Q_A_LSS_(1)_0001.pdf

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STATEMENT OF WORK

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction

The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is an ice-associated pinniped that ranges over continental shelf waters in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Sea ice provides habitat for numerous Pacific walrus life history events, and it provides a platform for walruses to rest between foraging bouts. Sea ice loss could impact the Pacific walrus population via reduced survival and reproductive rates. Thus, sea ice loss could result in a significant decline in Pacific walrus abundance by the end of the century.

Estimating abundance and demographic rates of the Pacific walrus population is logistically and scientifically challenging. In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will conduct a joint research cruise in the

Chukchi Sea from May 31 to June 28, 2024. The purpose of the research cruise is to collect skin biopsies for genetic mark-recapture and age structure data for population modeling. The Chukchi Sea is a vast and remote area. Thus, we require information on the distribution and location of Pacific walrus groups during the research cruise to direct cruise operations.

B. Background

USGS and USFWS conducted a joint cruise to conduct walrus research in the Bering and

Chukchi Seas in 2023. A vendor successfully provided reconnaissance for these cruises to staff on the research cruise.

C. Scope

The general purpose of this request is to acquire point locations for walrus aggregations in the northern Bering and Chukchi seas for a research cruise that will be conducted in

June of 2024.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements

1. We require a minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 reconnaissance operations from June

1, 2024 to June 24, 2024. Operations will follow the marginal ice zone. We anticipate distances from shore to obtain this information will not exceed 700 nautical miles. The information on walrus distribution and locations will be verbally communicated via satellite phone to the vessel conducting the cruises. After each survey, data collected will be provided in the electronic format(s) agreed upon by all parties involved including: a) point locations for all walrus aggregations), b) the approximate number of walruses at each point, and 3) the area searched to obtain the point locations.

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2. Criteria for acceptance of Product or Service:

Point locations for walrus aggregations and the estimated number of walruses at each point will be verbally communicated during the survey activity or as soon as possible after the survey has completed. After each survey, the surveyors will provide the following in electronic format(s) agreed upon by all parties involved: a) point locations for all walrus aggregations, b) the approximate number of walruses at each point, and 3) the area searched to obtain the point locations.

B. Deliverables

1. The vendor will conduct 2-6 surveys between June 1, 2024 and June 24, 2024

(inclusive). The vendor will verbally provide point locations and estimate number(s) of walruses to USGS crew as soon as possible. After each survey, the vendor will provide the following in electronic format(s) agreed upon by all parties: a) point locations for all walrus aggregations, b) the approximate number of walruses at each point and 3) the area searched to obtain the point locations.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance: Kotzebue, AK and/or Utqiagvik, AK as sea ice conditions warrant.

B. Period of Performance: June 1 – June 24, 2024.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): None

D. Special Considerations

1. The vendor must meet all legal requirements to conduct the appropriate survey operations.

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140G0324Q0105 Q&A Logistic support service

Question: The request for quotation indicates a firm, fixed price quote. Would USGS consider a time and materials quote for this effort?

USGS would consider and would prefer firm fixed quotes for: two, three, four, five, and six surveys.

These quotes could all be submitted with one proposal. Vendors do not have to submit multiple proposals.

Question: Weather variability could cancel operations which would extend the POP. How would this be handled?

The period of performance is a hard deadline and will not be extended. USGS would pay the vendor for the minimum of two surveys if – for example – only one survey was able to be completed during the period of performance due to weather.

Question: The Statement of Work, Section II, A. Technical Requirements, 1, states, “…a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 reconnaissance operations from June 1, 2024 to June 24, 2024.” This variability of 4 to 6 flights suggests that a time and materials structure would be better suited for this effort. If USGS will not consider time and materials, how many flights should bidders estimate? Or, should bidders estimate a per-flight cost?

USGS would consider and would prefer firm fixed quotes for: two, three, four, five, and six surveys.

These quotes could all be submitted with one proposal. Vendors do not have to submit multiple proposals.

Thus, if the vendor conducted two or fewer surveys, USGS would pay the amount equal to the two-survey quote. If the vendor conducts three surveys, USGS would pay the amount equal to the three-survey quote, etc.

Question: The Statement of Work, Section II, A. Technical Requirements, 1, states, “We anticipate distances from shore to obtain this information will not exceed 700 nautical miles.” Is the 700 nautical miles one-way to the furthest destination, so 1400 round trip? Or, is 700 miles the total range required for the aircraft?

We anticipate that total paths would not exceed 700 nautical miles for any one survey.

Question: As an air charter service, would we be providing the researcher conducting the surveys as well? Or, is this request just to fly your researcher?

The personnel required to be onboard according to FAA regulations or vendor policy would be capable of conducting the surveys. Precise / accurate numbers of walruses at each point are not necessary.

Question: How many researchers would need to be onboard?

The only personnel that need to be onboard would be those required by FAA regulations and/or vendor policy.

Question: Are there any speed limitations for these trips (ex: speed should not exceed X)?

No, but survey platforms should travel sufficiently slow enough for personnel to observe walruses.

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Question: Are there preferred times that these trips would take place?

They will occur during reasonable daytime hours (~ 7 am to ~ 8 pm) as conditions allow.

Question: Are there any crew requirements? Aircraft requirements?

There are no crew nor aircraft requirements beyond FAA regulations and/or vendor policy.