1305M324Q0145_SOW.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:

NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER SEA SCALLOP

DREDGE RESEARCH SURVEY

1.0 OVERVIEW

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), Ecosystem Surveys Branch is seeking a vessel platform to participate in an ecosystem survey of the Atlantic sea scallop resource along the continental shelf from Virginia through Massachusetts including the U.S waters of Georges Bank. The survey will be conducted during spring/summer (May - July, optimally in June) of 2024 with option years through 2028 survey season. Each awarded contract will have a one-year base period with four one-year option periods (5 years in total).

2.0 ORGANIZATION

2.1 Organization: The DOC, NOAA, NMFS, NEFSC, is a Government agency charged with conducting ecosystem-based research and assessments of living marine resources, with a focus on the Northeast Shelf, to promote the recovery and long-term sustainability of these resources, and to generate social and economic opportunities and benefits from their use.

2.2 Background and Objective: The NEFSC Ecosystem Surveys Branch (ESB) collects data during standardized surveys on research cruises from Cape Hatteras to the Canadian Scotian Shelf. These surveys are conducted on selected survey vessels and additionally provide platforms for other programs that collect oceanographic and plankton data for monitoring the health and status of marine resources and their habitat.

ESB gathers data on abundance, distribution, feeding ecology, size, and age composition of stocks of economically and ecologically important species. The data is vital for assessment, management, and a wide variety of research programs. In addition, they design, build, and test sampling gear, evaluate advanced acoustic and optical sensing systems, and conduct vessel and gear standardization studies. This ensures the comparability of survey indices over time and allows for statistical evaluations of sampling adequacy.

3.0 GENERAL

3.1 Vessel: A single vessel will be selected for conducting resource surveys (and associated experiments) up to 25 sea days in total (including in-port days, staging and de-staging). There is a total of 10 base sea days and up to 10 optional sea days. Staging, survey activity, and de-staging is expected to occur during a period between May - July (ideally in June) with one or more day’s dockside between each survey leg. The survey homeport is Woods Hole, MA at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center dockage or other agreed upon dockage location advantageous for scallop survey logistics. Survey trips will primarily begin and conclude in Woods Hole, MA.

3.2 Sea Sampling Equipment: During research operations, the vessel may deploy multiple forms of sea scallop and oceanographic sampling equipment of which the government is providing unless otherwise noted:

1.) 8’ standardized New Bedford style scallop dredge with liner (survey dredge) with additional rock chains in select strata; this is the primary gear type.

2.) 8’ standardized New Bedford style unlined scallop dredge (survey dredge) with additional rock chains in select strata; this is the optional NEFSC gear type that may be deployed based on specific cruise instructions.

3.) 13-15’ New Bedford style or Turtle Deflector Dredge (TDD) scallop dredge (vessel supplied commercial dredge) with standard commercial configurations including additional rock chains in selected strata; this is an optional gear type that may be deployed based on specific cruise instructions.

4.) A Long-range autonomous underwater vehicle (LRAUV) being developed by the ESB Advanced Technology group and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; this is an optional NEFSC gear type that may be deployed based on specific cruise instructions.

5.) Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) instrumentation; this is an optional gear type that may be deployed based on specific cruise instructions

The dredge(s) shall be deployed from the starboard or port winches of the vessel. The dredge will be deployed with an appropriate three strand metal towing cable, swivel and termination gear for attaching the NEFSC survey dredge. Cable systems must be installed onto permanent winch systems of the vessel.

Dredges will be consistently set from the same side unless instructed by the Chief Scientist, Watch Chief or Master/Captain.

The winch system should output wire out readings, winch tension and winch speeds to a scientific electronic logging system. If wire out data is not available then data will be recorded manually. Trawl wire must be appropriately marked and checked prior to any scallop survey work. NEFSC will provide marking specifications prior to the survey - wire markings will be in 25 meter/fathom intervals or other units as agreed upon by the NEFSC and Master/Captain.

The LRAUV’s may be deployed during at sea operations on the scallop dredge survey. These vehicles are untethered to the vessel but will need to be deployed and retrieved safely from the deck of the ship. The vessel will likely conduct operations nearby (i.e. < 1 day steam).

A subset of specimens collected by the scallop dredge hauls will be selected for additional data collection and will be moved to a scientific van (modified 8’ X 20’ ISO container) installed onto the deck of the vessel.

Scientists will collect biological data including length, shell height, meat weight, and other biological data as required. If an ISO van is not an option on the commercial vessel then appropriate work stations will be set up in the vessels shucking house areas. Typically, 2-3 work stations are required for scientific data collection.

Network and computer cabling will be arranged as efficiently as possible into protected work areas for connections to computers and servers. Electrical outlets will need to be installed near biological sampling stations. Additional vessel related data including GPS location, vessel speed, seafloor depth, wire length deployed and wire tension will be recorded by the Scientific Party into an electronic recording database(s) (Scientific Computer System/Fisheries Science Computer System).

4.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 Project Description: The survey will typically be distributed over multiple survey legs or a single longer leg. Survey trips may be between 5-10 days in duration plus in-port day(s) between legs and for the vessel to return to Woods Hole, MA for provisions, fuel, crew change etc. Longer survey trips may be requested if acceptable by NEFSC and vessel survey coordinators. Adjustments to survey schedules and sea days due to unscheduled events, weather impacts, or safety protocols may occur by mutual agreement and will be communicated between the vessel and NEFSC prior to implementation. Survey trips shorter than 5 days may be necessary in order to complete survey coverage.

A staging day is defined as the vessel being made available for the installation and removal of scientific equipment, fishing gear and personal gear onto or off of the vessel. During staging days the vessel shall be moored at a pre-agreed docking facility with adequate access for trucks and cranes. The vessel shall be accessible for 12 hours daily from 0700 to 1900 (local time) with vessel crew available upon prior arrangement to assist the staging/de-staging operations and dockside testing of systems and equipment.

The Government anticipates requiring the vessel to be available for staging for two (2) days prior to the start of each annual survey and one (1) day destaging for each annual survey. If extra staging or destaging days are necessary then appropriate charges to the government will incur for those extra days. Prior to departure, the vessel must be inspected by the US Coast Guard at no cost, in addition to the required commercial vessel inspection, to assure that the vessel can conduct the work as outlined in the SOW and meet all safety requirements. Inspection must be conducted once the UNOLS sampling van has been loaded. The inspection should be arranged by the vessel Captain with the local Coast Guard representative. A letter of inspection will be issued for the duration of the cruise. NEFSC intends to port between legs in Woods Hole, Massachusetts to refuel, replenish provisions, and exchange science crews as needed. NEFSC intends to return to port in Woods Hole, MA to disembark staff and equipment on the second to last day of the survey. The last day of the survey will be designated for de-staging and removing all gear. Occasionally the survey conclusion and de-staging can occur on the same day if there is enough time and staff available.

The planned area of operation, see map in attachments, will cover the normal distributional range of sea scallops along the continental shelf from Virginia through Massachusetts including US portions of Georges Bank. Survey regions may extend to areas in the Gulf of Maine as the scallop resource recovers, populations increase or other management needs arise.

A sea day is defined as the vessel being at sea away from its planned departure port (typically Woods Hole, MA), transiting to or from planned areas of operation, conducting scientific operations or laying due at sea due to inclement weather or scientific equipment failures. Counting of sea days will be suspended if scientific operations are suspended due to vessel equipment failure or the inability of the vessel and/or crew to carry out operations. Any dockside days between survey legs or due to weather delays shall be of no charge.

4.2 Cruise Operations: Prior to the commencement of the cruise, the vessel shall be made available for two (2) or more staging days to NEFSC and cooperating partners on a mutually agreed date and location to inspect the vessel, install scientific equipment, and to meet with the vessel Master/Captain. See above if additional staging or destaging days are needed.

Any computers, software, hardware, shellfish gear/tools, and/or equipment installed on the vessel for the purpose of conducting the research cruise shall be removed at the conclusion of the survey.

The vessel must provide sufficient crew to support safe, 24-hour operations including at least two (2) licensed operators, one (1) engineer, a cook and vessel deck crew qualified to both conduct dredging and assist with scientific operations if requested. If licensed operators are not available for the survey then written experience (minimum of 5 years experience) for each operator including vessel worked on, dates and duties and tasks must be provided along with any maritime certification records. While at sea, the Master/Captain is responsible for operation of the vessel and the safety of the scientific staff and crew. The crew is responsible for operation of the vessel, fishing operations and assisting with processing of the catch.

The NEFSC Chief Scientist will be in charge of the cruise track and directing scientific operations.

The vessel will conduct a standardized 15-minute scallop dredge tow at predetermined locations contained in a cruise plan to be provided by the NEFSC. The primary survey gear is a standardized 8’ lined New Bedford style scallop dredge (including removable rockchains) provided by NEFSC. The location, speed (target speed = 3.8 knots), direction, and distance of each tow will be precisely defined by the scientific party in order to complete the scientific objectives of the cruise. The order of station occupation will be determined by the Chief Scientist in conjunction with the vessel’s Master/Captain to maximize efficiency and minimize steaming distance while taking other factors including weather, vessel traffic and other operational constraints into account. At the completion of the dredge tow, the catch will be deposited on the vessel’s deck or sorting table (if available) and made available to scientific personnel for data collection purposes. Crew may be requested to assist with sorting of catch and aiding in the data collection process.

Crew may be requested to help/lead repairs to scallop dredge gear. The survey dredge will be checked for damage after each tow is made and repairs will be conducted.

The chartered research vessel for this survey may also deploy the LRAUV HabCam vehicle in the vicinity of dredge station locations. The LRAUV is an autonomous vehicle and is not tethered to the vessel. The vessel must be capable of deploying and retrieving the LRAUV in a safe manner for both crew and equipment.

The vessel crew will be responsible for deployment and retrieval of the vehicle, but the scientific party will be responsible for driving the vehicle during the deployment, vehicle maintenance, and pre and post vehicle testing. Operational protocols are still being developed for the LRAUV but will include deployment and retrieval of the vehicle and allowing for the vessel to conduct dredge operations while the LRAUV collects data remotely. Unless directed otherwise by the Chief Scientist, the vessel will remain within approximately 1 (one) days steam from the LRAUV vehicle in case it needs to be recovered.

The LRAUV has capacity for multiple days of operations without strict vessel oversight. The scientific party will be responsible for programming the vehicle during the deployment, vehicle tracking, vehicle maintenance and charging, and pre and post vehicle testing.

Retention and/or sale of catch from survey tows will not be permitted. Scientific samples may be retained by the NEFSC and its cooperating scientific partners. Cruise Instructions and a Scientific Research Permit from the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Administrator will be obtained by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and maintained onboard the vessel during the duration of the survey. Commercial fishing regulations will not apply to the vessel during the duration of survey activities and the vessel will be treated as a NOAA research vessel during the contract period. As a contracted vessel, it is not subject to restrictions of state versus federal waters for sampling. Appropriate permits will be made available to the Master/Captain of the vessel by NOAA Fisheries.

Vessels chartered by NOAA shall have as a minimum one of each chart that covers the vessels’ area of operation corrected through the most current Notice to Mariners.

Vessels shall also carry copies of the U.S. Coast Pilot, local tide and tidal current tables in covered areas, and Inland Navigation Rules and International Rules of the Road. Vessels may choose to use USCG approved, up-to-date, electronic charts and publications in lieu of paper charts. If relying on electronic charts, the vessel shall have on board a set of paper charts necessary to navigate safely to a port near the vessel’s area of operation. In addition, the vessel shall utilize and maintain a deck log and/or computer software that provide a record of the vessel’s location, operations, operating conditions and any vessel related significant events. These charts, logs and software output(s) shall be made available upon request of the Chief Scientist.

The Master/Captain shall provide access to scientific personnel of GPS location data, vessel speed, RPM and other available operational data during scientific operations, either by recording or electronically logging these data. At the time of contract award, the vessel owner shall agree to the release of all data collected during the cruise.

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

4.3 Provisions: Three (3) meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel cook for seven (7) to nine (9) scientists plus the vessel crew. Meats shall be included at each meal along with vegetables, dessert and/or fruit. Milk, coffee, tea, water, cold juice, soft drinks and snacks shall be available at all times. Meals, in unregulated quantities, shall be prepared for all members of the scientific crew during each day of vessel operations under this contract. Alternative meal options may be requested (prior notification required) if science staff have known allergies or any dietary restrictions.

4.4 Emergency Medical Care, Safety and Health:

Medical Services. The Contractor shall provide at least two (2) crew members trained in advanced first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use while underway for the duration of the contract. A qualified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) holding current National certification is preferred. If qualified EMT personnel are not available as part of the crew the NEFSC ESB must be notified in advance.

The medical person in charge is responsible to the Master/Captain for the health of crew members and Scientific Field Party personnel including emergency and routine care, preventative medicine and medical administration. The medical person in charge shall assist the Master/Captain in developing plans and procedures for dealing with medical emergencies, including obtaining shore side medical advice/assistance, and designating and training other shipboard personnel to aid in emergencies.

Medical Provisions. The Contracted vessel shall be outfitted with a current first aid manual, complete first aid kit, and automated external defibrillator (AED). The Contractor shall provide a designated area to accommodate first aid treatment, medical equipment and other medical provisions. The Contractor shall establish adequate and reasonable controls and procedures for the custody and safekeeping of all medical supplies, equipment and controlled medical substances.

Medical Records. The Contractor shall maintain medical records aboard the vessel for Scientific Field Party personnel containing a minimum medical history and on-board treatment records.

All Federal and State privacy mandates, including but not limited to, the Privacy Act of 1974 as amended by the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. NEFSC Chief Scientist will provide any medical forms needed prior to the survey.

Hazardous Materials. The Contractor shall maintain a current library of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials aboard the vessels and shall make them readily available to all personnel on board. The Field Party Chief will provide the Contractor with a current copy of an MSDS for any/all hazardous materials brought onboard the vessel by the Scientific Field Party. The Field Party Chief will be responsible for the removal of all hazardous materials not consumed during scientific operations and for the removal of all hazardous materials, if any, generated by the Scientific Field Party. The Government will provide the personal protective equipment required for the safe handling of those hazardous materials brought onboard by the Scientific Field Party. The Contractor is responsible for the compliance with all applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations pertaining to shipboard operations, including the use of hazardous materials, and the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous materials (if any) generated by the vessel. It is not anticipated at this time that any hazardous materials will be brought on board. However, if this changes, arrangements will be made with the Master/Captain to accommodate the above requirements.

4.5 Living and Working Conditions for Scientific Personnel

Accommodations. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall be outfitted with accommodations for NOAA-authorized personnel at least equivalent to that which is minimally required for crew members and in keeping with good marine practice. In the case for the scallop survey, NOAA requires berthing for seven (7) to nine (9) scientists in order to operate two (2) full watches for twenty-four hour operations. Typically, the Chief scientist floats between the day and night watches which would allow 3-4 scientists per watch with a floating Chief Scientist. For overnight cruises, as a minimum, an individual bunk and locker shall be provided for each NOAA-authorized person unless mutually agreed upon arrangements are made between NOAA-authorized personnel and the vessel operator.

An adequate number of staterooms, heads (minimum of 2) and showers shall be provided to accommodate gender differences and total number of persons aboard to the extent possible. All living and working spaces, including galleys, mess rooms, heads, showers, berthing spaces, passageways, lounges, recreation areas, store rooms, and laboratory spaces, shall be free of pests, vermin, smoke (including e-cigarettes), any illegal or legal drug use and shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition for the duration of the charter.

The vessel shall have ship service for electrical, potable water, ventilation, heating or cooling, marine sanitation, and pollution control equipment of sufficient capacity to support NOAA-authorized personnel and mission-related equipment and activities. All ship service systems, ship equipment, and vital systems, shall be operational and maintained in good working order for the duration of the charter.

4.7 Security

The vessels shall provide a security watch while in port to ensure that unauthorized personnel are not permitted to board the vessels from shore or via the harbor. Emergency phone numbers for local port officials and law enforcement shall be available to the person on watch. Best marine practices shall be in place while underway to ensure that unauthorized personnel or craft are not permitted to approach the vessel.

The Master/Captain of each vessel shall take all additional customary and reasonable precautions to ensure that no harm befalls the vessel while in port and at sea.

4.8 Fuel

The vessel's fuel tank(s) shall be topped-off at the beginning and end of each trip. The Government shall reimburse the contractor vessel for the cost of fuel used during a trip, in addition to the daily sea day rate.

The Government will reimburse the Contractor only for the actual price paid for fuel. Reimbursement will be provided upon receipt of a copy of the paid invoice attached to a Contractor’s invoice for those services.

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

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

5.0 VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Minimum Vessel and Gear Specifications

The vessel and gear must be capable of safely conducting scallop dredge tows, potentially 2 (two) dredges simultaneously, ability to deploy and retrieve LRAUV along the continental shelf in waters ranging from 15 to 80 fathoms. The vessel is required to be able to deploy 3 fathoms of towing line for each fathom of depth. The vessel crew must be knowledgeable and experienced with fishing for sea scallops in the region described and with conditions in the target sampling area.

Minimum and preferred Vessel Requirements

● Length - 90 foot minimum; 100(+) foot preferred with room for a powered sampling van laboratory

(20*8*8) on the deck with room to deploy dredge/auv/ctd (max length 200ft);

● Beam - 25 ft preferred, minimum needs to accommodate sampling equipment a gear storage;

● Draft - 10 ft minimum; preferred vessel is required to fit at the dock at NOAA Fisheries Woods

Hole (max draft 16 ft);

● Speed - 10 kts cruising speed minimum; preferred 12 kts; ability to tow at NEFSC standard scallop dredge tow speed (3.8 kts).

● Endurance (at sea) - 10 days minimum; preferred 14 days.

The vessel shall provide:

● Sufficient berth space and lavatory facilities (hot water shower, sink and toilet) for crew members and 7-9 scientific personnel. Two (2) lavatories or a dedicated science lavatory is preferable.

● Mess (galley) facilities for concurrent seating of six (6) scientists.

● Adequate vessel crew capable of safely operating, maintaining (including repairing scallop dredges) and deploying sea scallop survey gear for research surveys during 24 hour operations

● Fuel and potable water capacity to operate continuously for 10 sea days.

● Adequate deck space to accommodate a scientific van (analogous in size to a 8’ X 20’ ISO container) containing scientific equipment.

● Equipment to monitor vessel speed, direction, bearing and water depth including:

○ Two (2) operational conventional and/or electronic compasses.

○ An echo-sounder capable of accurately determining the water depth throughout the survey area (each sounder must have a data output cable available for NEFSC data collection.)

○ Sensors should be serviced and calibrated prior to the survey.

● Navigation equipment to include:

○ Two (2) satellite navigation systems (GPS) (each GPS must have a data output cable from the sensor for NOAA Fisheries data collection.)

○ Minimum of two radar units.

● Communications Equipment to include:

○ A VHF radio

○ A UHF radio

○ Cellular phone

○ Email capability to a distance of 100+ nm offshore.

● Freezer storage for the exclusive use for storage of scientific samples (minimum 20 cubic feet; not collocated with frozen food stores.)

● Safety equipment to include:

○ A minimum of two EPIRBs.

○ Survival suits for each of the vessel’s crew and Master/Captain - NEFSC will bring sufficient suits and work vests for science crew.

○ Life rafts sufficient to accommodate both the vessel’s crew and embarked scientists.

● Fishing equipment capabilities:

○ Equipment to safely deploy scallop dredges or autonomous vehicles.

○ Powered spooling or free spooling winches for deployment of gear.

○ Suggested wire diameter size of 1” or 1⅛”

● Desirable equipment includes:

○ Sorting table or conveyor to hold the catch in order for the scientific party to sort at a reasonable height to avoid medical issues with bending over catches.

○ Printer

○ Fax machine

5.2 Safety, Stability, and Regulatory Compliance

The vessel shall operate in accordance with the USCG stability requirements. Prior to departure the vessel must have a USCG issued Fishing Vessel Decal issued within two years from the end of the charter period.

In addition, prior to departure, the vessel must undergo a USCG exam for issuance of a Letter of Examination by the USCG in accordance with NOAA/USCG MOA terms and conditions. This exam can be arranged with the cognizant USCG Officer in Charge, Marine Inspections (OCMI).

5.3 Material Condition, Structural and Watertight Integrity

The contractor shall provide one (1) or more of the following, reflecting the vessels current configuration, as evidence of the vessel being maintained in a seaworthy condition: evidence of a dry docking survey, or underwater survey in lieu of dry docking, and an internal structural examination within the two (2) years prior to the initiation of the cruise; or proof of satisfactorily passing an inspection completed by the contractors marine insurance carrier within one (1) year of initiation of the cruise.

The Government reserves the right to inspect the vessel’s material condition with respect to maintenance of vital systems, vessel configuration, and watertight integrity prior to award and commencement of the charter.

5.4 IT Requirements

This survey will not require assignment of a user account and access to the DOC data systems. This contractor will not have access to and use Government hardware, application software, system software or sensitive data as needed. IT security consideration and controls will be put in place before commencement of service.

6.0 POST-AWARD AND POST-SURVEY MEETINGS

6.1 Meetings

Upon award of contract and prior to the start of the charter, a post-award meeting will be held by telephone/teleconference to discuss issues relating to the charter and survey. The vessel manager and all vessel Captains participating in the charter are required to attend the meeting. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or NEFSC Survey Lead following award of the contract at a time mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

6.2 Post Survey Meeting

Following completion of each annual survey, a post-survey debriefing meeting will be held at telephone/teleconference. 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. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the COR or NEFSC Survey Lead upon completion of the survey at a time mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

7.0 ATTACHMENTS

Attachment No. 1 – Map of Sampling Locations Attachment No. 2 – Vessel Characteristics Attachment No. 3 – Master/Crew Work Experience Attachment No. 4 – Vessel's Commercial Fishing History (if applicable) Attachment No. 5 – Code of Conduct Attachment No. 6 – Past Performance Questionnaire Attachment No. 7 – Referenced US Government electronic Code of Federal Regulations and Title 46:

Shipping

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