1305M326Q0404_Q_A_(1)_0001.pdf

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (Q&A)

Solicitation No.: 1305M326Q0404 | Hawaiʻi Shortline Fishery Monitoring Feasibility and Pilot Deployment

Note to Offerors: Below is the consolidated set of questions received regarding Solicitation No.

1305M326Q0404. Questions identified as addressing substantively identical subjects or underlying requirement ambiguities are designated with a redundancy tag and cross-reference preceding the question.

Q1. Government-furnished equipment: Is use of GFE mandatory, or may the contractor provide its own complete EM system? If mandatory, exactly what equipment must be used?

A: For this project, GFE does not apply to the EM system. PWS Sections 6.2–6.3 task the Contractor with procuring and installing electronic monitoring (EM) systems on the pilot vessels, and the Price Quote instructions request itemized pricing for Contractor-provided equipment. The GFE identified in PWS Section 10 does not include EM system components such as cameras, sensors, onboard storage/transfer hardware, or mounting hardware.

The Agency has not predetermined a specific EM system for this project.

Contractors may therefore propose and provide a complete EM system that they determine is appropriate to evaluate the identified data gaps and EM system feasibility. The proposed system and its capabilities should be described and evaluated in the final deliverables.

Q2. Wireless transmission: Does any NMFS technical, cybersecurity, confidentiality, or policy requirement preclude wireless EM data transmission, including continuous SD streaming by Starlink and automated store-and-forward transfer by 4G/Wi-Fi?

A: Please review the public information on NOAA’s policies which can be found in the provided links and other online resources, and consider these policies when developing an implementation plan for the fishery.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/17/2024-29366/confidentiality-of-information https://www.noaa.gov/organization/administration/nao-216-100-protection-of-confidential-fisheries-statistics https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/11/2024-05106/confidentiality-of-information https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/17/2024-29366/confidentiality-of-information https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/17/2024-29366/confidentiality-of-information https://www.noaa.gov/organization/administration/nao-216-100-protection-of-confidential-fisheries-statistics https://www.noaa.gov/organization/administration/nao-216-100-protection-of-confidential-fisheries-statistics https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/11/2024-05106/confidentiality-of-information

The cited policies establish confidentiality and information-protection requirements that would need to be incorporated into the system design and implementation plan if EM data are determined to constitute confidential fisheries information or otherwise require protection.

Accordingly, this study does not make a final determination regarding the treatment of EM data in a future operational program. Any future implementation should include a formal review of applicable NMFS/NOAA confidentiality, cybersecurity, data-management, and records requirements and should establish appropriate controls for transmission, storage, access, and retention. The implementation plan should also evaluate the respective technical and security implications of continuous Starlink transmission versus 4G/Wi-Fi store-and-forward transfer.

Q3. Continuous recording architecture: May the contractor propose continuous HD recording onboard, with AI used to identify fishing activity and prioritize video for transmission and review?

A: The Contractor may propose and evaluate any technically viable system architecture that could address the identified data gaps in the PWS. The Contractor should assess the feasibility, capabilities, limitations, and operational considerations of the proposed approach and provide its recommendations in the final deliverables.

Any proposed system must demonstrate a viable method for addressing the Agency’s immediate data needs.

Q4. Cloud platform: May EM data be transmitted to and reviewed in a contractor-operated cloud platform such as Monitor? What NOAA security, FedRAMP, ATO, or data-hosting requirements would apply?

A: Please review the readily available public information on NOAA’s policies which can be found in the provided links and other online resources, and consider these policies when developing an implementation plan for the fishery.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/17/2024-29366/confidentiality-of-information https://www.noaa.gov/organization/administration/nao-216-100-protection-of-confidential-fisheries-statistics https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/11/2024-05106/confidentiality-of-information

The cited policies establish confidentiality and information-protection requirements that would need to be incorporated into the system design and implementation plan https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/17/2024-29366/confidentiality-of-information https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/17/2024-29366/confidentiality-of-information https://www.noaa.gov/organization/administration/nao-216-100-protection-of-confidential-fisheries-statistics https://www.noaa.gov/organization/administration/nao-216-100-protection-of-confidential-fisheries-statistics if EM data are determined to constitute confidential fisheries information or otherwise require protection.

Accordingly, this study does not make a final determination regarding the treatment of EM data in a future operational program. Any future implementation should include a formal review of applicable NMFS/NOAA confidentiality, cybersecurity, data-management, and records requirements and should establish appropriate controls for transmission, storage, access, and retention. The implementation plan should also evaluate the respective technical and security implications of continuous Starlink transmission versus 4G/Wi-Fi store-and-forward transfer.

Q5. Program objective: Is the purpose limited to testing EM on three vessels, or is the contractor expected to design the future operational Hawai'i shortline EM program, including system standards, coverage, review, staffing, costs, and scaling?

A: The purpose of the effort includes both pilot EM deployments and support for planning a potential future operational EM program. The Contractor shall procure, install, and evaluate EM systems on three pilot vessels and three trips, assess camera configurations and operational impacts, evaluate data retrieval and transfer procedures, conduct data review and QA/QC, and refine VMPs and review methodologies based on pilot findings.

This is designed to inform PWS Section 6.5 that specifically requires the Contractor to support NMFS planning associated with future implementation of an operational EM program. This includes developing implementation recommendations; assessing staffing and resource requirements, long-term review requirements, operational costs and logistical considerations; providing recommendations regarding implementation schedules and scaling approaches across the entire fishery; and supporting Government planning discussions and technical meetings. The Final Report shall assess the feasibility of implementing EM in the fishery.

Accordingly, the effort is not limited to testing EM on three vessels. The Contractor is expected to use the pilot results to support NMFS's evaluation and planning for potential future operational implementation. However, the PWS assigns the Contractor a role of assessment, technical support, and recommendation, rather than final authority to establish or approve future program standards, coverage requirements, staffing, costs, or implementation decisions. Those final program decisions remain with the Government.

Q6. False killer whale monitoring objective: What specifically constitutes a reportable or relevant false killer whale interaction, and how will pilot success be evaluated if no interactions occur during the pilot trips?

A: EM cameras are not expected to capture interactions and footage will not be reviewed or quantified for catch information. EM systems configuration and components should be assessed in the field to ensure they capture the full scope of fishing events which would include false killer whale interactions.

The monitoring objective for an EM system implemented in the Shortline fishery is to identify false killer whale interactions involving the hooking or entanglement of a false killer whale with fishing gear. However, pilot camera systems are deployed for this project to assess camera configurations and operational impacts, evaluate data retrieval and transfer procedures, conduct data review of EM footage consistent with Government approved review protocols to determine feasibility, and refine VMPs.

The pilot should not be considered unsuccessful simply because no false killer whale interactions occur. Because such interactions may be rare or absent during the pilot trips, pilot success should primarily be evaluated based on whether the EM system demonstrates the capability to capture the full scope of fishing events in which an interaction could occur, including deployment, fishing, hauling, and retrieval of gear; whether the camera configuration provides adequate visibility of relevant gear and fishing areas; whether footage can be successfully retrieved and transferred;

whether footage can be reviewed in accordance with Government-approved review protocols; and whether the results support refinement of the VMPs and EM procedures.

Q7. Review requirements: What fishing activity must be reviewed, what percentage of video must be reviewed, what data fields must be collected (is there existing logbook, or will this information be determined through industry meetings?) and what QA/QC requirements will apply?

A: Pilot camera systems are being deployed to assess camera configurations and operational impacts, evaluate data retrieval and transfer procedures, conduct data review of EM footage consistent with Government-approved review protocols, determine feasibility, and refine VMPs. The pilot is not intended to quantify catch.

For the feasibility study, 100% of the available EM footage from relevant fishing activity should be reviewed to determine whether the system captures the full scope of fishing activity during which a false killer whale interaction could occur, including gear deployment, fishing/soak, hauling, and retrieval of gear. Review should assess whether the camera configuration provides adequate visibility of the relevant fishing gear and areas to identify a potential hooking or entanglement interaction.

The specific percentage of footage to be reviewed for any subsequent operational EM program, as well as the final data fields and QA/QC requirements, should be established through the Government-approved review protocol and pilot design. Any additional EM-specific data fields needed to evaluate interactions, fishing activity, camera performance, and system feasibility can be developed through the pilot process in consultation with Government and industry.

QA/QC should include verification that cameras are properly positioned and functioning, adequate coverage and image quality are maintained throughout relevant fishing activities, footage is successfully retrieved and transferred, and EM reviewers consistently apply the approved review protocols. Results should be used to identify system limitations and refine the individual VMPs, camera configuration, review procedures, and data requirements before determining whether EM is implementable in the fishery.

Q8. Vessel information: What information is currently available on participating vessel sizes, layouts, power systems, fishing practices, trip duration, ports, and communications availability? Have pilot vessels already been identified?

A: The current scope of work requires the contractor to gather and assess information necessary to characterize the operational structure and logistics of the Hawaiʻi Shortline fishery. This includes estimating the number of participating vessels and assessing vessel prevalence and operational characteristics, including hybrid vessels operating under multiple fishery categories. The contractor is also required to assess fishing logistics, including gear deployment and retrieval methods, gear types, operational vessel layouts, fishing frequency and location, ports of origin, estimated annual fishing days, sets, hooks per set, and sets per fishing day.

This information will be developed through stakeholder interviews, analysis of CML data, coordination with NMFS partners and State of Hawaiʻi DAR personnel, fishing community outreach, and other appropriate methods. The current scope does not specifically identify vessel size, onboard power systems, trip duration, or communications/connectivity availability as required data elements, so these items would need to be gathered as part of the vessel characterization effort if they are necessary for EM system design and installation.

Pilot vessels have not already been identified. Rather, the information-gathering and outreach activities are intended to characterize the fleet and inform subsequent pilot planning and vessel selection. Pilot vessel selection, including consideration of vessel size, layout, power availability, communications, and representative fishing practices, should therefore be confirmed as part of the pilot planning process.

Q9. Technical support: Does the 24-hour support requirement mean response/remote troubleshooting within 24 hours, or physical repair and restoration within 24 hours?

A: The 24-hour support requirement means response/remote troubleshooting within 24 hours.

Q10. Scope and deliverables: Please clarify the apparent inconsistencies between three pilot vessels/three trips and the monthly reporting requirements, and define what must be included in the final implementation strategy and long-term operations recommendations.

A: Because camera systems for three vessels, each with three trips, may be conducted over the course of the project and not all concurrently, monthly reports on the progress of the system piloting is expected, even if these reports indicate no pilot studies were conducted during the time period.

At a minimum, the final strategy should address the applicability and scalability of the tested EM configurations, vessel and fishery operational considerations, installation and maintenance requirements, data retrieval and transfer, footage review and QA/QC procedures, VMP requirements, anticipated operational and logistical constraints, and recommendations for long-term EM program administration and monitoring.

The Agency expects the final implementation strategy and long-term operations recommendations to reflect the research and planning conducted during the course of this feasibility study and how this will be applicable to long-term fleet-wide monitoring. Refer to the PWS for the scoping goals identified asa result of this project.

Q11. Government-furnished equipment. PWS Section 10 states the contractor must use GFE.

PWS Section 6.3.1.1 directs the contractor to procure and install EM systems on three pilot vessels, and Section 7, Factor 3 requires per-unit pricing for all equipment. Please confirm whether EM hardware is Government-furnished or contractor-procured, and who holds title at completion. If Government-furnished: please provide make, model, quantity, and delivery date; confirm whether the equipment is suited to small uninspected vessels of the type operating in this fishery; state how GFE failures are treated under the PWS 6.7 operational-availability and 24-hour response standards; and confirm whether contractor-proposed supplemental components, such as sensors and edge-processing hardware, may be integrated alongside GFE.

systems on the pilot vessels, and the Price Quote instructions request itemized pricing for Contractor-provided equipment. The GFE identified in PWS Section 10 does not include EM system components such as cameras, sensors, onboard storage/transfer hardware, or mounting hardware.

The Agency has not predetermined a specific EM system for this project.

Contractors may therefore propose and provide a complete EM system that they determine is appropriate to evaluate the identified data gaps and EM system feasibility. The proposed system and its capabilities should be described and evaluated in the final deliverables.

Q12. Travel. PWS Section 12.3 states travel will be reimbursed per the Federal Travel Regulations, while Section 7, Factor 3 requires travel costs per trip in the price quote. Please confirm whether travel is included in the firm-fixed price or separately reimbursed.

A: Travel should be included in the firm-fixed price. No reimbursable T&M will be included.

Q13. Effort volume. The PWS does not specify trip duration, sets per trip, or camera-hours per set. Please provide the Government's planning estimate for footage volume across the three pilot deployments, or confirm the basis on which quoters should estimate it. Please also confirm whether PWS 6.3.1.3, 'pilot deployments on 3 vessels and 3 trips,' means three trips in total or three trips per vessel, and whether trips on which a pilot vessel fishes gear other than shortline count as scheduled fishing days under PWS 6.7 and require footage review.

A: The PWS does not specify trip duration, sets per trip, or camera-hours per set.

PWS 6.1.1 requires the contractor to assess total fishing effort in the Hawaiʻi Shortline fishery, including fishing frequency and location, estimated annual fishing days, estimated annual number of sets, estimated hooks per set, and the range of sets conducted per fishing day. This assessment, together with information gathered through industry outreach and pilot planning, will be used to develop the effort and footage-volume estimates needed for the pilot. Proposals should use these requirements as the basis for estimating footage volume rather than assuming a specified trip duration or number of camera-hours per set.

PWS 6.3.1.3, which specifies pilot deployments on 3 vessels and 3 trips, means three trips per vessel, or nine pilot trips in total.

Trips on which a pilot vessel fishes gear other than Shortline do not count as Shortline fishing days under PWS 6.7 and do not require EM footage review for purposes of this pilot. Only fishing activity conducted under the Shortline fishery scope of the pilot would be subject to the applicable footage-review requirements.

Q14. Place of performance. The Combined Synopsis, paragraph (iv), states the place of performance is NWFSC, Port Orchard, Washington. PWS Section 8 states work occurs on Oahu and Hawaii Island. Please confirm.

A: The place of performance will be Oahu, possibly Kauai, and Hawai’i.

Q15. Period of performance. The SF1449 states September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2027. CAR 1352.270-70(a) states September 30, 2026 through August 29, 2027. Please confirm the correct end date.

A: This is a mistake. The POP is 9/30/2026 – 9/29/2027.

Q16. Section 7, Factor 3 requires a total price for the base year and each option year. Please confirm whether quoters should price the base period only, or the base period plus additional option periods. If option periods apply, please identify their number and duration and provide corresponding line items in the Schedule, as CLIN 0001 is the only line item listed.

A: This is a mistake. This requirement is only for a base year; no option years are included.

Q17. Page limit. Please confirm whether Factor 2 prior experience information counts against the ten-page limit for Volume I.

A: Yes, Factor 2 counts against the page limit. The Government is increasing this page limit to 15 pages.

Q18. Vessel recruitment. PWS 16.1 states vessel participation is voluntary. Please confirm whether the Government will identify and recruit the three pilot vessels or whether recruitment is a contractor responsibility.

A: The contractor is responsible for identifying, recruiting, and outfitting appropriate vessels for this portion of the feasibility study. Vessel participation remains voluntary, consistent with PWS 16.1.

Q19. For pricing purposes, please provide the anticipated volume of EM data to be reviewed, including the anticipated number of trips, estimated sets per trip, estimated recording hours per trip, and the anticipated percentage of footage requiring review. Should quoters assume 100 percent review of all footage generated during the pilot deployments?

The volume of EM data to be reviewed will be informed by the scoping outcomes under Section 6.1, Fishery Characterization and Information Gathering. This work includes assessing the prevalence and operational characteristics of Hawaiʻi shortline vessels, including hybrid vessels operating under multiple fishery categories, as well as total fishing effort, fishing frequency and location, ports of origin, estimated annual fishing days, estimated annual number of sets, estimated hooks per set, and the range of sets conducted per fishing day.

For pricing purposes, quoters should assume deployment on three vessels, with three trips per vessel, for a total of nine trips. Quoters should also assume 100 percent review of all footage generated during the pilot deployments. The review will be used to assess camera system feasibility, video quality, battery life, video capture, field of view, and the system’s ability to capture different interaction types.

Q20. For vessels that participate in multiple fisheries or conduct activities outside the Hawai'i shortline fishery, should the EM system be configured to collect data only during shortline fishing operations? If EM equipment captures video, vessel-position data, or other information outside shortline operations, please clarify any Government requirements regarding activation/deactivation, privacy protections, retention, review, and disposition of those data.

A: For vessels that participate in multiple fisheries or conduct activities outside the Hawai'i shortline fishery, the EM system should be configured to collect data only during shortline fishing operations. Other video data should not be retained.

Q21. Because final EM configurations will depend on vessel-specific feasibility assessments and VMP development after award, may quoters establish a reasonable baseline configuration for pricing purposes—for example, two cameras and two activity sensors per vessel—and separately provide unit pricing for incremental cameras, sensors, storage, communications, or other components that may be required based on assessment findings? If not, please provide the minimum equipment quantities or specifications quoters should use to develop comparable pricing.

A: Yes

Q22. PWS Section 10 states the contractor must use government-furnished equipment (GFE), while PWS Sections 6.2-6.3 task the contractor with procuring and installing electronic monitoring (EM) systems on the pilot vessels, and the Price Quote instructions request itemized contractor equipment pricing. Could you please clarify whether the GFE indicated in PWS section 10 is meant to include EM items (cameras, sensors, onboard storage/transfer hardware, mounting hardware, etc.)?

systems on the pilot vessels, and the Price Quote instructions request itemized pricing for Contractor-provided equipment. The GFE identified in PWS Section 10 does not include EM system components such as cameras, sensors, onboard storage/transfer hardware, or mounting hardware.

The Agency has not predetermined a specific EM system for this project.

Contractors may therefore propose and provide a complete EM system that they determine is appropriate to evaluate the identified data gaps and EM system feasibility. The proposed system and its capabilities should be described and evaluated in the final deliverables.

Q23. Please clarify the respective roles of NMFS and the Contractor in establishing the monitoring and data collection objectives for the pilot. Will NMFS provide the specific monitoring objectives, events of interest, required data elements, and minimum evidentiary requirements that the EM system must support, or is the Contractor expected to develop and recommend these objectives as part of the EM Feasibility Assessment? If objectives are to be developed collaboratively, what minimum Government-defined objectives should offerors use for system design and pricing?

A: The purpose of the effort includes both pilot EM deployments and support for planning a potential future operational EM program. The Contractor shall procure, install, and evaluate EM systems on three pilot vessels and three trips, assess camera configurations and operational impacts, evaluate data retrieval and transfer procedures, conduct data review and QA/QC, and refine VMPs and review methodologies based on pilot findings.

This is designed to inform PWS Section 6.5 that specifically requires the Contractor to support NMFS planning associated with future implementation of an operational EM program. This includes developing implementation recommendations; assessing staffing and resource requirements, long-term review requirements, operational costs and logistical considerations; providing recommendations regarding implementation schedules and scaling approaches across the entire fishery; and supporting Government planning discussions and technical meetings. The Final Report shall assess the feasibility of implementing EM in the fishery.

Accordingly, the effort is not limited to testing EM on three vessels. The Contractor is expected to use the pilot results to support NMFS's evaluation and planning for potential future operational implementation. However, the PWS assigns the Contractor a role of assessment, technical support, and recommendation, rather than final authority to establish or approve future program standards, coverage requirements, staffing, costs, or implementation decisions. Those final program decisions remain with the Government.

Q24. PWS Section 6.3 requires the Contractor to procure and install EM systems on three pilot vessels and states that vessel participation is voluntary. Will NOAA identify and secure participation from the three pilot vessels, or is the Contractor responsible for identifying, recruiting, and obtaining voluntary participation from vessel owners/operators? If the Contractor is responsible, please clarify whether NOAA will provide contact information or other Government support to facilitate vessel recruitment.

a. If sufficient voluntary participants cannot be identified despite reasonable Contractor outreach efforts, how will NOAA address resulting impacts to the pilot deployment schedule and associated deliverables?

A: The contractor is expected to make reasonable and documented efforts to identify and recruit appropriate voluntary participants in accordance with the PWS. If sufficient participants cannot be identified despite these efforts, the contractor shall notify NOAA and provide documentation of the recruitment efforts undertaken. NOAA and the contractor will then assess the circumstances and determine whether adjustments to the pilot deployment schedule, approach, or associated deliverables are warranted. Any such adjustments will be addressed in coordination with the Contracting Officer, as appropriate.

Q25. Because participation in the pilot is voluntary, may the Contractor include in its proposed approach and price reasonable payments or reimbursements to participating vessel owners/operators to offset costs, operational disruption, lost fishing opportunity, vessel access, installation time, or other burdens associated with participation? If so, please clarify what forms of participant compensation are permissible (e.g., stipend, fixed participation payment, reimbursement of documented costs) and whether NOAA has established any limitations or approval requirements.

A: Yes, the contractor may include in its proposed approach reasonable payments in the form of reimbursements for participating vessels owners/operators for participation. NOAA’s approval requirements would be dependent upon the approach taken but may require receipts, or documentation of costs per unit or some other measure appropriate with the approach.

Q26. [PWS Section I.2 Requirements] This PWS establishes the requirements for contractor support to: Characterize the Hawaiʻi shortline fishery. Will the government elaborate on the characterization analysis requirement? Is this a <10 vessel fishery?

A: There are currently unknown numbers of vessels associated with this fishery or hybrid vessels that may do shortline fishing as a component of their fishing trip.The Agency would like a full scope of the current participation by full-time or part-time vessels in this fishery.

Q27. [PWS Section 12. Delivery Summary Table] Can the government clarify on what a Hybrid Vessel Assessment entails for the multi-fisheries vessels?

A: Hybrid vessels are vessels that may conduct Shortline fishing as a component of their overall fishing activities. The Hybrid Vessel Assessment should characterize the vessel’s Shortline-related fishing effort and operations using the same scoping elements identified for the Shortline fleet. This assessment is intended to ensure that the contribution of hybrid vessels to the Shortline fishery is appropriately captured.

The assessment should include fishing frequency and location, ports of origin, estimated annual fishing days, estimated annual number of sets, estimated hooks per set, and the range of sets conducted per fishing day. It should also assess fishing logistics, including gear deployment methods, gear retrieval methods, types of gear utilized, operational vessel layouts, and the frequency and nature of depredation events.

The assessment should focus on the vessel’s Shortline activities and associated operational characteristics, including how those activities may differ from vessels that participate exclusively in the Shortline fishery.

Q28. [PWS Section 16 Assumptions and Constraints] 16.1 Vessel participation is voluntary.

With a firm fixed price quotation will the government have a solution if less than 3 vessels volunteer?

A: The contractor is expected to make reasonable and documented efforts to identify and recruit appropriate voluntary participants in accordance with the PWS. If sufficient participants cannot be identified despite these efforts, the contractor shall notify NOAA and provide documentation of the recruitment efforts undertaken. NOAA and the contractor will then assess the circumstances and determine whether adjustments to the pilot deployment schedule, approach, or associated deliverables are warranted. Any such adjustments will be addressed in coordination with the Contracting Officer, as appropriate.