabilities for conducting fish surveys during option periods are preferred (but not mandatory) and include:

24. Capable of deploying and towing two-warp pelagic fish trawl at a continuous speed of 4 knots. Government will provide trawl nets, doors, and rigging.

25. Minimum of two deck bins or comparable area for storage of sampling equipment and holding catches.

26. Crane or boom system capable of vertically raising and lowering cod-end anywhere along centerline of working deck.

27. System for monitoring head-rope depth of mid-water trawl.

28. Hull-mounted Simrad 38, 70, 120 and 200 kHz split-beam transducers in good operating condition. Government will supply EK80 transceivers.

29. Clean seawater source via through-hull fitting at least 2 meters below the waterline and with a continuous and stable flow rate of at least 6 liters/minute. Seawater will be plumbed into instruments provided by the Government.

30. Second winch and associated A-frame or davit for deploying plankton net over the side (not over the stern).

2.2 CREW REQUIREMENTS

1. Sufficient crew personnel to conduct scientific operations on a 24-hour per day/seven days per week basis while at sea (e.g., oceanographic techs for deploying CTDs).

2. Information technology (IT) specialist or electronics technician (ET) for ensuring the reliability of computer networks at sea, etc.

3. Relevant employment experience shall be provided for each crewmember for the last three years. Similar documentation shall be submitted for approval of all replacement personnel proposed for use during the charter.

4. It is preferable for the crew to include a member certified for operating/driving the small work boat.

5. At least one crew member shall have training in emergency medicine

2.3 SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL

1. The scientific field party will consist of a minimum of 9 and maximum of 13 individuals per leg, and will include women both genders. Women shall have separate berthing space from men. Gender mix will vary depending upon staffing for each leg and may require stateroom changes. Crew berthing should be separate from scientific staff berthing to the best degree possible. A common shower and head are acceptable.

2. One member of the scientific party will be designated as Cruise Leader. That person will be responsible for the implementation of the Cruise Plan, disposition of catches, and the conduct and performance of Government personnel aboard the vessel.

2.4 OPERATING PROCEDURES

1. The Contractor shall provide nutritionally balanced meals three (3) times (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and one (1) light snack each charter day. Meal times shall be coordinated with the Cruise Leader to accommodate both the need to complete sampling work and the time required to prepare meals by the cook.

2. The Cruise Leader in consultation with the Captain, will determine the daily operations plan.

The Cruise Leader will have final authority except in matters relating to vessel safety and vessel personnel.

3. Vessel will be considered off-charter should mechanical failure or inadequate staffing prevent it from performing the scientific mission.

4. The Cruise Leader and Captain will work together to resolve all problems that may arise while at sea. In the event the Cruise Leader and Captain are unable to resolve any problem that has the potential to invalidate the survey or threaten the safety of the field party, the Cruise Leader will direct the vessel to return to port, where an acceptable solution will be arranged between the Government and the Contractor or the charter may be terminated.

The vessel will be considered off-charter if required to return to port and remain off-charter until the problem has been resolved.

5. The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow safety procedures as directed by the Cruise Leader to help prevent damage or loss of Government gear and equipment. The Cruise Leader may present specific safety procedures in writing to the Captain. If loss of or damage to Government equipment results from the negligent disregard of such instructions and procedures, repair or replacement costs may be deducted from charter payments.

6. All fish and shellfish taken in the trawl remain the property of the Government. The Field

Party Chief is responsible for their disposition.

7. The vessel shall return to port every 20-30 days, with a maximum of 3 days in-port. Port locations can vary along the coast, possibly including (but not necessarily limited to) San Diego, Monterey, San Francisco, Astoria, Newport, Seattle.

2.5 SAFETY

1. The vessel Captain is responsible for all matters relating to the safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Captain shall always adhere to Navigational Rules and Rules of the Road 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 cruise leg.

2. The Contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets and survival suits for all embarked personnel. Adequate dry, topside storage for all survival suits shall be provided.

2.6 GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

1. Government will provide high-power binoculars and stands, hydrophones and spar buoys, camera drones, trawl nets, doors, and rigging. It will also supply transceiver deck units for acoustic sensors, other sampling equipment and instruments, data logging computers, liquid nitrogen dewars and other sample preservation supplies, and personal foul weather gear.

Government will not supply small-boat or oceanographic sampling gear (CTD, TSG).

2.7. POST-AWARD AND POST-SURVEY MEETINGS

1. Upon award of the contract and before the start of the charter, a post-award meeting will be held at a mutually agreed-upon location to discuss issues relating to the charter and survey.

The vessel manager and the Captain are required to attend the meeting.

The Contracting Officer Representative (COR), upon award of the contract, will schedule the location, date, and time of the meeting.

2. Periodically, throughout the charter, progress meetings may be held. The purpose of the meetings is to provide the charter operator with an evaluation of the performance of the vessel and crew during the charter. At a minimum, the vessel manager is required to attend the debriefing. The location, date, and time of these meetings will be scheduled by the COR.

Attachments Attachment No. 1: Vessel Characteristics and Configuration Attachment No. 2: Master/Crew Work Experience Attachment No. 3: Vessel’s Commercial Fishing History (if applicable) Attachment No. 4: Code of Conduct Attachment No. 5: Past Performance Attachment No. 6: Referenced US Government electronic Code of Federal Regulations and Title 46:

Shipping

---END STATEMENT OF WORK---