B09_Attachment_3_Revised_Based_Performance_Work_Statement_0001.docx

PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK STATEMENT FOR THREATENED CORAL OPERATIONS

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction: The US Geological Survey (USGS) has a requirement for a fully found and crewed vessel, with support equipment as specified, to use as a base for USGS coral reef research within the remote Dry Tortugas National Park.

B. Background: The US Geological Survey has used a USGS vessel to complete work on coral growth over the past 10 years and have routinely used National Park Service housing while in the Dry Tortugas NP. However, the park service housing in the Tortugas is only sporadically available because of limited rain for drinking water, equipment, staffing, and other resources. This requires services to be contracted with local vessels, due to the fact that no currently available USGS vessel meets the requirements of the projects.

C. Definitions: Operational Day Rate and Down Time

1. Operational (at sea) Rate: Operational rate shall be defined as that time during which the contractor's vessel and crew are available and fully capable of at-sea operation. The course, direction, and ship movement is at Government discretion with due consideration for ship safety as determined by the vessel's master. While at sea, weather time shall be defined as that time when the vessel is unavailable or unsuitable for operations due to inclement weather conditions. During weather time, vessel shall be considered operational unless it is required to leave the field site for safety concerns.

2. Down Time / Standby time: This category shall include the following element: Contractor's down time at sea/at port shall be defined as that period of time when the contractor's vessel and/or crew is not available for Government use and shall include contractor's in-port scheduled maintenance, repair of vessel and/or equipment, and waiting on weather, unless the weather was unusually severe, that would not count as down time. Substitution of a vessel by contractor shall be permitted only with the approval of the Government as to the substitute vessel's equivalent capabilities and endurance. The Government will not pay for contractor down time.

D. Scope (state general purpose, objectives, magnitude).

A multi-year USGS experiment on the threatened Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata), funded by the National Resource Preservation Program (NRPP), the Coastal and Marine Resources Program, and the Water Quality Partnership is on-going. However, an extreme ocean-heat wave event occurred throughout the western Atlantic/Caribbean, resulting in purported local extirpation of the threatened Elkhorn Coral. We are proposing interventions to re-introduce the species to existing USGS science infrastructure (calcification-assessment-network stations, a.k.a. "spawning hubs") at three locations within the park.

When NPS housing is not available for USGS use, the only way to complete this work at the remote Dry Tortugas NP site is to utilize a contracted live aboard vessel, which the USGS team can use as a mothership while conducting the work. These actions are essential to the persistence of a threatened species protected by the Endangered Species Act in U.S. waters.

The NPS cannot house USGS researchers on any vessel or in park housing at the current time. USGS science requires access to a remote part of Dry Tortugas to complete the science objectives. Scientific objectives necessitate the use of SCUBA diving.

Objective(s): To perform science to guide the management and restoration of threatened coral species in Dry Tortugas National Park over a ten-day period, between April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Dates are variable based on vendor availability and weather conditions.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

Work Specifications:

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has a requirement for a fully found and crewed vessel, with support equipment as specified, to use as a base for the USGS coral research, requiring the vessel remain on site 24 hours a day on consecutive days in the Dry Tortugas National Park.

1. The contractor shall provide the fully found, crewed vessel and support equipment to enable the Government to sample corals in these remote field sites. Vessel will remain on site for 24 hours per day for 10 days.

2. The contractor shall be responsible for all preparations and maintenance of the vessel and vessel equipment necessary to ensure safe and proper working conditions.

3. The contractor shall provide as a minimum crew, a captain experienced in shallow-water navigation in the Dry Tortugas, other personnel as deemed necessary by the contractor and will possess all federally required Dry Tortugas permits.

4. Under this contract the Contractor is required to:

a. Provide a vessel conforming to all requirements described in this PWS.

b. Provide a crew to operate the vessel. All work to be performed on coral brought back to the vessel will be done by USGS personnel.

c. Provide lodging and meals for all USGS personnel on board. The number of USGS personnel on each research trip will be up to eight.

d. Provide for vessel boarding and disembarkment at a port in the vicinity of Key West / Stock Island, FL.

5. Ordering a vessel and crew for a research trip

The exact quantity and dates of trips per year is not yet known, however the USGS estimate there will be up to 2 trips per year. Research trips will not exceed 15 days. Trips can occur at any time during the year when weather conditions are favorable for research activities.

When a vessel and crew are required for a research trip the USGS will provide written notice at least three weeks in advance of the desired trip start date.

6. Down/Standby Time

Down/Standby Time is defined at C.2. of the PWS. The Government will not pay for contractor down/standby time. Down/Standby Time shall not exceed three (3) calendar days. If down time exceeds three (3) calendar days cumulatively the Government reserves the right to terminate this contract for cause.

7. Vessel Substitutions

The Contractor is permitted to use any vessel for research trips that meets or exceeds the specifications listed at II.B. of the PWS. Substitution of a vessel by contractor shall be permitted only if the substitute vessel's specifications meet or exceed the vessel specifications in this PWS as determined by the Technical Liaison. Any vessel substitutions that occur shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

8. The contractor shall be responsible for all preparations and maintenance of the vessel and vessel equipment necessary to ensure safe and proper working conditions for USGS scientists.

B. Vessel specifications:

The following specifications represent the minimum requirement for any prospective vessel:

a. Size: Length of 88 +/- 5 feet, beam of 17+/- 2 feet, and a draft of not more than 60 inches. Size represents the minimum requirement to remain in vicinity of field site to accomplish the research. Offers not satisfactorily meeting this requirement will be determined unacceptable.

b. Speed: Vessel shall be self-propelled twin engine diesel and have a transit speed of at least 10 knots.

c. Range: Vessel shall have a minimum range of 500 miles, in the event of extreme weather events such as hurricanes or tropical storms and navigation to a distant and safe location is required.

d. Power Generation: minimum of a 20-kw generator.

e. Towing capability: Vessel shall be capable of towing a 25-foot vessel with appropriate hooks and cable attachments.

f. Rafting Ability: Vessel shall be capable of having up to 3 skiffs (14 to 25 ft) tied up to main vessel with appropriate equipment.

g. The contractor shall be responsible for all preparations and maintenance of the vessel and vessel equipment necessary to ensure safe and proper working conditions, including providing and filling SCUBA diving tanks (up to 12 per day).

h. Crew: The vessel shall have a captain experienced in navigating the shallow waters of the Dry Tortugas National Parks. Additional crew is at the contractor's discretion, i.e., if required for safe operation of the vessel.

i. Contractor Furnished equipment: The vessel shall have the following contractor furnished equipment:

1. Navigation and communication equipment, including GPS, satellite weather, VHF marine radio.

2. Anchoring abilities permitting vessel to anchor and remain within close proximity to sample site.

3. A refrigerator for sample storage, freshwater rinse and deck space for sample preparation.

4. A freezer (of at least 10 cubic ft) for storing of biological samples.

5. A functional washer and dryer for cleaning field gear.

6. Operational world band cellular internet and Wi-Fi network for scientist.

7. The vessel shall have a small tender of 14' or less available for shallow water work.

8. A crane with up to 500lbs capacity for lifting gear onto vessel.

9. An air compressor certified for filling dive tanks.

j. Facilities:

1. Sleeping accommodations to sleep up to eight USGS personnel (plus captain and crew) in air-conditioned cabin(s).

2. Storage area sufficient for up to 12 Rubbermaid bins, dry bags and assorted field supplies.

3. Indoor air-conditioned workspace of at least 150 square foot, including tabletop space to accommodate analytical instrumentation.

4. Open back deck space of at least 250 square foot for work area.

5. The vessel must have the ability to completely shade the deck space for sample processing.

6. The vessel shall also have the capability to produce sufficient fresh water while at sea.

7. The vessel must have a fully operational galley with mess supplies.

8. The vessel shall be equipped with the ability to hold up to 50 gallons of unleaded fuel, so that work vessels may be refueled on site daily.

9. Port of embarkment of the vessel shall be in the vicinity of Key West / Stock Island, FL.

k. Certifications: The contractor shall obtain and maintain in effect all necessary permits (except research permits), inspections, certifications, and insurance required by Federal Statue or local government, or subdivision thereof, or of any other duly constituted public authority.

C. Safety/Maintenance/Spare Parts Specifications:

a. Other equipment and Facilities: The vessel, equipment and facilities shall be in proper and safe working condition with normal and emergency equipment and services appropriate to the work and work areas. The contractor shall be responsible for maintaining equipment and facilities in a safe, operational condition and for developing adequate safety procedures.

b. Maintenance and Spare Parts: The contractor shall be responsible for all maintenance of the vessel and vessel equipment necessary to ensure proper working conditions. This includes an adequate supply of spare parts for the vessel and equipment to perform necessary maintenance and reduce to a minimum the down time chargeable to the vessel.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Area of Performance will be areas within Dry Tortugas National Park.

B. The contract period of performance will from 4/1/2024 to 3/31/2029.