SOW_with_additional_language_FE.pdf

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 CHARTER FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS INCLUDING TRAWL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC

SURVEYS IN ALASKAN MARINE WATERS

1. BACKGROUND

The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) conducts scientific research on fish stocks, fish habitats, and the chemistry of marine environments throughout Alaskan Marine Waters. Information from this research is widely used by commercial interests such as fishing industries, and governmental agencies involved in managing natural resources.

This research relies upon marine survey data on commercially marketable species such as rockfish, sablefish, forage fish, and salmon which is then turned into information products essential to fishing industries, state and federal regulators. The goal of these survey efforts is to address the objectives within NOAA’s mission scope by providing information on how species distribution, abundance, and marine food webs are altered by changes in the environment throughout Alaskan marine waters.

2. OBJECTIVE

Provide continuity to important missions of NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center. The principal mission requirements along with key research themes are listed below:

1. Surface/benthic trawling: conduct research on the life-history, distribution, abundance, and trophic ecology of salmon, forage fish, and crab species and the influence of warming climate conditions in Arctic (northern Bering and southern Chukchi Seas) marine ecosystems.

2. Oceanography: collection of biophysical data for Arctic (northern Bering and southern Chukchi Seas) marine ecosystems.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to provide charter operations which will be dependent on options exercised from about late August to early

October. The base charter will include surveys in the northern Bering Sea (late August to mid-September, 25 DAS) and options will include expanded survey coverage (15 DAS) in the southern Chukchi Sea. Surveys will start and end in

Dutch Harbor, AK with port calls in Nome, AK. Length of sea legs will vary depending on work and location and associated research projects and will be determined by the field party chief in conjunction with the contractor.

Operations will include stern trawling (surface trawl and 3-m beam trawl) and side deployment (typically starboard side operations) of oceanographic instruments at each station spaced approximately 30 nm apart and the routine schedules will include sampling at three stations each day.

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The base period of performance for this contract is from August 01, 2024 through July 31, 2025 to support research in the northern Bering Sea. Options are included to extend this charter through 2028 and to include up to 15 additional DAS each year to expand the survey operations in the Bering Strait and southern Chukchi

Sea.

Base – August 01 2024- July 31, 2025

Option Period I – August 01, 2025- July 31, 2026

Option Period II - August 01, 2026- July 31, 2027

Option Period III - August 01, 2027- July 31, 2028

Option Period IV - August 01, 2028- December 31, 2028

The base and option periods that may be exercised are as follows:

Period

Work Occurring In

End date for work

Base Period: 25 charter DAS in the northern Bering Sea August 2024 September 2024

Option Base – Option for up to 15 additional charter DAS September 2024 October 2024

Option Period I- 25 base charter DAS in the northern Bering Sea August 2025 September 2025

Option Period I-Option for up to 15 additional charter DAS September 2025 October 2025

Option Period II-Base 25 base charter DAS in the northern Bering Sea August 2026 September 2026

Option Period II-Option for up to 15 additional charter DAS September 2026 October 2026

Option Period III-Base 25 base charter DAS in the northern Bering Sea August 2027 September 2027

Option Period III-Option for up to 15 additional charter DAS September 2027 October 2027

Option Period IV-Base 25 base charter DAS in the northern Bering Sea August 2028 September 2028

Option Period IV-Option for up to 15 additional charter DAS September 2028 October 2028

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE The following table is the anticipated cruise schedule for 2024 only. If option periods are exercised, schedules will be made available at the pre-cruise meeting for that option period.

Month day weekday Port Survey leg Charter

Day Comments

August 26 Sunday Dutch Harbor

0 Scientists arrive-stay in hotel

August 27 Monday Dutch Harbor

Port Port 1 Load Gear

August 28 Tuesday Dutch Harbor

Port Port 2 Finalize gear setup and depart for 60N

August 29 Wednesday Transit Transit 3

August 30 Thursday Transit Transit 4

August 31 Friday 5

September 1 Saturday 6

September 2 Sunday 7

September 3 Monday 8

September 4 Tuesday 9

September 5 Wednesday 10

September 6 Thursday 11

September 7 Friday 12

September 8 Saturday 13

September 9 Sunday Nome Port Depart 14 Crew Change

September 10 Monday 15

September 11 Tuesday 16

September 12 Wednesday 17

September 13 Thursday 18

September 14 Friday 19

September 15 Saturday 20

September 16 Sunday 21

September 17 Monday 22

September 18 Tuesday Transit Transit 23

September 19 Wednesday Transit Transit 24

September 20 Thursday Dutch Harbor

Port Port 25 Arrive Dutch Harbor, Offload, final day of contract

5. REQUIREMENTS

A. Vessel Requirements Below are the minimum requirements necessary to be considered for the contract unless otherwise specified.

1) Minimum overall length (LOA) of 36.5 m (120 ft.) and the vessel shall have been actively used for commercial trawling or research where trawl gear was used in the past 12 months. Additional preference may be given to vessels with a length greater than 36.5m (120 ft.).

2) Preference may be given to a vessel with twin main engine(s) and combined must have a minimum total of

1500HP. The 1500HP regardless of engine number is a minimum requirement; failure to meet the minimum will result in removal from further consideration.

3) Completely rigged for trawling including:

a. A stern ramp and gallows or gantry.

b. Vessel must be able to tow a Cantrawl model 400/601 hexagonal mesh trawl fished with NETS2000 series doors and a set of three 60-m long bridles for each door, and associated gear hardware and headrope floats at a continuous speed of 4 - 5 knots under weather conditions considered safe and typical for survey sampling.

c. Vessel must be able to tow a 3-m plumb staff beam trawl with 7-mm mesh and a 4-mm mesh codend liner at approximately 1.0 m.sec-1 and 5 to 10 minutes in duration.

d. Two net reels with capacity to tow both trawls described above.

e. Trawl winches with a minimum of 595 m (325 fm) of 2.53 cm (1 in) diameter wire or steel core trawl cable in good condition on each drum and the ability to retrieve the research trawl at the minimum rate of 61 m (200 ft.) per minute.

f. An auto-trawl system with the capability of adjustable winch brakes and a third wire net mensuration system to monitor the trawl height and width during each trawl deployment. This auto-trawl system must be annually certified by factory inspectors to be operating as designed and maintained in usable condition throughout the duration of each survey.

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

h. A deck crane(s) that is able to lift and empty the surface trawl cod end onto a sorting table and deploy oceanographic instruments along the side of the vessel.

4) Vessel must be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 16.67 km/hr. (9 nm/hr.) in a typical range of sea states. Preferred: the vessel be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 18.5 km/hour (10 nm/hr).

5) Vessel must have an operating endurance of 30 days of continuous fishing operations (fuel, potable water, provisions).

6) Preference may be given to a vessel able to provide an area on deck that is clear of obstructions of at least 37 m2 (400 sq. ft.) for sampling equipment including a 1.5 x 3.0-m (5 x 10 ft.) sampling table and one 0.6 m x 1.2 m (2 x 4 ft.) platform scale table for working on catches and obtaining biological data. Preference may be given for a work area which will allow the sampling table to be positioned so that all four sides of the table can be used to conduct work and with easy access to the rail or scuppers to discard catch. Sea water will also be needed on deck to wash down plankton nets. A protected area on deck, such as a covered shelter deck or covered area aft of the house, where a table of at least 1.2 x 2.4 m (4 x 8 ft.) can be set up for collecting biological data. (In particular, specimen scales need to be protected from wind and spray which can affect the accuracy of weight measurements). On deck work area(s) shall be clear of running gear, equipment, vertical obstructions (e.g., hatch combings) and stowage.

7) Open space, 4.5 ft. wide x 8.83 ft. long, on the stern deck where an oceanographic winch (government supplied) will be mounted. The winch is required for oceanographic sampling equipment throughout the research cruise and the ship’s crane will be required to deploy and retrieve oceanographic equipment over the side of the ship. Vessel’s crew will be required to secure the winch on deck, supply electrical power (220v 3-phase) to the winch. Vessel must be configured to ensure the ship’s helm permits clear view of all oceanographic side operations for safety and to maintain vessel position relative to oceanographic sampling parameters.

8) Electric power (110/115 V.A.C.) outlet near on-deck work area. This may be a temporary installation, if necessary, but must be safe to use in the sheltered on-deck work area (see item 6).

9) Must have a seawater deck hose for cleaning sorting table and sampling gear. On/off switch shall be readily available from the working deck.

10) Crane capable of lifting 5 mt (5.5 t) for handling catches and fishing and sampling gear and deployment of oceanographic instruments. Crane system must be capable of vertically raising and lowering a filled codend anywhere along centerline of working deck and lifting oceanographic instruments over the side of the ship.

11) A minimum of 2.8 m3 (100 cu ft.) of freezer storage exclusive of space for ship's stores for stowing scientific samples and supplies. Freezer space must be reasonably and safely accessible from the deck and must be available at all times to the scientific party.

12) Dry working area of at least 5.4m3 (190 cu ft) in the main house for oceanographic sample processing and equipment that includes detailed sorting and counting of small invertebrate samples under a microscope and filtering water and phytoplankton onto an assortment of different filters.

13) Dry storage area of at least 5.4m3 (190 cu ft) in the main house for holding scientific supplies and additional dry space for housing a -80 freezer and a scientific fridge supplied by government.

14) Preference may be given to a vessel with an office desk area with 110/115 volt power outlets for data management (galley or wheel house may substitute for this area).

15) Clean mattresses with clean fitted covers shall be supplied to the scientific field party.

16) A minimum of one head and one shower shall be available to the scientific field party. Soap, toilet paper, paper towels, shall be provided by the vessel.

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

18) Washer and dryer for personal laundry.

19) Must have a stove, oven, sink, galley table, and all materials and equipment necessary for daily meal preparation, cooking, and clean up.

20) Vessel must be ballasted to maintain sea-kindliness during the charter.

21) Must provide a safe and stable portable gangway for use in boarding and debarking vessel while in port.

22) Preference may be given to a vessel with a skiff or rigid hulled inflatable boat easily deployed in case of emergencies.

23) In an effort to reduce marine debris pollution, the Captain shall comply with waste management regulations as described in Section V of MARPOL. The vessel shall be required to have a storage facility, with or without a trash compactor to retain all refuse (except food and paper materials) or a means to incinerate this refuse so that it is not disposed of at sea. Reference clause entitled, Control of Plastic Discharges.

24) Two (2) each of single side-band and VHF radio transmitter(s) and receiver(s) fully functional and in good operating condition. Backup communications system is highly desirable.

25) Must have two (2) fully functional radar systems, with a minimum range of 60 miles, in good operating condition.

26) A Simrad ES-60 or equivalent echo sounder system with a 38 kHz transducer. The echo sounder system(s) shall be connected to a GPS unit. Preferred: ES-60 software, splitbeam transducer, 120 kHz transducer in addition to the required 38 kHz transducer.

27) Must have an emergency source of electrical power, independent of the main source of power.

28) An electronic plotting and navigational charting system with the ability to upload station location (point data).

29) Vessel must have a stability letter or evidence that vessel stability has been evaluated by a qualified, certified individual, such as a licensed naval architect/marine engineer.

30) Vessels must be equipped with STRATOS/INMARSAT Standard C satellite communication or an equivalent. Vessel must have a functioning electronic mail system (email) available for NOAA use for the duration of the charter. Vessels also equipped with satellite internet are highly preferred.

31) Must have ability to receive daily weather forecasts for area of operation. Ability to view weather maps is desirable.

32) Must provide proof of USCG requirements as applicable:

a. USCG Letter of Designation (LOD)

b. USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI)

c. Copies of all Merchant Mariner Credentials for the Master as well as credentials for an additional operator for voyages longer than 12 hours (personal data such as address can be blanked out)

d. USCG Uninspected Passenger Vessel Examinations (UPV)

e. If it is a Fishing Vessel we need confirmation that the Certificate of Documentation and Fishing

Vessel Safety Decal are not expired. This information may be obtained by plugging into a search engine the words “USCG PSIX Vessel Search”. Once inside the USCG website, enter the vessel’s data, pull up the record, and print.

33) The vessel must have a minimum of two staterooms for berthing of male and female scientific personnel.

34) Counter work space of at least 8 sq. ft. in the wheelhouse with adjacent 110/115 volt power outlets for the installation of Government supplied personal computers and oceanographic deck units for the duration of the survey. Two computer stations and instrument units will be required for oceanographic operations, two computer stations will be required for electronic trawl event loggers (surface and bottom trawl operations, and an electronic logging station for seabirds and marine mammals. Each computer station will be used intermittently but required when on station or during transit (seabird observations).

35) Through-bulkhead access hole to the outside from the wheelhouse for the passage of Government supplied

GPS cables, oceanographic winch communication cables, and electronic catch and specimen communication cables.

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

B. Crew Requirements

1) The minimum crew shall consist of a Captain and five crew members: mate, lead-fisher, engineer, deckhand-fisher and cook.

2) The Captain shall have a minimum of five (5) years of trawl fishing experience as master of a comparable- sized trawler. And at least three crew members, each with a minimum of two years of experience in trawl fishing.

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

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

5) The engineer shall have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as an engineer aboard comparably-sized trawl vessels.

6) The captain of one of the crew must be skilled in deploying oceanographic sampling gear from a winch and davit operation, keeping the boat on station during deployment.

7) Preferred: The cook-fisher shall have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the planning and preparation of three daily meals for a group of at least 12 people. Must be able to accommodate special dietary needs of scientists (vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, low-sodium, etc.).

Offerors shall indicate pertinent employment experience for each crew member within the past ten (10) years. Similar documentation will be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for approval of all replacement personnel proposed for hire during the charter.

C. Scientific Personnel

1) The Government field party will consist of a maximum of six (6) scientists and may include both genders.

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

D. Operating Procedures

1) The Contractor shall provide three (3) nutritionally balanced meals and daytime and evening snacks each charter day. Meal times shall be coordinated with the Field Party Chief 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 resident field party during all charter days including in-port days.

2) Workday length and hours will be determined by the Field Party Chief in consultation with the Captain. The decision will be based on the type of activity expected as well as on prevailing weather conditions and the

Cruise Plan. The length of working days will range from 10-16 hours. A typical workday will last about 12 hours beginning as early as 0600 hrs. and ending as late as 2130 hrs. depending on daylight, tides, and weather. The

Field Party Chief has the final authority except in matters relating to safety of the vessel and all personnel on board. The workday for the vessel crew may occasionally exceed that of the scientific field party, since they will normally be required to run to the next survey area or anchorage after completion of the sampling day, so that sampling can commence early in the morning.

3) The Field Party Chief and Captain shall meet a minimum of twice a day to discuss survey operations and resolve any problems that occur. A meeting should occur at the start of the day before fishing operations begin to discuss the planned activities for the day and at the end of the day to review the work completed that day, any problems which occurred, and plans for the next day’s operations.

4) The Field Party Chief and Captain shall work together to resolve all problems which occur regarding the charter. In the event the Field Party Chief and Captain are unable to resolve any problem which could threaten the safety of the field party, the Field Party Chief 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 off charter if required to return to port and will remain off charter until the problem has been resolved and the vessel has returned to the sampling area.

5) The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow safety procedures as directed by the Field Party

Chief to help prevent damage or loss of Government gear and equipment. Specific safety procedures may be presented in writing to the Captain by the Field Party Chief. Repair or replacement costs may be deducted from charter payments if loss or damage to Government equipment is the result of negligent disregard of such instructions and procedures.

6) The Contractor is responsible for removing all "gilled" fish from the trawl net following each haul. This is critical to prevent contamination of catches from previous hauls.

7) 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. Dandy lines shall be coiled separately and tied at two points on the coil. The Government will provide rope for baling the nets and dandy lines.

8) All fish and shellfish taken in the trawl remain the property of the Government. The Field Party Chief is responsible for their disposition. Present NOAA policy specifically prohibits retaining any portion of the catch for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized by the contract or retaining specimens from survey catches for personal use and consumption. Reference Contract Clauses entitled - Incidental Catch Disposal, and - Recreational Fishing.

9) The Contractor shall provide for all operating expenses of this charter (e.g. dock fees, water, garbage disposal, tie up lines). All potential costs to be incurred should be included in unit prices in the schedule.

E. Safety

1) The vessel Captain is responsible for all matters relating to safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Captain shall adhere at all times to Navigational Rules and Rules of the Road whether it be while towing, running, drifting, or at anchor. He/she shall review safety procedures and equipment with the scientific party at the beginning of each cruise leg. Reference Clause entitled – CHARTER VESSEL SAFETY.

2) The Contractor shall adhere to the safety requirements set forth in 46 CFR Part 28.

3) The Contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved Arctic-type survival suits for all vessel and scientific personnel. Adequate dry, top-side storage for all survival suits shall be provided.

4) All personnel working or being transported in a skiff shall WEAR a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or survival suit.

5) 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.

6) At least one crew member with formal survival and firefighting training equivalent to that offered by the

North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owner’s Association is required.

7) Periodic safety drills shall be conducted during the survey. At least one drill shall be held each week.

6. GOVERNMENT PROVIDED EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

The following items may be provided and utilized by the Government during performance of the contract:

1. Trawls (surface), dandy lines, fishing gear hardware, spare webbing, twine, and floats.

2. All scientific sampling equipment and supplies, includes but not limited to oceanographic, zooplankton and fisheries supplies.

3. Electronic measuring system that includes scales, measuring boards, additional computers and monitors.

Typically includes three individual stations.

4. PFDs and survival suits for all scientists.

5. Trawl doors, 5-m doors 726-908 kg (1,600-2,000 lbs.) each.

6. -80 freezer, which must be kept off deck

7. Livebox which fits on end of cod end for surface trawl, specifications can be requested.

8. Oceanographic winch

9. Bongo net and 3-m plumb staff beam trawl

10. Benthic grab apparatus

11. Aerial photograph drone for video documentation

12. CTD carousel and additional sensors, other seabird instrumentation that require solo deployment.

Any/all Government equipment provided for use during the survey shall be for use in the performance of this contract only. Upon completion of the contract, all equipment acquired/used/provided shall be returned to the

Government.

7. FUEL COSTS

1. The contractor must provide for all operating expenses of the vessel and contractor supplied equipment including fuel for the vessel and contractor operated small boats. Expenses for actual costs incurred are reimbursable under CLINs (0003, 1003, 2003, 3003 & 4003) when accompanied with appropriate documentation (receipts, invoices, etc.)

2. The vessel must start the charter adequately fueled at the contractor’s expense. The contractor must provide the Government with verification of the actual fuel levels on-board. Fueling after the start of the charter shall be coordinated with the COR.

8. STUDY LOCATIONS

The primary study locations will be the northern Bering Sea from Nunivak to the Bering Strait, but may also include sample locations in the southern Chukchi Sea.

9. POST-AWARD AND POST-SURVEY MEETINGS

Upon award of contract and prior to the start of the charter, a post-award meeting will be held at the Auke Bay

Laboratories, Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute, to discuss issues relating to the charter and survey. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative upon award of the contract. The contractor may attend by telephone conference. After completion of the survey, a post-survey debriefing will be held at the Auke Bay Laboratories, Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute. The purpose of the debriefing is to provide the charter operator 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 and may attend by telephone conference. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the Contracting Officer's Representative in conjunction with the contractor upon completion of the survey.

10. ADDITIONAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

COAST GUARD INSPECTION

Performance under this contract is dependent on the vessel passing a U.S. Coast Guard safety examination. The Coast Guard inspection shall be performed no earlier than two weeks before the vessels’ scheduled departure and the Coast Guard certification must be obtained by the vessel, no less than one week prior to scheduled departure. In the event that the contractor does not obtain the Coast Guard inspection, the

Government may terminate the contract, and the contractor may be liable to the Government for excess re-procurement costs. Inspection is required before the commencement of each charter year, unless the Coast

Guard has issued a letter of inspection that is valid for the time period of the charter. The contractor will arrange for the inspection, and any costs associated with bringing the vessel to passing standard shall be borne by the contractor. A copy of the Coast Guard certification shall be posted on the vessel.

CHARTER VESSEL SAFETY

The contractor shall adhere to the safety regulations as set forth in Coast Guard rules effective on September

15, 1991, and as provided for by the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988 (specifically, 46

CFR Part 28) or subsequent additions or revisions. These regulations require that specified vessels be equipped with a variety of safety features and equipment.

A Coast Guard inspection of the vessel based on an interagency agreement between National Marine Fisheries

Service (NMFS) and the Coast Guard or 46 CFR Part 28 will be required prior to performance. In addition to the requirements of 46 CFR Part 28, the Coast Guard inspection will require conformance with standards for lifesaving and firefighting equipment in the Rules for Small Passenger Vessels, which exceed the requirements of 46 CFR Part 28. Issuance of the notice to proceed by the Government is conditioned upon the successful completion of the mandatory Coast Guard inspection under Part I, Paragraph 15 of this contract. Failure of the Contractor to successfully complete the inspection requirements shall be grounds for termination of this contract. Conformance with present regulations for commercial fishing vessels requires that the master or an individual in charge of the vessel ensures that safety drills and instruction are conducted at least once a month

(46 CFR 28.270). Following personnel changes, safety orientations must be given to each individual on board that has not received the instruction or has not participated in the drills, prior to continuation of vessel operations. The contractor shall conduct such safety orientations prior to sailing on each cruise leg. Due to the frequent wholesale exchange of scientific personnel at cruise breaks, it is recommended that a full drill be completed early in each cruise leg even if less than a month has elapsed since the last drill. Each vessel must also have all required emergency instructions posted (46 CFR 28.265)

CHARTER ALTERATIONS

The Government may increase or decrease the number of contract award days and/or conduct one or more additional surveys outside of the proposed charter dates, at the daily rates in the Price Schedule, if the

Contractor agrees to the change. The addition of charter days in accord with this clause shall be accomplished through the execution of bi-lateral modification by the parties.

MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS OR NON-PERFORMANCE

The contractor is responsible for maintaining all contractor provided equipment and vessels in a safe operating condition during contract performance. If a mechanical breakdown of the vessel occurs or other contractor provided equipment that is greater than 12 hours cumulative within a 24-hour period that begins at 0700 and ends at 0659, the vessel and all contractor provided equipment shall be considered off charter and make-up fishing days may be required at no additional cost to the Government.

The charter shall also be considered off charter if the Captain or Crew of the boat is unable to perform the duties as outlined in the Statement of Work in increments of time greater than 12 hours cumulative within a 24-hour period that begins at 0700 and ends at 0659. The contractor shall make every reasonable effort to resolve the problem causing the vessel, contractor provided equipment or Captain and Crew to be out of service and bring it back into service as quickly as possible to continue contract performance. Mechanical breakdown periods in excess of four (4) consecutive or four (4) cumulative days may be grounds for termination of the contract. In the event that the breakdown requires the vessel to return to port for repairs, the vessel will not be considered back on charter until the vessel returns to active survey status as determined by the Contracting

Officer in consultation with COR.

FIREARMS

The Government prefers that no firearms be carried on board during the charter. However, if the vessel has firearms on board that cannot reasonably be removed prior to the charter, the firearms may stay on board if the

COR gives approval prior to the vessel departure. Any firearms approved for carriage during the charter period, must be kept locked in the Captain’s quarters at all times during the charter. Onshore use of firearms shall be at the discretion of the Captain.

PROHIBITED SPECIES

All crab, salmon and halibut taken in survey operations must be returned to the sea unless the Field Party Chief directs they be retained for scientific purposes or for consumption aboard the vessel.

POSSESSION OF LIQUOR/ILLEGAL DRUGS

During the charter period, the possession or use of intoxicating liquor and/or illegal drugs by any person is not permitted and may be grounds for termination of this contract by the Government.

CONTROL OF PLASTIC DISCHARGES

Contractor shall comply with the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987, which establishes

Federal requirements for controlling plastic discharges from ships.

WORKING CONDITIONS FOR GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

The contractor shall provide safe, efficient working conditions and accommodations to the Government personnel free from violence, threats of violence, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and other disruptive behavior. The contractor, its agents, subcontractors, and employees, including the Captain and crew of the vessel shall not harass, assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, threaten, interfere with or make unwelcome advances toward any member of the Government field party. Violation under this clause may result in termination of the contract, at the discretion of the Government under the “Termination for Cause” paragraph of FAR 52.212-4, and in consequent liability of the contractor to the Government for any costs incurred, as well as debarment, suspension or similar action from future participation in government contracts.

PRESENCE OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Unless serving as crew, the spouses or children of crew members or owner(s) may not accompany the vessel during the term of the charter without obtaining written approval in advance from the vessel captain. Liability for any family members allowed on board during the charter is solely the responsibility of the contractor.

RECREATIONAL FISHING

Scientists and vessel’s crew members may engage in recreational fishing upon obtaining permission from the vessel’s Captain. Recreational fishing must be done in full compliance with the recreational fishing laws and regulations in effect at the fishing locality. Fish and shellfish caught recreationally may be consumed aboard the vessel or, with permission of the captain, be retained for consumption after the completion of the charter. Recreationally caught fish which are retained should be clearly marked as such, including the license holder’s name. It is the responsibility of each recreational fisherman to meet all legal and license requirements relative to the capture, landing, and possession of recreationally caught fish.

LIAISON AND COORDINATION

The Contractor shall coordinate efforts with the Contracting Officer or a designated representative. Any request or recommendation for a change shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer for necessary implementation, if applicable.

HARMLESS FROM LIABILITY

The contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers, agents, and employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind, including costs and expenses to which they may be subject or on account of any or all suits or damages of any character whatsoever resulting from injuries or damages sustained by any person or persons or property by virtue of performance of this contract, arising or resulting in whole or in part from the fault, negligence, wrongful act or wrongful omission of the contractor, or any subcontractor, their employees, and agents.

INCIDENTAL CATCH DISPOSAL

All fish and shellfish taken during survey operations remain the property of the Government. After all biological data have been obtained, as determined by and at the discretion of the Field Party Chief:

1. Live fish and shellfish not required for scientific purposes and which have a reasonable chance of survival must be returned to the water as quickly as possible. This is especially important for salmon, halibut, and crab.

2. Fish and shellfish which are dead or not likely to survive as a result of the normal capture process may be retained for consumption aboard the vessel while it is under Government contract. Care must be taken to not retain more than can be consumed during the course of the charter.

REIMBURSEABLE COSTS

Reimbursable costs include fuel only. Actual costs incurred for fuel during the charter will be reimbursed under

CLIN(s) 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003 and 4003 in accordance with clause titled INVOICING FOR FUEL, clause titled OTHER DIRECT COSTS, and FAR 52.212-4(g).

All reimbursable expenses must be invoiced with a copy of the receipt for the item attached to the invoice to the Government. Payment may only be made to the Contractor of the vessel charter.

FUEL OIL

Fuel for the performance of the charter shall be purchased by the contractor and will be reimbursed by the

Government based on actual costs incurred. Reference clause titled - INVOICING FOR FUEL. Funding will be provided and fuel should be invoiced against CLIN 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003 and 4003. 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 provides no more or less fuel than the performance of the charter requires. (Note that MARPOL prohibits the use of heavy fuel oil south of

60o South latitude). As used herein, fuel is defined as diesel oil for propulsion and auxiliary engines. It does not include lube oil, lubricants, hydraulic oil or solvents, but does include gasoline for outboard motors. THE

CONTRACTOR MUST NOTIFY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER WHEN THE FUEL

EXPENDED DURING THE CHARTER REACHES 85% OF THE TOTAL FUEL FUNDING

PROVIDED UNDER THE CONTRACT. SHOULD ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR FUEL

BECOME NECESSARY, ADDITIONAL FUNDING WILL BE ADDED TO THE CONTRACT BY

MODIFICATION. SHOULD THE CONTRACTOR EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF FUEL

FUNDING ON THE CONTRACT, IT WILL BE AT THE CONTRACTOR’S OWN RISK AND

EXPENSE.

INVOICING FOR FUEL

Upon receipt of a supported, valid, and properly invoiced fuel, the Government will reimburse the contractor for those costs in accordance with CONTRACT CLAUSES, Paragraph’s titled: FUEL OIL. Invoices containing fuel must be supported by receipts. The contract does not allow payment to be made to anyone other than the contract award recipient, or to the assignees of all payments due under this contract.

11. ATTACHMENTS

1. ATTACHMENT #1- VESSEL CHARACTERISTCS FORM

2. ATTACHMENT #2- VESSEL COMMERCIAL FISHING HISTORY

3. ATTACHMENT #3- MASTER/CREW WORK EXPERIENCE

4. ATTACHMENT #4- PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

5. ATTACHMENT #5- CODE OF CONDUCT

6. ATTACHMENT #6- REFEREENCED US GOVERNMENT ELECTRONIC CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND

TITLE 46: SHIPPING

-End Statement of WORK-