StatementOfWork_Shipboard_and_summer_survey_final.doc

STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATION

I. BACKGROUND

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requires assistance in the collection of occurrence information, tissue sampling, and satellite tagging of cetaceans for assessment of abundance and population structure in the western Pacific. PIFSC expects to undertake three survey efforts in the Mariana Archipelago between the summer of 2018 and winter 2019:

1. A large-scale survey of the offshore waters of the Mariana Archipelago, to be carried out from June 28 to July 22, 2018

2. A small vessel-based survey from Guam and Saipan, to occur in August or September 2018.

3. A small vessel-based survey from Saipan, to occur in winter 2019.

This purchase order includes the provision of a charter vessel and skilled cetacean observers for these surveys. Base and optional tasks are included.

II. PURPOSE

Base Task 1: under this base task, the contractor will provide assistance with collection of species occurrence, identification photographs, and biopsy samples, and deployment of satellite telemetry tags during a PIFSC-led ship-based cetacean survey effort in the waters of Guam and the CNMI in June-July 2018. The PIFSC cetacean program staff will lead the survey effort, including the determination of cruise track and species sampling priorities. The contractor will provide one experienced cetacean observer to assist PIFSC with this project. The contractor must have previous experience conducting cetacean surveys from NOAA ships following PIFSC survey protocols, as well as experience with collecting location data, providing group size estimates, and collecting behavioral observations of cetaceans. In addition, the contractor must have prior experience in the collection of tissue samples from cetaceans using a crossbow, knowledge of and experience with proper sample handling protocols, and the skills and expertise to deploy LIMPET satellite tags onto small and medium-sized cetaceans.

Optional Task 2: under this optional task, the contractor will assist PIFSC during small vessel-based surveys in Guam and CNMI in late-summer or fall 2018. The PIFSC cetacean program staff will lead the survey effort, including the determination of daily survey routes and priorities. As part of this optional additional task the contractor must provide daily vessel charter services and provide three skilled cetacean observers to assist PIFSC with this project. In addition to the experience requirements noted above, the contractor must have previous experience conducting cetacean surveys from small vessels in moderate to poor sea conditions.

Optional Task 3: under this optional task, the contractor will assist PIFSC during small vessel-based surveys in Saipan in winter 2019. The PIFSC cetacean program staff will lead the survey effort, including the determination of daily survey routes and priorities. As part of this optional additional task the contractor must provide daily vessel charter services and one skilled cetacean observer to assist PIFSC with this project. In addition to the experience requirements noted above, the contractor must have previous experience conducting cetacean surveys from small vessels in moderate to poor sea conditions.

Personnel requirements for all tasks: Skilled cetacean observers are required for all tasks of this purchase order. Each of the observers must have the following qualifications:

· at least three years of cumulative field experience, including from ships and small boats.

· able to identify all common tropical cetaceans to species in the field.

· able to accurately estimate group size.

· able to evaluate cetacean behavior.

· experience taking high-quality identification photographs with digital SLR cameras.

· experience collecting and processing biopsy samples.

In addition, at least one of the contracted observers provided for each task must have the following qualifications upon arrival for each field project:

· experience preparing LIMPET satellite tags for deployment, including proper species-specific tag programming, cleaning and sterilization of tag darts, tag assembly, and rifle maintenance.

· deploying LIMPET satellite tags onto small and medium-sized cetaceans using an air rifle.

· experience driving small vessels around cetaceans for successful photo-ID and biopsy sample collection and deployment of satellite tags.

Vessel requirements for Tasks 2 and 3: Small vessels must be chartered on Guam and Saipan by the contractor for this project. Small vessels must have the following characteristics:

· be at least 20 feet long, and able to safely carry at least 4 passengers.

· capable of maintaining survey speeds of at least 9 kts.

· have an endurance of at least 7 hours continuously on the water and range of at least 150km without refueling (i.e. the ability to circumnavigate any of the islands).

· maintain all appropriate safety equipment, meeting Coast Guard and NMFS Small Boat Safety Program inspection requirements.

· be configured such that satellite tagging, biopsy sampling and photo-identification can be conducted from the bow while maintaining clear communication with the vessel captain.

· some larger vessels inappropriate for satellite tagging, but optimized for better sighting conditions may be considered for occasional use during the survey.

Further, it is desirable for vessels to have the following additional characteristics:

· have twin engines for safety and maneuverability.

· a flying bridge capable of accommodating at least 3 observers.

· maintain good maneuverability around small cetaceans.

· allow the survey team to drive the vessel during photography, biopsy, and tagging operations.

III. PURCHASE ORDER TASKS

A. Tasks Task 1:

The Contractor will provide one marine mammal observer to collect distribution and abundance data on all cetacean species encountered, fulfilling the following requirements:

· Must be medically cleared to sail aboard NOAA vessels per NMAO requirements.

· Must be in Guam on June 26, 2018 (or two full days prior to sailing) to meet and board NOAA R/V Oscar Elton Sette.

· Comfortable and capable of spending a full 8-hr day in a small boat deployed away from the ship.

· Stand watch on the flying bridge using 25x150 big eye binoculars to scan for marine mammals with two other observers during 2 hour shifts, rotating with another team of three observers.

· Communicate with the Chief Scientist about sightings of cetacean groups of interest.

· On-site cetacean species identity verification.

· Deploy up to 10 SPOT5, SPOT6, or MK-10 LIMPET satellite tags onto cetaceans.

· Collect biopsy samples using a crossbow from the bow of the ship or small boat, and process those samples according to PIFSC protocols.

· Collect photo-identification data for species confirmation, and process photos according to PIFSC protocols.

Optional Task 2 & 3:

The Contractor will be required to organize small boat surveys in the waters surrounding Guam, Saipan, and Tinian and provide three marine mammal observers (Task 2) or one marine mammal observer (Task 3) to collect distribution and abundance data on all cetacean species encountered. The Contractor will fulfill the following requirements:

· Work with PIFSC personnel to carry out surveys in Guam and CNMI, including timely communication with designated shore contacts twice daily: before departing and after returning from the survey.

· Make arrangements with (and pay for) charter vessels that will be used for conducting cetacean surveys.

· Provide qualified marine mammal observers, including payment of associated travel to/from Guam/CNMI, as well as lodging, vehicle rental, and M&IE during the survey period, and transport of assigned survey gear to Guam/CNMI or between Guam and Saipan.

· When necessary, the Contractor may be responsible for inspecting and driving the chartered vessel and is required to have NOAA small boat certification training.

· Be responsible for finding accommodations, making travel arrangements to Guam and while in Guam and CNMI. Accommodations must include internet connectivity for programming satellite tags and checking daily weather reports.

· Collect photo-id data and biopsy samples.

· Deploy up top 10 SPOT5, SPOT 6, and MK-10 LIMPET satellite tags onto cetaceans.

· Process daily survey data and photos per instruction from PIFSC staff.

· Process biopsy samples per instructions from PIFSC staff.

· Collect acoustic data from select species when opportunities arise.

· Provide limited expendable supplies as needed during the survey (ice for sample storage, line for securing equipment on vessels, etc.).

B. Deliverables

Task 1-

· Contribute to photo dataset, including proper file naming scheme, addition of IPTC fields and geospatial data per PIFSC protocol.

· Completed and verified sighting data sheets.

· Biopsy samples processed and stored in the provided dewar (of liquid nitrogen) aboard the ship.

· Deployment information for satellite tags, including PTT IDs, species, tag deployment location, position of tag on animal, attachment time, and other metadata associated with each tag attachment.

· Deliverables are due no later than the end of the period of performance for the assigned task.

Optional Tasks 2 and 3

· Contribute to photo data set, including proper file naming scheme, addition of IPTC fields and geospatial data per PIFSC-provided protocol.

· Completed and verified sighting data, photo, biopsy, and tag deployment information entered into provided database format.

· Biopsy samples processed and properly stored in frozen state for later transport to PIFSC.

· Assist with project reporting, including formulation of text, tables, and figures as needed.

· Deliverables are due no later than the end of the period of performance for the assigned task.

IV. GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED AND CONTRACTOR-PROVIDED PROPERTY

Base Task 1:

The Government will provide the observation equipment and all other equipment and supplies required for the contracted tasks. The Government will provide the Contractor lodging aboard NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette beginning June 27, 2018 (or one day prior to the ship’s departure from Guam) until the ship arrives to Saipan on July 22. Meals may not be provided on the ship during inports. The Contractor will provide personal clothes, and personal effects that might be desired while aboard the ship or in port. If not based in Guam or Saipan, the Contractor will obtain air travel into Guam and out of Saipan to take part in the survey.

Optional Task 2 and 3:

The Government will provide the observation equipment, computer systems and all equipment and supplies required for collecting and processing data and samples during the survey. The Contractor will provide personal effects that might be desired while in Guam and CNMI. The Contractor will obtain accommodations and means of transportation to and while in Guam and CNMI. The Contractor will provide vessels for all small boat surveys in Guam and CNMI, and when necessary, the contractor will obtain fuel for those vessels.

V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES:

All Tasks:

The Contractor shall be required to complete and submit all data and samples collected, including a dataset log from the marine mammal surveys throughout operations of the field season. The Contractor will be instructed by the PIFSC on the sampling protocol, on the format of the dataset logs, and also on the schedule for delivering the data and samples.

VI. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Base Task 1: June 1 – September 1, 2018 26 June 2018- Observer available in Guam to assist with survey setup.

28 June – 22 July 2018- At-sea on R/V Oscar Elton Sette

22 July 2018- Observer assists with survey gear tear-down and storage in Saipan. I

Optional Task 2: August 18 – December 30, 2018 Small-vessel surveys to take place over 15 days in late-summer or fall 2018. Dates to be determined based on availability of funds, PIFSC survey personnel, and in consultation with the contractor.

Optional Task 3: November 1, 2018 – May 31, 2019 Small-vessel surveys to take place over 12 days in winter 2019. Dates to be determined based on availability of funds, PIFSC survey personnel, and in consultation with the contractor.

VII. TRAVEL

Travel is anticipated and authorized for this purchase order. Travel should consist of airfare from the contractor’s home location, as well as appropriate ground transportation expenses. Travel should also include return airfare from the designated port to the contractor’s home following the end of the survey, as well as meals and incidentals during travel, and appropriate ground transportation. Travel costs authorized under this purchase order shall be reimbursed at cost and in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation (www.gsa.gov/ftr). Vendors will be required to submit receipts for all travel costs when an invoice is submitted. Any travel conducted prior to the receipt of proper written authorization from the Contracting Officer will be done at the Contractor’s own risk and expense.

VII. PRE-SURVEY STAGING

Staging costs are anticipated and authorized for this purchase order. Staging costs will consist of all required supplies that the vendor will reasonably expect to purchase for the completion of the survey work. Vendors will be required to submit receipts for all staging costs in excess of $75.00 when an invoice is submitted.

VIII. MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS OR NON-PERFORMANCE OF VESSEL

Mechanical breakdown periods in excess of three (3) consecutive days or nine (9) accumulative days may be grounds for termination of this contract by the Government. Reasonable demobilization and travel costs incurrent by the contractor due to mechanical breakdown, not to exceed the cost of the total contract award, will be reimbursed.

PAGE