Sol_1305M324Q0141.pdf

1305M324Q0141

1. REQUEST NO.

5a. ISSUED BY

NAME

a. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO

THE ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON

OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG.1

RATING

6. DELIVERY BY (Date)

7. DELIVERY

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

PAGE OF PAGES

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL: (No collect calls)

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

8. TO:

b. COMPANY

e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

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 services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

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

THIS RFQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDEX

03/18/2024

1 94

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE BLDG 1

SEATTLE WA 98115

WAD-NMFS-Seattle Multiple

SARAH WAUGH

04/01/2024 1700 PD

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)X

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

a. NAME OF QUOTER

AREA CODE

NUMBER

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

b. TELEPHONE are are not attached

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

1305M324Q0141 BASE

Section 2 - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Section 3 - Line Items and Attachments Section 4 - Contract Terms and Conditions Section 5 - Other Contract Terms and Conditions Section 6 - Instructions to Offerors Section 7 - Evaluation

Section 2 - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

Standard Language FAR Part 12 - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is 1305M324Q0141 and is issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ).

(iii) The Solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through FAC 2024-02, Published December 22, 2023.

(iv) The set-aside for this combined synopsis/solicitation is a 100% small business set aside. The associated NAICS code is 483114, Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation, and the small business size standard is 550.

(v) Please see Line-Item List in SF18 and Continuation Pages

(vi) Please see Statement of Work/Specifications and Attachments for description of requirements.

(vii) Please see Statement of Work/Specifications for delivery and period of performance information.

(viii) The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, applies to this acquisition See Section 6 for addenda.

(ix) FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies. See Section 7 for additional information.

(x) Offerors are advised to include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, with its offer.

(xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

See Section 4 for addenda.

(xii) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See Section 5 for 52.212.5.

(xiii) See Section 4 for additional Terms and Conditions.

(xiv) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) does not apply.

(xv) Offers shall be submitted no later than 04/01/2024 05:00 PD. Submit offers via email to the attention of the Contracting Officer, SARAH WAUGH, at SARAH.WAUGH@NOAA.GOV and the Contract Specialist, SARAH WAUGH, at SARAH.WAUGH@NOAA.GOV.

(xvi) Contact the Contract Specialist, SARAH WAUGH, at SARAH.WAUGH@NOAA.GOV for information regarding the solicitation.

Item/Sub Number Description Quantity Unit of

Issue Unit Price Total Item Amount

Fishing, Sampling, Operation Survey Days Commencing on/about May 13 in accordance with the Statement of Work

47 DA

0002 Break Days, up to 12 12 DA

0003 Mobilization/demobilization up to 8 days 8 DA

0004 Vessel Transit

0005 Moorage, Ice, and Charter Communications Not to Exceed $2,431

0006 Survey Travel Not to Exceed $3,557 0007 Weather Day, up to 1 1 DA 0008 Optional Charter day, up to 1 1 DA 0009 Haul Out Not to Exceed $12,155

Option Period I Fishing, Sampling, Operation Survey Days Commencing on/about May 13 in accordance with the Statement of Work

47 DA

1002 Option Period I Break Days, up to 12 12 DA

Option Period I Mobilization/demobilization up to 8 days

8 DA

1004 Option Period I Vessel Transit

Option Period I Moorage, Ice, and Charter Communications Not to Exceed $2,431

1006 Option Period I Survey Travel Not to Exceed $3,557

1007 Option Period I Weather Day, up to 1 1 DA

1008 Option Period I Optional Charter day, up to 1 1 DA

1009 Option Period I Haul Out Not to Exceed $12,155

Option Period II Fishing, Sampling, Operation Survey Days Commencing on/about May 13 in accordance with the Statement of Work

47 DA

2002 Option Period II Break Days, up to 12 12 DA

Option Period II Mobilization/demobilization up to 8 days

8 DA

2004 Option Period II Vessel Transit

Option Period II Moorage, Ice, and Charter Communications Not to Exceed $2,431

2006 Option Period II Survey Travel 2007 Option Period II Weather Day, up to 1 1 DA

2008 Option Period II Optional Charter day, up to 1 1 DA

Item/Sub Number Description Quantity Unit of

Issue Unit Price Total Item Amount

2009 Option Period II Haul Out Not to Exceed $12,155

Option Period III Fishing, Sampling, Operation Survey Days Commencing on/about May 13 in accordance with the Statement of Work

47 DA

3002 Option Period III Break Days, up to 12 12 DA

Option Period III Mobilization/demobilization up to 8 days

8 DA

3004 Option Period III Vessel Transit

Option Period III Moorage, Ice, and Charter Communications Not to Exceed $2,431

3006 Option Period III Survey Travel Not to Exceed $3,557

3007 Option Period III Weather Day, up to 1 1 DA

3008 Option Period III Optional Charter day, up to 1 1 DA

3009 Option Period III Haul Out Not to Exceed $12,155

Option Period IV Fishing, Sampling, Operation Survey Days Commencing on/about May 13 in accordance with the Statement of Work

47 DA

4002 Option Period IV Break Days, up to 12 12 DA

Option Period IV Mobilization/demobilization up to 8 days

8 DA

4004 Option Period IV Vessel Transit

Option Period IV Moorage, Ice, and Charter Communications Not to Exceed $2,431

4006 Option Period IV Survey Travel Not to Exceed $3,557

4007 Option Period IV Weather Day, up to 1 1 DA

4008 Option Period IV Optional Charter day, up to 1 1 DA

4009 Option Period IV Haul Out Not to Exceed $12,155

Section 3 - Line Items and Attachments

Attachment Number Title

1 Attachments 1-6

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 Need/Specifications:

WEST COAST GROUNDFISH BOTTOM TRAWL SURVEY

1.0 OVERVIEW

1.1 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, has a requirement to contract up to two commercial fishing vessels, (May – July) to conduct the 2024 NOAA annual West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey. Each awarded contract will have a one-year base period with four one-year option periods (5 years total).

2.0 ORGANIZATION

2.1 Organization: The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC), is a Government agency charged with the mission of stewardship for living marine resources.

2.2 Background and Objective: The NWFSC provides scientific and technical support to NMFS for the management, conservation, and wise use of the west coast’s marine resources. The Fisheries Resource Analysis and Monitoring Division (FRAM) of the NWFSC is charged with conducting research and scientific analysis on the groundfish fisheries within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Washington, Oregon and California.

3.0 GENERAL

3.1 NWFSC has a requirement for a bottom trawl survey of the groundfish resources of the continental shelf and slope of the United States West Coast region. Two commercial trawl-fishing vessels will be chartered; vessels will commence survey operations on or around May 15 and complete survey operations approximately 72 days later on or around July 26. The charters will begin and end in Newport, Oregon, with survey operations proceeding from north to south. Each option period, if exercised, will occur during approximately the same time period, with final sailing dates being set at exercise of option.

3.2 The vessels will be mobilized with loading and mounting of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) during a 4 to 6-day pre-cruise period in Newport, Oregon. Vessels will complete survey operations with a 2-day demobilization also in Newport, Oregon where all scientific equipment will be removed from the vessel.

3.3 The vessels shall conduct an independent survey of the shelf and slope zone from 30 fathoms to 700 fathoms, extending from the Canadian border around Cape Flattery, Washington to the Mexican border near San Diego, California. Survey stations will be designated in the sampling manual to representatively sample the above range of depths, and will be randomly pre-selected within a geographical area and depth strata. The sampling locations will be provided to the vessel Captain and crew during the week of mobilization. Each vessel will be allocated approximately 188 stations.

3.4 Under the direction of a NMFS-designated Field Party Chief, the vessels shall fish in a systematic manner with bottom trawl gear according to a pre-specified survey design and a manual governing the construction, rigging, and operation of the trawl gear used for sampling. The operations schedule will be fully defined and discussed during mobilization with the vessel captain(s). With the assistance of the crew, the scientific party will examine the catches and record various biological data (species, size, gender, maturity, and age composition), catch (weight), and effort data. Those portions of the catch that have commercial value and are not required for biological sampling or as retained specimens will be kept and sold by the vessel in Washington and Oregon but not California. Proceeds from the fish sales shall be deducted from the total price of the survey.

3.5 The trawl gear used during the survey will be supplied by the NWFSC. Trawl warps consisting of 1250 fathoms of 5/8-inch steel-core wire-rope will be supplied by the NWFSC. The trawl warps will be loaded and marked as they are loaded on the vessel during mobilization. Trawl wire will be measured and marked in 25 fathom increments at Englund Marine in Newport Oregon. A team of NWFSC scientists collaborating with a team from the contractor coordinate with personnel from Englund Marine to accomplish this mission. The costs of operations are covered by the NWFSC separate from this contract.

3.6 Trawl instrumentation systems (Simrad PX, Simrad PI44 and Simrad ITI) will be supplied by the NWFSC, and will be used with various sensors deployed on the trawl during each tow to measure and record various aspects of the trawl’s performance during sampling operations.

3.7 The vessel will be hauled out at a mutually agreeable time and shipyard. The vessel haul out will be conducted prior to initial mobilization and at NMFS’s expense (the NWFSC schedules and compensates the shipyard directly). The vessel haul out will be needed to create a thru-hull penetration and mounting point that will be used to install the trawl instrumentation transducers and sensors.

Project gear will be loaded at the beginning of the charter in Newport, Oregon. Vessels shall sample from north to south, and after sampling all allocated stations, the vessel shall head north following a partial demobilization in southern California. Vessels are expected to arrive in Newport, Oregon approximately four to six days later for complete demobilization and conclusion of the charter. During demobilization all project gear will be unloaded from the vessel, divers will remove transducers, and the through hull penetration will be doubly capped. The operational plan for each charter may be modified prior to the start of the survey, but changes in dates of operation and port-of-calls between cruise legs due to weather or unanticipated problems will be relayed to the Contractor for planning purposes.

3.8 In the likely event of inclement weather, a “weather day” will be declared. Severe conditions which contribute to unsafe or unpractical survey operations are closely monitored. This decision will be made by the Captain and Field Party Chief after all information and data have been reviewed. Allocating weather days adds time to the charter because stations are not typically dropped. This additional time should be considered when scheduling post-survey vessel operations and will alter the vessel demobilization and charter conclusion. For each of the May to July (first pass) and the August to October (second pass) charter time frames, two to three days have typically been required due to inclement weather; one weather day per pass is included in the contract and may be increased if necessary, as determined by the Government.

3.9 Survey transportation support and travel as required by contract:

3.9.1 Vessel may be required to have participating vessel survey captains and vessel owners attend a post-cruise meeting in Charleston or Newport, Oregon or other mutually agreed upon location.

The meeting is a tool to provide the charter operator an evaluation of the performance of the vessel and crew during the charter, delineate deficiencies in sampling performance, acknowledge successes, disseminate information and define upcoming survey projects and agendas. The COR, upon completion of the survey will schedule the date and time of the meeting.

3.9.2 Contractor may be asked to attend a meeting and/or net certification operation in Seattle, Washington.

3.9.3 Contractor may need to be available to transport trawl and/or survey gear using company or rental vehicles (if necessary) during survey operations.

3.9.4 Expenses for travel required for these items will be reimbursed based upon actual costs in accordance with the invoicing clause in Section C – CONTRACT CLAUSES. A not-to-exceed amount for travel will be established in the price schedule, but may be increased as determined necessary by the Government.

3.9.5 Upon award of contract and prior to 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 owner/manager and all vessel captains participating in the charter are required to attend the meeting.

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

3.9 Charges for travel, mooring, and ice will be reimbursed to the contractor when accompanied with the proper documentation in accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (alternate I) (i)(1)(ii)(D) (1) Other Direct Costs, including “Mooring and Ice Reimbursement Costs”, “Charter Communications”, and "Travel costs.”

4.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

4.1 Each charter period will be broken into five cruise legs of eight to twelve days each with a three-day port call between legs for refueling, re-provisioning, personnel changes, and landing the catch. The charter period will begin the day the vessel commences mobilization, and will end after the scientific staff has disembarked, together with all Government provided equipment, supplies and after any fish or biological specimens retained during the course of the experiment have been offloaded.

4.2 The Government-furnished trawls, rigging, and accessories will be of a type commonly used in slope and shelf fisheries, scaled to fit vessels ranging from 425 to 1200 horsepower (HP). Although this is a wide HP range, FRAM ensures consistency of the data collected by regulating speed and by monitoring trawl door and trawl net performance via a wide range of acoustic net mensuration sensors.

Sampling trawl nets will be of the “Aberdeen” four-panel type with a headrope length of 85 feet and a footrope length of 104 feet. The trawls will be modified for survey use by installing small-mesh (1-1/2” #24 twisted polypropylene) codend liners to retain juvenile fish and other small organisms. Each trawl will be fitted with a footrope constructed of 8” and 10” rubber discs mounted on ½” alloy long link chain. Both will be rigged with 15 fathom double bridles leading to a 15-fathom single sweep attached (four point) to 5’ X 7’ (1300 pound) steel vee-door. The lower bridle and sweep will be covered with rubber disks.

4.3 The survey design requires that an average of four to five tows be conducted per day.

Different station depths shall be sampled at different times of day to avoid any potential bias. Fishing operations shall be conducted only during daylight hours. The duration of each tow shall be 15 minutes, defined as: net on bottom in full, stable, fishing configuration. This will be determined by readings from the acoustic trawl mensuration equipment. Transit between the next day’s tows shall occur at the end of each day’s sampling operations such that the vessel is on station, ready for the first tow by first light.

4.4 The Field Party Chief, in conjunction with the Captain, will determine the vessel’s sampling schedule. A rigorous work schedule is required to complete the allocated stations. Logistics and running time shall be calculated into every decision. The schedule maintained by the vessel is dynamic, with requirements only for arrival to port on pre-defined days.

4.5 Two complete trawls, fully rigged and ready to fish, (supplied by the NWFSC) shall be carried to reduce time lost due to gear damage. Accordingly, the vessel shall have two functional, powered net reels, each large enough to accommodate a complete trawl with its footrope, codend, and rigging, and so situated as to leave working space on deck (15’ X 10’) for catch sorting and processing of biological data. Alternatively, if there is room on deck (12’ X 8’ X 8’), or in a below-deck fish hold, the second net can be stacked but accessible in case there is catastrophic damage to the primary net. Space shall also be available at or near the stern ramp (5’ X 5’) to allow the trawl instruments to be safely attached and removed. Additional trawl nets will be provided and delivered to the vessel when substantial damage to any sampling trawl has occurred.

4.6 Trawl instruments will monitor the following trawl performance variables and report them in real time, with all readings stored on a portable computer supplied by the NWFSC; spread between net wings, spread between the trawl doors, vertical distance from the center of the headrope to the seafloor, distance from the headrope to the footrope, and clearance (if any) between the footrope and bottom. Additional instruments will be used to record the time at which the footrope contacts or loses contact with the bottom. Other data on operational conditions that can affect trawl performance (e.g.

depth, amount of trawl warp deployed, towing speed, tow duration, and weather conditions) will be recorded onboard during each sampling haul. The Field Party Chief with the Captain’s assistance will record any gear damage sustained during the haul and the nature of the damage. These records are used to monitor each net and track its history. This monitoring is integral when determining when to retire a net, calculate life expectancy of expensive trawl gear, and to determine if catch anomalies can be related back to individual nets during post-cruise data processing.

4.7 Occasionally the development of new sensors and/or requirements for additional oceanographic monitoring is necessary. NMFS scientists may add or remove sensor packages and monitoring devices to address these requirements.

4.8 After the catch has been landed and it is safe for the scientific staff to operate on deck, the catch will be sorted on a NMFS supplied table, to species into baskets and each basket will be weighed.

Sub-samples of the critical species will be randomly drawn for length frequency determination, and age structures. Additional biological processing or sampling may be carried out by the scientific staff on an opportunistic basis (i.e. stomach contents, ovaries, tissue samples etc.) for further processing or investigation at an onshore laboratory.

4.9 A minimum of 47 working days at sea will be required for the charter for each contract period, not including port calls, time spent running to and from sample sites, or days when operations shall be suspended due to bad weather, breakdowns, or other contingencies.

4.10 It is the Contractor’s obligation to maintain Government trawl fishing gear. The Contractor shall replace any fishing gear, electronic, or acoustic equipment that is lost or damaged due to irresponsible application of equipment, neglect or careless vessel activity.

5.0 VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 The vessel shall be at least 65 feet and no more than 109 feet in registered length. The vessel shall be seaworthy and safe for trawling operations in the geographic region previously specified in this Statement of Work, during the season indicated.

5.2 The vessel’s main engine shall be rated at a minimum continuous horsepower of 450 to 1200 horsepower.

5.3 The vessel shall be capable of towing the experimental gear described above at a minimum speed of 2.2 knots at a fishing depth of 700 fathoms.

5.4 The vessel shall be able to maintain a cruising speed of at least 8.0 knots in low sea states.

5.5 The vessel shall allow for thru-hull cabling for acoustic transducers and hull-mounted sensors that will be installed in dry dock. For vessels that do not have a steel hull, complete drawings of the location for transducer placement and any other necessary modifications to ensure hull integrity must be included in the proposal. At the end of the charter period, transducers will be removed and the perforation will be doubly secured.

5.6 The vessel shall be completely rigged for stern trawling, including the following:

5.6.1 The vessel shall have a stern ramp or roller and gallows or gantry.

5.6.2 The vessel shall have two powered net reels each capable of accommodating a commercial-scale bottom trawl together with its footrope and rigging. Alternatively, if there is room on deck (12’ X 8’ X 8’), or in a sub-deck fish hold, the second net can be stacked but accessible in case there is catastrophic damage to the primary net, in which case the second net reel would not be required.

5.6.3 The vessel shall be outfitted with trawl winches with a minimum capacity of 1250 fathoms of NMFS-supplied 5/8” diameter steel core wire on each drum. Winches shall have the ability to tow cable length for trawling at depths up to 700 fathoms (1225 fathoms scope). Winches shall feature a heaving rate such that they are capable of recovering the trawl and doors from a fishing depth of 500 fathoms (1000 fathoms scope) within 30 minutes, or 33 fathoms per minute. If retrieval rate is misrepresented in the proposal by the contractor, and the progress of the survey is compromised, this may constitute grounds for which the Government can terminate the contract, and the contractor may be responsible for the cost of re-procurement costs of chartering another vessel. Trawl winches shall run directly to the tow blocks on the aft gantry. Winches shall be outfitted with a powered spooling system that does not rely on manual spooling bars. For evaluation purposes, winches outfitted with hydraulic level winding systems may be given additional consideration over manually operated level winding systems. Trawl winches shall be outfitted with an electrical measuring system to monitor either rotations of each winch drum, or actual wire measurement. Vessels with systems that provide actual warp measurement with a NEMA serial data output may be given additional consideration.

· Note: Contractors should be aware that the frequent need to shoot and heave the gear, often from relatively great depths, can stress the winches and hydraulic system in ways not typically encountered during normal commercial operations. Our experience during prior research cruises is that some vessels have suffered steady degradation to their winches’ performance or even severe damage in extreme cases. The scientific staff will routinely monitor haul back times during the survey and will alert the Captain to the onset of such a condition, offering an opportunity to repair the equipment. Even so, such a circumstance will affect the efficiency of survey operations and threaten the integrity of the data.

Contractors shall avoid such occurrences by ensuring that the vessel’s systems are in good working order prior to the start of the charter, and shall carry sufficient spare parts and supplies to maintain and repair their equipment without undue loss of time.

5.7 The vessel shall have trawl cable runs that progress directly from the winches to the aft towing blocks on the rear gantry.

5.8 The vessel shall have a hydraulic crane or boom and lifting gear for dumping catches and handling fishing gear and experimental equipment. Lifting capacity of such equipment shall be sufficient to lift a codend containing a catch of up to 20,000 pounds into position over an on-deck bin to permit the drawing of a sub-sample from the catch.

5.9 The vessel shall have clear open space on the working-deck of; 15’ X 10’ for location of a NWFSC-supplied, modular, three-table sorting and sampling area. The sorting table is 9’ X 5’, with a 2’ X 4.5’ platform scale table and a 2’ X 6’ sampling station table attached. There shall be 2’ of working space around the sampling station to sort the catch. The sampling station shall be out of the way of the trawl warps, running gear, net retrieval systems and other hazards. A means to fasten or secure the sampling station to the deck shall be made available. An additional space of 6’ X 6’ X 6’ shall be available for the storage of sampling baskets, with easy access to the sorting, and sampling work area.

5.10 The vessel shall provide space to accommodate four large storage totes (each tote is 4’ X 4’ X 4’) on the back deck. These will need to be secured and accessible.

5.11 The vessel shall provide dry storage (3’ X 3’ X 3’) space for additional rigging and hardware.

5.12 In accordance with OSHA requirements, the vessel shall be equipped with a railing with a working height (from deck boards to the top of the rail) of no less than 40 inches. Vessels with a working rail height exceeding 48 inches will be required to provide an overboard chute, or another means to discard fish overboard. The working rail shall run from the trawl winches to the towing blocks at the aft end of the vessel.

5.13 The back deck of the vessel shall be set up so that there is unobstructed access to the rail, or overboard chute to dump fish.

5.14 The vessel shall provide a seawater deck-hose for cleaning the sorting table, deck, and sampling gear.

5.14.1 The on/off switch for the deck hose shall be of the waterproof variety and readily accessible from the working deck.

5.14.2 The hose shall provide sea water at a flow rate of no less than 25 gallons per minute.

5.14.3 The hose shall have sufficient length to reach all areas of the back deck.

5.14.4 The hose shall be no less than 1.5 inches in diameter and no more than 3 inches in diameter.

5.14.5 The vessel and crew shall have a method of storing the hose as to avoid a tripping hazard.

5.15 The vessel shall provide a fresh water hose which will be accessible on deck for cleaning instruments.

5.15.1 The hose spigot shall be accessible from the back deck.

5.15.2 The hose spigot shall not leak.

5.15.3 The hose shall be in good condition and not leak.

5.15.4 The hose shall be fitted with a conventional pistol-grip nozzle that does not leak.

5.15.5 The hose shall provide a minimum of 40 psi of through a typical ¾” garden hose.

5.15.6 The vessel and crew shall have a method of storing the hose as to avoid a tripping hazard.

5.16 The vessel shall provide an area with minimum of measurements 10’ X 15’ X 3’ (reasonable 450 cubic feet equivalent (trawl alley with containment bin boards), to contain large catches for catch sub-sampling (splitting). Bin boards shall be in good condition; easy placement and removal is essential.

In the event of breakage, replacement bin boards shall be available.

5.17 The vessel shall provide a dry storage area of at least 400 cubic feet for storage of scientific supplies, accessible while at sea.

5.18 The vessel shall be equipped with two auxiliary electrical generators.

5.19 The vessel shall have a dedicated hydraulic motor with a minimum of 100 horsepower and 50 gallon capacity. A backup method of retrieving set trawl gear is required; however, two full independent hydraulic motors are preferable to running the hydraulic system off a PTO (power take-off) from the vessel main engine.

5.20 The vessel shall have a second independent hydraulic motor.

5.21 The vessel shall be equipped with two radars with a minimum coverage of 18 miles and at least one radar with a minimum 4kw transmitter.

5.22 The vessel shall be outfitted with a minimum Class A or B Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver. It is preferred that the AIS is integrated into a GPS or navigational plotting system.

5.23 The vessel shall have a minimum of two depth echo sounders with a minimum coverage requirement to 700 fathoms on soft bottom.

5.23.1 Echo sounder shall be appropriately grounded with a means for scientific crew to record NEMA (National Marine Electrical Association) serial data.

5.23.2 Echo sounder shall be paired with a minimum of a 2kW transducer.

5.23.3 One echo sounder shall be in the range of 18 to 50 kHz

5.24 The vessel shall have minimum of two GPS units.

5.25 The vessel shall be outfitted with a Furuno SC50 or equivalent satellite compass with NEMA output with available output (6 are available on the Furuno SC-50).

5.26 The vessel shall have at a minimum the ability to arc weld.

5.27 The vessel shall have a minimum of a 4” grinder with steel cutoff wheels on board.

5.28 The vessel shall provide adequate locations for mounting no less than three antennas (GPS, satellite compass) and one sensor (anemometer) on the forward gantry of the vessel. A welder will be provided by NMFS during mobilization if adequate mounting points are not available.

5.29 The vessel shall have corded and cordless drills available with a full range of serviceable bits available (1/16 to ½”).

5.30 The vessel shall have the following saws with serviceable blades:

5.30.1 Circular saw

5.30.2 Jig saw

5.31 The vessel shall be outfitted with a minimum of two VHF radios suitable for contact with shore stations and shall carry a hand-held VHF radio for use in emergencies.

5.32 The vessel shall have a functional single side band radio, or a satellite phone.

5.33 The vessel shall be outfitted with the Starlink Marine satellite communication system.

(https://www.starlink.com/business/maritime?referral=RC-14470-19405- 54&utm_source=paid_b2b_ww_search_google_brand_starlinkbus_2023_11_01_evergreen). Costs incurred during survey operations will be reimbursed to the vessel.

5.34 The vessel shall have a minimum of two navigational plotters, with one plotting program being Olex (http://www.olex.no/olexsoftware_e.html) or timezero https://mytimezero.com/

5.35 All vessel electronics, especially in the wheelhouse shall be properly grounded as to eliminate interference with NOAA electronics.

5.36 The vessel shall have emergency power backup for communication systems.

5.37 The vessel shall be able to provide life-raft capacity for all persons on-board. Life raft(s) capacity for a minimum of 8 persons shall be met.

5.38 The vessel shall provide a means of securing survey sorting and sampling tables directly to the deck. The attachment location and method shall be approved by the Government during the mobilization process, and may entail significant changes/modifications (i.e. welding mounting tabs or doubler) on the deck.

5.39 The vessel shall 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 shall be independent of fuel and fresh water supplies required for the charter period.

5.40 The vessel shall have clean and sanitary living conditions and adequate berthing accommodations for the vessel crew and three scientists. Clean mattresses with clean fitted covers shall be provided for the scientific party; the mattresses shall not consist of open-cell foam.

5.41 At least one drawer per scientist shall be provided for stowage of the scientific staff’s clothing and personal effects. Minimum drawer size shall be 14” X 12” X 6” (.58 cubic feet).

5.42 Workspaces and berthing spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from excessive engine noise and hydrocarbon fumes. Smoking shall be prohibited in all interior spaces occupied or utilized by the Scientific Field Party. Smoking on deck shall be in designated smoking areas only.

5.43 Engine room compartment shall be closed to the living quarters and galley to minimize hydrocarbon fume permeation and excessive noise. If excessive noise and or hydrocarbon fumes permeate the living quarters, the Field Party Chief and the Captain shall confer to determine a viable solution. If the noise or fumes cannot be sufficiently abated, in the opinion of the Field Party Chief, the matter will be referred to the Contracting Officer for appropriate action, which could include termination of the contract.

5.44 One head and a functional shower shall be available for use by the scientific party. Doors to toilet or bathing facilities shall be fitted with an operational lock or latch to ensure the user’s privacy.

https://www.starlink.com/business/maritime?referral=RC-14470-19405-54&utm_source=paid_b2b_ww_search_google_brand_starlinkbus_2023_11_01_evergreen https://www.starlink.com/business/maritime?referral=RC-14470-19405-54&utm_source=paid_b2b_ww_search_google_brand_starlinkbus_2023_11_01_evergreen http://www.olex.no/olexsoftware_e.html file:///T:/All%20WAD/NMFS/Team%20Member%20Folders/FY24/Supply/NWFSC%20West%20Coast%20Groundfish%20Bottom%20Trawl%20Survey/Tabs%207-13%20Solicitation/Tab%208%20Reviews/%20https:/mytimezero.com/

The vessel shall furnish soap, toilet paper, and paper towels.

5.45 A workspace (desk, table, counter, or other work surface) of approximately 4’ X 3’ shall be available within the vessels’ bridge where the scientific staff can set up the trawl instrumentation receivers, their display units, portable computer, sensors, and an external computational storage facility for logging trawl performance data and catch data. A stable source of 110 V, 60 cycle AC power shall be available nearby as well as a convenient and accessible storage space for tools, notebooks, sampling forms and other frequently needed equipment and supplies.

5.46 A floor-mounted chair shall be supplied in the wheelhouse for the Field Party Chief’s use during survey operations.

5.47 Vessel shall have a functional anchor capable of holding fast the vessel in a minimum of 30 fathoms of water under moderate sea states.

5.47.1 The vessel shall have method to retrieve anchor from 30 fathoms of water in a maximum of 15 minutes.

5.48 A suitable desk, table, counter, or other work surface area (approximately 2’ X 2’) either in the wheelhouse or galley shall be available to permanently accommodate laptop computers and battery charging. A stable source of 120 V, 60 cycle AC power shall be available nearby.

5.49 A suitable desk, table, counter or other work surface area near or in the galley, shall be made available for scientific crew to review catch data with a laptop computer.

5.50 A space approximately 2’ X 4’ with access to 120 V, 60 cycle AC power and convenient to the working deck shall be provided for charging the trawl instruments. On past charters, suitable spaces have been set up in the gear lockers or somewhere in the living quarters near the back deck. Area shall be clean, dry and provide appropriate protection for sensor chargers.

5.51 The vessel shall provide a dry area approximately 3’ X 4’ X 6’ with a stable source of 120 V, 60 cycle AC available nearby for the location of 1 to 3 small NMFS supplied freezers to preserve specimens.

5.52 The vessel shall provide an avenue for power, network, GPS, and anemometer cables to be run from the wheelhouse to the mounting station above the wheelhouse.

5.53 Within the past 12 months the vessel shall have been actively used for commercial trawling or for research where trawl gear was used.

5.54 The vessel shall have an accessible life sling mounted on the vessel.

5.55 The vessel shall provide a ladder or stairs for staff to embark/disembark the vessel. Access will also be used to transfer equipment to and from the vessel while in port.

5.56 The vessel shall provide access to its 12 and 24 volt DC power systems.

5.57 The vessel and crew shall have all permits and licenses required to sell fish in all ports entered during the charter in Washington, and Oregon. Due to regulations NOAA’s scientific take of fish is unable to be sold in California.

5.58 Vessels owned and operated within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) shall be equipped with USCG approved visual distress signals. Vessel shall have means for making suitable visual distress signals during the day and at night.

5.59 Vessel shall be approved by the United States Coast Guard and have a current placard displayed which allows the vessel to exceed 200 miles from land.

5.60 The Contractor is not required to provide a stability report for the vessel; however, additional consideration may be given to vessels submitting proposals with a current (including all major vessel modifications) stability report.

5.61 Vessel shall have all electrical connections and wiring in appropriate junction boxes and cable runs. If electrical problems manifest while the vessel is under contract, an inspection of the system at the cost of the contractor will be required along with the necessary repairs.

5.62 The vessel shall have a Simrad ES60/EK60 or ES80/EK80 transceiver.

5.63 The vessel shall be outfitted with a Simrad 38B or a 38-7 degree, 38 kHz transducer.

5.64 The vessel shall be able to provide a sheltered sampling area (wave wall or shelter deck). The wave wall or shelter deck shall be able to provide protection to scientists while running between stations. Sheltered area shall extend from the aft part of the pilot house to an area approximately half way to the towing blocks. Wave wall shall extend from the water level and to a minimum height of 8 feet; there shall be a minimum of 6.5 feet of head clearance from the ship deck to ceiling of the shelter deck. The Sheltered area can be limited to one side, but the port side is preferred.

5.65 The vessel shall have a four foot wide by seven foot high by ten foot long space of clear egress from the pilot house to the back deck.

5.66 Vessel shall have 7 berths.

5.67 The vessel shall have a galley table that has secure seating for a minimum of 6 people.

5.68 The vessel shall have a dry area for storage or hanging of raingear.

5.69 An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided on the vessel, for both drinking and personal cleansing. Only approved potable water systems may be used for the distribution of drinking water. Water from the vessels tank shall be processed in accordance with federal regulations (CFR 141).

6.0 CREW REQUIREMENTS

6.1 The minimum crew shall consist of a Captain, an engineer-fisherman, a cook-fisherman and a night watch. These are considered the Key Personnel of the contract and will be accepted via separate letter at time of award.

6.2 The Captain shall have a minimum of five (5) years of trawl fishing experience as master of a comparable-sized trawler in Pacific coastal waters. The Primary Captain shall have been the operational Captain of the Vessel being offered in the proposal for the previous 18 months. He/She shall have been responsible for planning and executing all fishing missions including but not limited to: staffing, fueling, fish brokering, field communications, and mechanical servicing. Captains not meeting the requirements may, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer function in a probationary capacity where a tenured Captain will act as a supervisor to the probationary Captain for a specified time period.

6.2.1 The Captain shall be competent in the use of modern navigational equipment including:

Global Positioning Systems (GPS), navigational plotters located on the vessel(Olex, Timezero, ECC Globe, Windplot, Nobletech etc.), and radars.

6.2.2 The Captain shall be competent in the reading and use of acoustic echo sounder equipment located on the vessel; (single beam, split beam, multibeam, ADCP, forward facing fish finding sonar etc.).

6.2.3 The Captain shall be competent in diagnosing and repairing all shipboard motors and electronics; (main engine, generators, pumps, lighting, hydraulics etc.).

6.2.4 Additional consideration may be given for a Contractor offering a Captain with current sea safety training.

6.2.5 The Captain shall be experienced and capable in using all forms of communication electronics on the vessel; (VHF, SSB, Satellite communications).

6.2.6 The Captain shall be experienced in handling emergency drills on the boat.

6.2.7 The Captain shall be experienced in rigging and repairing bottom trawls.

6.2.7.1 The Captain shall be proficient in reading detailed net diagrams and be able to adhere to the strict requirements contained wherein.

6.2.7.2 The Captain shall be competent in wire splicing 6 X 19 IWRC wire rope.

6.3 The engineer-fisherman shall have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in trawl fishing and in rigging, repairing and operating bottom trawls. The crewman shall be trained in the execution of all facets of the ship board mechanical and electrical functions. Engineer-fishermen not meeting the minimum requirements may substitute relative certifications, training, and or experience outside of the marine industry such as; mechanic, steel fabrication, electronics, shortwave radio, etc. which shall be reviewed and approved by the Contracting Officer.

6.3.1 The Engineer-fisherman shall be competent in the use of modern navigational equipment including: Global Positioning Systems (GPS), navigational plotters located on the vessel(Olex, Timezero, ECC Globe, Windplot, Nobletech etc.), and Radars.

6.3.2 The Engineer-fisherman shall be competent in the reading and use of most acoustic echo sounder equipment located on the vessel; (single beam, split beam)

6.3.3 The Engineer-fisherman shall be competent in diagnosing and repairing all shipboard motors and electronics; (main engine, generators, pumps, lighting, hydraulics etc.)

6.3.4 The Engineer-fisherman shall be experienced and capable in using all forms of communication electronics on the vessel; (VHF, SSB, Satellite communications)

6.3.5 The Engineer-fisherman shall be experienced in rigging and repairing bottom trawls.

6.3.5.1 The Engineer-fisherman shall be proficient in reading detailed net diagrams and be able to adhere to the strict requirements contained therein.

6.3.5.2 The Engineer-fisherman shall be competent in wire splicing 6 X 19 IWRC wire rope.

6.4 The cook-fisherman shall have a minimum of one (1) year experience in trawl fishing and in repairing bottom trawl gear. Cook-fishermen not meeting the minimum requirements may substitute relative certifications, training, and or experiences experience outside of the marine industry such as;

mechanic, steel fabrication, electronics, shortwave radio, etc. which shall be reviewed and approved by the Contracting Officer.

6.4.1 The Cook-fisherman shall be competent in the use of modern navigational equipment including: Global Positioning Systems (GPS), navigational plotters located on the vessel(Olex, Timezero, ECC Globe, Windplot, Nobletech etc.), and Radars.

6.4.2 The Cook-fisherman shall be competent in the reading and use of most acoustic echo sounder equipment located on the vessel; (single beam, split beam).

6.4.3 The Cook-fisherman shall be competent in diagnosing and repairing some shipboard motors and electronics.

6.4.4 The Cook-fisherman shall be experienced and capable in using all forms of communication electronics on the vessel; (VHF, SSB, Satellite communications).

6.4.5 The Cook-fisherman shall have some experience in rigging and repairing bottom trawls.

6.5 The night-watch crewman shall have the minimum requirements listed below. Night watch personnel not meeting the minimum requirements may substitute relative certifications, training, and or experiences experience outside of the marine industry such as; mechanic, steel fabrication, electronics, shortwave radio, etc. which shall be reviewed and approved by the Contracting Officer.

6.5.1 The night watch crewman shall have a minimum of 3 months experience at sea in any capacity.

6.5.2 The additional crewman shall be trained in the execution of most shipboard mechanical and electrical systems including, but not limited to:

6.5.2.1 Main engine, electrical generators, pumps

6.5.2.2 Electronics, plotters, radars, radios located on the vessel (VHF, SSB, Satellite communication devices).

6.6 The vessel shall have a minimum of three deckhands available for use during the charter (although only two shall be onboard at a time). It is necessary to have a minimum of one back-up deckhand to alleviate burnout and to provide an emergency replacement. This replacement needs to be evaluated as Key Personnel, and all above listed requirements apply.

6.7 The vessel shall have two capable captains available for use during the charter (although only one is onboard at a time). It is necessary to have a back-up Captain to alleviate long-term exhaustion and to provide an emergency replacement. The primary Captain is required to take a break for a minimum of one leg (8 to 10 days) during the survey period, during which time the primary Captain will be replaced by the secondary captain. The secondary Captain may be a crew member, but must be listed under both categories for evaluation purposes as Key Personnel.

6.8 The Contractor shall provide any crew list changes from the original proposal to the Contracting Officer for appropriate personnel with their associated qualifications and references 30 days prior to vessel mobilization. Crew changes during the charter are required to have Survey team supervisor approval to assure that proposed substitute key personnel meet requirements.

6.9 The vessel staff shall have at least one crew member with a valid and current first aid and CPR training certificate.

7.0 SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL

7.1 The Government field party under normal operations shall consist of three (3) individuals and may include women.

7.2 Occasionally one or two additional scientists are required for short term (2 to 3 day experiment) deployments. In this case the vessel shall work with the survey team to provide a plan for providing appropriate life raft capacity and sleeping arrangements.

7.3 One scientist will be designated Field Party Chief. That person will be responsible for implementation of the cruise plan, compliance with charter terms, disposition of catches, and the conduct and performance of scientific personnel aboard the vessel.

7.4 Government personnel will provide their own bedding (except those specified under 5.40 above), towels and survival suits.

7.5 Government personnel will provide their own rain and foul weather gear.

8.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES

8.1 The Contractor shall provide three (3) nutritionally balanced meals and available 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. The vessel shall provide meals for the resident field party during all charter days. The vessel is required to provide food for scientific staff while in port. While in port, vessel staff are not required to prepare three meals a day, but snack food and sandwich material shall be made available. The contractor shall arrange for the field party to have free access to the vessel while in port.

8.2 The Field Party Chief, in consultation with the Captain, will determine workday length and hours. The length of working days can range from 12-15 hours excluding wheel watches. Work schedule decisions will be based on the type of activity expected (in-port preparations, running between stations, fishing, jogging, etc.) as well as on prevailing weather conditions and the Cruise Plan. For the scientific crew, there will be a mandatory 8-hour rest period between successive workdays.