Sol_140M0122R0009_Amd_0002.pdf

(x)

140M0122R0009 x x

0 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

M10

Sterling VA 20166-9216 45600 Woodland Road, VAE-AMD

BOEM-HQ

06/24/20220002

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

06/08/2022

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of Amendment 2 is to transmit to SAM.Gov/FBO the attachments to Amendment 1 which include the response to the questions received on the RFP and the revised RFP.

Offerors do NOT need to sign this Amendment.

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Caroline Laikin-Credno

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

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ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 56

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140M0122R0009/0001

As required in RFP Section L.9.2, you must sign this Amendment and include it with your

Business/Cost Proposal submission.

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Questions Answers

1. STATEMENT OF WORK. C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies.

Does BOEM envision the contractor will procure and deploy the materials in 2022 and monitoring in 2023 and 2024?

The offeror should propose the timing.

2. STATEMENT OF WORK. C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies. Can

BOEM identify the frequency of monitoring cruises they are expecting once the materials have been deployed.

The offeror should propose the methodology.

3. STATEMENT OF WORK. C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies.

Does BOEM have any specific information on locations and any nature inclusive materials that lessees will be using during the period of performance of this contract?

BOEM is unaware of any usage of nature inclusive materials at the locations.

4. STATEMENT OF WORK. C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies.

Since the deployment of materials is likely to be conducted on the seafloor where existing infrastructure is present (subsea cables and foundations), please confirm that a Jones Act vessel would not be a requirement.

BOEM is not requiring a Jones Act vessel as part of the RFP.

5. STATEMENT OF WORK. C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies.

Since BOEM is requesting a T&M NTE contract, how should the contractor address the possible requirement to remove the materials?

The offeror should provide a reasonable estimate for removal based on their proposed materials to conduct the study. Additionally, Contract Sections

C.3.4 and F.1 are revised to clarify that the removal of study materials, monitoring equipment, and moorings, if needed, must be completed prior to the end of the period of performance.

6. STATEMENT OF WORK. C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies. The

RFP states that the study shall evaluate the effectiveness of cable protection and scour protection materials and the effectiveness of up to ten (10) different materials and/or habitat designs shall be tested. Since not all materials would be applicable for both cable protection and scour protection, is BOEM’s expectation that a total of ten (10) materials and/or designs that could be applicable to either (cable protection or scour protection) be tested and not ten (10) for each application?

BOEM set a limit of ten materials in total based on available funding.

7. STATEMENT OF WORK. C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies.

This task description includes the terms “habitat design” and

“habitat design features”, which are very broad terms. Could

BOEM define more precisely what is envisioned for fulfillment of this requirement?

These terms are synonymous.

8. STATEMENT OF WORK. C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies. Can

BOEM identify what data has already been collected regarding epifaunal and fish assemblages as well as other environmental data at the Pilot CVOW site?

While there is ongoing research at the CVOW location, the final products are not yet available to share.

9. DELIVERABLES OR PERFORMANCE. F.4.5 Cruise Map and Risk

Mitigation Plan (Deliverable 5). Will as‐built survey plan be made available for CVOW Pilot Study Project?

BOEM will provide available information after contract award.

RFQ 140M0122R0009

10. DELIVERABLES OR PERFORMANCE. F.4.5 Cruise Map and Risk

Mitigation Plan (Deliverable 5). The RFP indicates that the risk mitigation plan is to be submitted before the research cruise;

however, there is no research cruise identified in the RFP. Please confirm that the Plan is to be submitted prior to deployment of materials.

In section F.3 Place of Performance, the RFP states that "There will be a research cruise(s) in the

Atlantic Ocean." Assuming that the deployment of materials requires the use of a ship, a Cruise Map and Risk Mitigation Plan must be provided 5 days prior to the cruise, as stated in section F.5 Schedule and Distribution of Deliverables; Item #5. RFP

Sections F.3, F.4.5, and F.4.7 are revised to clarify this requirement.

11. DELIVERABLES OR PERFORMANCE. F.4.6 Copies of Raw Data and Video Footage (Deliverable 6). Video and/or photographic documentation is one method that could be used as a monitoring tool for the deployed materials; can BOEM clarify what video footage is required to be submitted as there is no discussion of video data requirements.

F.4.6 requires the deliverable of raw data and video footage IF used as a monitoring tool. The offeror shall propose their approach to montioring and what data/video if any will be used.

12. DELIVERABLES OR PERFORMANCE. F.4.7 Post‐Cruise Meeting and Summary (Deliverable 7). The RFP indicates that a post‐cruise meeting shall take place. Can BOEM clarify if this is intended to be after deployment of the materials or after monitoring event(s).

Post‐Cruise Meeting and Summary should follow all deployment and monitoring activities. RFP Section

F.3, F.4.5 and F.4.7 are revised to replace "cruise" with "deployment."

13. SECTION F.1 indicates that the period of performance is anticipated to be a maximum of 3 years; however, F.5 SCHEDULE

AND DISTRIBUTION OF DELIVERABLE table indicates that the Draft

Final Report is due 15 months after contract award and the Final

Report due within 30 days of receipt of BOEM comments to the

Draft. With the Draft Report due 15 months after the contract award, there would be less than 1 year for placed material to be in the water and for recruitment to occur during that time and the period of Performance would likely be only 18 months rather than maximum of 3 years indicated. Could BOEM clarify the timing of the submittal of the Draft Report?

RFP Sections C.3.6, F.4 and F.5 are revised to clarify the deliverable dates. For the 36 month study, BOEM would reasonably want the draft report 6 months before the end of the contract. This would allow 2 months for BOEM review, 2 months for the contractor to revise and resolve comments and 2 months to finalize.

Evaluating Effectiveness of Nature Inclusive Design Materials // RFP No. 140M0122R0009

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) on behalf of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), is issuing this solicitation in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15, Contracting by Negotiation, for the project titled “Evaluating Effectiveness of Nature Inclusive Design Materials.”

B.2 CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBER (CLIN)

The specific details and description of the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is described below:

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT

00010 Scientific and Technical support services for the effort as described $ * in Section C, Statement of Work

CLIN 00010 is a time-and-materials (T&M), not-to-exceed (NTE) line item that if exceeded, is at the contractor’s own risk. Reference Clause 52.232-7, Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contract for details related to the ceiling amount.

B.3 AUTHORIZED BILLING RATES

The following table contains the authorized supplies and services that may be billed under the contract. All unit prices are fully-loaded (i.e., inclusive of all direct costs, indirect costs, and profit/fee,).

Labor Category Unit of Measure

Fully Burdened Hourly Rates

[* = Offeror shall provide these dollar amounts in the Business/Cost Proposal.]

B.4 TRAVEL COSTS

The Contractor may be required to travel during performance of the contract and will be reimbursed for actual, allowable, and reasonable travel costs incurred, exclusive of any fee.

Advance written approval must be obtained from the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) prior to incurring any costs for travel. Travel will be reimbursed in amounts not to exceed the limitations of the Federal Travel Regulations (41 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapters 300 through 304). The Federal Travel Regulations may be found at the following web site:

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104790 http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104790

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Evaluating Effectiveness of Nature Inclusive Design Materials

C.1 INTRODUCTION

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has an obligation to ensure that the wind energy facilities it authorizes use the best available information and technologically feasible methods of reducing negative environmental effects from offshore wind energy. This information is especially needed as part of assessments to essential fish habitat pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Current studies (e.g., RODEO, https://www.boem.gov/rodeo) have shown that cable protection materials may inhibit marine growth and may not provide habitat benefits generally associated with the introduction of hard substate (e.g., artificial reef programs). This study would evaluate the effectiveness of different materials used for cable protection and scour protection in enhancing hard bottom fisheries habitat.

BOEM monitoring studies at the Block Island Wind Farm indicate that standard cable protection concrete mattresses inhibit marine growth. Materials used in offshore infrastructure should provide conservation benefits to the maximum extent practicable. This concept has significant development in the North Sea where the Dutch have developed a Nature Inclusive Design (NID) catalog for use by regulators and the offshore wind industry. A similar catalog is being developed by The Nature Conservancy in the U.S. This study would evaluate the effectiveness of materials included in NID catalog under development in the U.S. Furthermore, this study would be able to evaluate the use of various materials by non-native species (e.g., Didemnum vexillum), which is commonly found on the northeast shelf to better understand trade-offs of promoting habitat utilization.

The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Pilot study facility provides a location to conduct field research associated with this study. The CVOW Pilot site is approximately 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, VA (Figure 1). It includes two 6-megwatt turbines affixed to 8 m diameter, round steel monopile foundations, ancillary metocean facilities, a meteorological tower and buoy, interarray cables between the turbines, export cabling to shore, and concrete mattresses for cable protection. No scour protection is present at the base of the two turbine foundations. The CVOW Pilot facility is leased by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Mines Minerals and Energy (DMME). Dominion Energy is designated as the lease operator and has provided a commitment to hosting research at the CVOW Pilot project site under Research Lease No. OCS-A 0497. Dominion Energy has also committed to providing environmental monitoring data from the research lease site. Alternate locations for study may be proposed.

BOEM recommends including observations of marine growth and habitat use with existing CVOW Pilot infrastructure, other artificial habitats (oil and gas infrastructure, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks), and biogenic structures in the immediate vicinity. Similar observations could be collected for reference at the Block Island Wind Farm, RI. Observations from these areas could be used to compare the growth and succession of marine species on various substrates tested in the proposed study.

C.2 STUDY OBJECTIVES

The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of cable protection and scour protection materials in providing beneficial habitat to living marine resources while recognizing that not all marine organisms (e.g., non-natives) are beneficial to the environment. Thus, both the positive and negative outcomes of habitat promotion should be evaluated.

C.3 SCOPE OF WORK

C.3.1 TASK 1: Project and Data Management

The Contractor shall prepare a draft Project Management Plan (PMP) for submittal one (1) day prior to the Post-Award Meeting. In the draft PMP, the Contractor shall clearly and concisely describe project responsibilities, any proposed subcontracting arrangements, communication and coordination, record keeping, and scheduling of all tasks, subtasks, meetings, and deliverables.

The Contractor shall discuss its procedures for managing the project, criteria for assuring quality and acceptability of the deliverables, and details regarding the schedule and coordination of this project. The Contractor shall identify Key Personnel and also discuss plans for ensuring successful completion of individual tasks on time, on budget, and of the highest quality.

The Contractor’s Project Manager (PM) shall have sufficient authority to serve as the point of contact with BOEM and to provide leadership to the project team. The PM shall coordinate the execution of all tasks in the project and will be responsible for all deliverables, budget control and quality assurance for all products, compliance and adherence with the schedule of the task order, in addition to ensuring that all personnel work cooperatively to achieve the goals of the requirement. This project requires multiple interactions with BOEM to ensure that these research efforts will best meet BOEM’s needs.

The Contractor shall prepare a Data Management Plan (DMP) to be included in the draft PMP that shall include Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures and the following:

a. Formatting Requirements. All products generated by this contract shall be submitted in accordance with Section F. BOEM report formatting specifications can be found at http://www.boem.gov/Environmental-Stewardship/Environmental-Studies/Environmental- Studies-Program-Report-Specifications.aspx.

b. Access of Digital Reports by Individuals with Disabilities. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (found at 29 U.S.C. 794d) requires access to and use of information by individuals with disabilities. Deliverables such as digital reports (e.g. PDF files) to be placed on the web (either on the agency's web server or the company's), video footage, or other digital data such as CD-ROMs to be distributed, are subject to Section 508 guidelines. Simplified, this means that digital files need to be formatted so that they are "readable" by assistive technology devices such as screen readers.

c. Data Control and Utilization. The Contractor shall develop a DMP that ensures all data are processed, stored, and can be made available as needed. The Contractor will submit both Decimal

Degrees NAD27 and NAD83 geo-referenced spatial and tabular data and supporting descriptive information. The Contractor shall consider and include metadata for all data types and formats.

For example, non-geographic metadata could include field and data analysis manuals. For geographic data, the Contractor shall conform to the Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998) as published on May 1, 2000, by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) or to any format that supersedes it as determined by the FGDC, https://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/csdgm/. Profiles and extensions to the standard that have been endorsed by the FGDC shall be used if they are applicable to the data or data products.

The metadata records shall contain any and all elements, including those that are considered optional, wherever applicable to the data or data product. The metadata record shall contain sufficient detail to ensure the data or data product can be fully understood for future use and for posterity. The metadata records shall be delivered free of errors in both content and format as determined by the metadata parser (mp) program developed by the United States Geological Survey or an equivalent. The metadata and records will be subject to review and approval prior to the final acceptance by the Government.

C.3.2 TASK 2: Literature Reviewers

The Contractor shall perform a literature review of existing related studies on the use of nature inclusive materials for scour or cable protection that have been released, which document epifaunal growth and fish habitat use of these substrates. The desktop review should also be used to develop a list of native Mid-Atlantic species that could settle on these substrates as well as the species that may utilize these artificial habitats. Considerations should also be given to the potential non-native species that could occur on offshore artificial substrates in this region. This literature review can be delivered as either a standalone report or within the final report. All bibliographic references must be made available as EndNote files or equivalent.

C.3.3 TASK 3: Nature Inclusive Design Options and Material Procurement

Provide succinct descriptions of possible artificial substrate types that could be used at offshore wind farm facilities to prevent WTG scour and provide cable protection. Develop descriptions of potential design considerations for habitat enhancement at offshore wind facilities. Describe the potential habitat benefits as well as ecological risks of each NID option. The description of the NID options can be delivered as either a standalone report or within the final report. Up to ten

(10) different types of cable and scour protection materials shall be considered and procured by the Contractor for this study.

C.3.4 TASK 4: Conduct Field Studies

The Contractor shall conduct the study to evaluate the effectiveness of cable protection and scour protection materials in providing beneficial habitat to living marine resources. The Contractor shall field test the effectiveness of up to ten (10) different materials and/or habitat designs in promoting marine growth and enhancing habitat. This study would procure and deploy various cable protection and scour protection materials and habitat design feature on the seafloor, where they would be monitored for marine growth and habitat utilization by not only commercially or ecologically important species, but by non-native species as well. This study may be carried out directly with a lessee implementing such measures, or independently. Results could be compared with completed and ongoing monitoring programs at the Block Island Wind Farm and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind facility or other potential sites proposed by the Contractor.

Removal of study materials, monitoring equipment, and moorings may be required depending on the nature of the materials and must be completed prior to the end of the period of performance.

BOEM staff will have the opportunity to join the Contractor’s field studies to observe data collection activities.

C.3.5 TASK 5: Data Analysis and Recommendations

The Contractor will perform appropriate field data analyses to address the specific research question(s):

• Are the materials effective in providing/enhancing habitat for structure/hard bottom species?

• Are the attracted species a positive or negative for the system in which they were deployed?

The outcome of this work shall include recommendations for materials that support and enhance fisheries habitat.

C.3.6 TASK 6: Report and Technical Summary (Draft and Final)

The Contractor shall be responsible for preparation and submission of the Draft Report, Final Report, Draft Technical Summary, and Final Technical Summary produced by the Contractor’s Principal Investigators and staff. The reports shall be prepared after completion of all analyses described in the Tasks above.

The reports shall conform to the specifications found on the BOEM website at:

https://www.boem.gov/ESP-Data-and-Information-Specifications/. Please consult this site for the most recent specifications before assembling your documents, as these are updated regularly.

The Contractor shall not provide copies of these Reports, nor any subsequent revisions prepared during the review process, nor data contained within, nor any portions thereof, to any parties not specifically designated in Section F below prior to final acceptance by BOEM of the Final Report. If a need arises to do so, the Project Manager must obtain the written approval of the

CO.

BOEM and designated reviewers, shall have thirty (30) sixty (60) days to review the Draft Report and Draft Technical Summary and notify the Contractor of any required changes, corrections, or additions. The drafts shall be submitted as per the schedule listed in Section F.

The Contractor shall address all corrections, comments, and recommendations, and shall submit a second version of the Report and Technical Summary, referred to as the “Review Copy.” The Review Copy shall be prepared as if it were the final version (i.e., with identical pagination, format, cover art, forward matter, figures, tables, etc.) and shall be submitted as per the schedule listed in Section F, within thirty (30) sixty (60) days of receipt of review comments. The Review Copy will go through review by the COR and our Editorial Staff until deemed accepted by BOEM. All corrections shall be incorporated into the Final Report and Final Technical

Summary. The Final Report and Final Technical Summary shall be submitted to BOEM, as per the schedule listed in Section F, within thirty (30) days of receipt of BOEM editorial review comments.

C.4. SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Scientific integrity is vital to Department of the Interior (DOI) activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used. Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications, but will damage DOI’s reputation and ability to uphold the public’s trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific Integrity Policy posted at https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity or its equivalent as provided by their organization or State law.

https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity

SECTION D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 All deliverables submitted under the contract shall be prepared and packaged in a cost-effective manner equivalent to standard commercial quality. Elaborate artwork, expensive paper and bindings are neither necessary nor desired.

D.2 Unless otherwise directed by the CO, if not hand delivered or electronically delivered by the Contractor, all reports shall be delivered by First Class mail or regulated package carrier.

The cost of delivery by more expensive means will be denied unless approval is obtained in advance from the CO.

D.3 All paper deliverables shall meet at least the minimum requirements for post-consumer recycled content, set forth in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program).

https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program

SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 Availability of clauses. In accordance with FAR 52.252-2, this solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the CO will make their full text available. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: FAR Clauses: http://www.acquisition.gov/

CLAUSE TITLE

52.246-6 Inspection—Time-and-Material and Labor-Hour (May 2001)

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Inspection of the supplies/services provided hereunder shall be made by the COR or any Inspectors designated by the CO. The place of inspection of reports required under this contract shall be at the addresses for deliverables set forth in Section F of this contract. Final acceptance of supplies/services shall be made by the COR designated in Section F.6.

E.2.1 General Acceptance Criteria

General quality measures, as set forth below, will be applied to each work product received from the Contractor under this contract.

• Accuracy - Work Products shall be accurate in presentation, technical content, and adherence to accepted elements of style.

• Clarity - Work Products shall be clear and concise. Any/All diagrams shall be easy to understand and be relevant to the supporting narrative.

• Consistency to Requirements - All work products must satisfy the requirements of this contract.

• File Editing - All text and diagrammatic files shall be editable by the Government.

• Format - Work Products shall be submitted in hard copy (where applicable) and in media mutually agreed upon prior to submission. Hard copy formats shall follow any specified Directives or Manuals.

• Timeliness - Work Products shall be submitted on or before the due date specified in this contract or submitted in accordance with a later scheduled date determined by the Government.

E.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE

The COR, or designated inspector, will review for completeness the preliminary or draft documentation that the Contractor submits, and may return it to the contractor for correction.

Absence of any comments by the COR will not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for complying with the requirements of this contract. Final approval and acceptance of documentation required herein shall be by letter of approval and acceptance by the COR. The contractor shall not construe any letter of acknowledgement of receipt of material as a waiver of review, or as an acknowledgement that the material is in conformance with this contract. Any http://www.acquisition.gov/ approval given during preparation of the documentation, or approval for shipment, shall not guarantee the final acceptance of the completed documentation.

If the Contractor prepares any abstracts, summaries, or manuscripts intended for publication in journals or oral presentation, based on this study, each must be submitted to the COR for review and comment before submittal to the journal or conference authority and any comment incorporated to the extent practical. The Contractor shall document and submit to the COR the results of such efforts, e.g., acceptance for publications, acceptance for presentations, final versions, journal articles published, presentations, abstracts, proceedings papers, and reference citations.

SECTION F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 TERM OF THE CONTRACT

The period of performance of this contract is anticipated to be a maximum of 3 years (36 months) from date of contract award. The project period shall encompass all tasks from initial planning, through and including the BOEM’s final acceptance of all deliverables including the removal of study materials, monitoring equipment, and moorings, if applicable.

F.2 FAR 52.252-2 – CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

In accordance with FAR 52.252-2, this contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were included in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

CLAUSE TITLE

52.242-15 Stop-Work Order (Aug 1989) 52.247-34 F.o.b. Destination (Nov 1991)

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All work under this contract will be performed at the Contractor’s facilities and/or partially at other locations or facilities including deployment of materials There will be a research cruise(s) in the Atlantic Ocean. Teleconferences or videoconferences will be coordinated between the Contractor and the Contracting Officer’s Representative as necessary.

F.4 MEETINGS, REPORTS, AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

The Contractor is responsible for editing and proofreading all material in order to prepare products as error free as possible prior to their delivery to the BOEM. All reports shall be written as non-proprietary, releasable by BOEM to the public either through posting on the BOEM webpage or by other means unless stipulated elsewhere in the contract.

The following deliverables shall be submitted and meetings held in accordance with the schedules specified in Section F.5.

The Contractor shall not provide copies of any reports (draft or final) nor data contained within, nor any portions thereof, to any parties not explicitly designated in F.6 below before final acceptance by the BOEM of the Final Report. If a need arises to do so, the Contractor must obtain the written approval of the CO.

F.4.1 Post-Award Meeting, Agenda, Work Plans, and Draft Project Management Plan (Deliverable 1)

The Contractor shall schedule a Post-Award Planning Meeting with the BOEM Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO) as soon as possible after contract award but no later than fourteen (14) calendar days after award. The Contractor shall provide a meeting agenda, presentation slides, and draft Project Management Plan (PMP) to the CO and COR at least three (3) days before the post-award meeting. The Contractor shall present the draft PMP, including the purpose of the project, the scope, roles and responsibilities of the project team, the deliverables, the risks, the assumptions, the planned effort, and a scheduled time frame for completion. No changes to the terms or conditions, deliverables, or schedule of the contract are authorized unless approved by the CO via a modification to the contract.

F.4.2 Post-Award Meeting Summary and Project Management Plan (Final) (Deliverable 2)

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a meeting summary detailing the discussions of technical and managerial issues and any mutually agreed-to decisions, along with the final PMP, within one (1) week following the Post-Award meeting. The Contractor shall adhere to the final PMP as reviewed by the Government following the post-award meeting.

F.4.3 Monthly Status Meetings and Summaries (Deliverable 3)

The Contractor shall host via teleconference Progress Meetings, on the second Wednesday of each month, with the Contractor and the COR to discuss the status of the project, any issues that have arisen regarding the specific tasks or other requirements in this Statement of Work, quality control, changes in personnel, budget, invoices, deliverables, or schedule for deliverables. These meetings shall allow for efficient communication of any relevant issues and shall ensure that the project is proceeding according to BOEM’s requirement. The Contractor shall be responsible for documenting the call discussion, including all BOEM decisions and action items for the project team. The call notes should not be a verbatim of the call, but instead capture high-level discussions via bullets. Meeting summaries shall be submitted within three (3) calendar days of each meeting.

F.4.4 Quarterly Progress Reports (Deliverable 4)

The Contractor shall prepare and submit quarterly status reports via email no later than the deadline specified under Section F.6. These reports shall be in sufficient detail to describe all work accomplished and results achieved during the quarter and shall include a brief discussion of the planned actions for the succeeding quarter. These reports shall note any significant problems (i.e., unanticipated project completion impediments, recommended remedies and effect on projected completion date and final product) that were encountered and their resolution (if any) as well as recommendations for improving the project or its deliverables.

Each quarterly progress report shall include the following:

• A summary, by task, of all work performed during the quarter and overall progress made against the schedule;

• A summary of any significant technical, schedule, or cost problems encountered during the quarter, including an assessment of their probable effects on meeting contract terms and conditions;

• A summary of any resolutions agreed to between contractor and BOEM regarding the issues or problems identified;

• A list of all significant meetings held or other contacts made in connection with the project during the quarter, including a brief summary of the participants and subject, date, location, and outcome of each such contact or meeting; and

• An updated project schedule, if applicable.

F.4.5 Cruise Deployment Map and Risk Mitigation Plan (Deliverable 5)

The Contractor shall submit a plan of the anticipated track where the various cable protection and scour protection materials will be deployed prior to the research cruise. This report shall be submitted in PDF format via e-mail to the COR and copied to the ESP representative.

The Contractor shall submit a risk mitigation plan for the cruise prior to the research cruise deployment of materials. The risk mitigation plan shall discuss the foreseeable risks and their impact to the study, and how to respond to those risks. Risks must include but are not limited to:

1) a piece of equipment not operating as scheduled; and 2) bad weather encountered during the research cruise. This report shall be submitted in PDF format via e-mail to the COR and copied to the ESP representative.

F.4.6 Copies of Raw Data and Video Footage (Deliverable 6)

Copies of any raw data shall be provided to the COR in its original format and a format that can be easily read by a computer. Copies of any video footage shall be provided to the COR in MP4 or AVI format. The copies of the raw data and video footage must be submitted by mail to the COR on a USB/hard drive. All external drives must be Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 compliant. Also, any copies that can be transmitted via e-email must be sent to the COR and copied to the ESP representative.

F.4.7 Post-Cruise Deployment Meeting and Summary (Deliverable 7)

The Contractor shall host a post-cruise deployment meeting after the cruise with the COR, and other BOEM staff advised by the COR, to discuss the accomplishments and problems encountered during the cruise deployment. The Contractor shall prepare and submit a written summary of the meeting.

F.4.8 Draft Final Report and Review Copy (Deliverable 8)

The Contractor shall submit a Draft Final Report to BOEM for review. The report shall include a summary of the findings, investigations, methodologies, technologies, procedures and other analyses as specified under the tasks and subtasks in the preceding Sections. The Contractor shall prepare the Draft Final Report with clear, concise writing at a level suitable to a technical audience familiar with the various facets of marine science and renewable energy development.

The format and organization for the report shall be agreed upon between the Contractor and the BOEM COR prior to preparation. This report shall conform to the specifications found at the following BOEM website: https://www.boem.gov/ESP-Data-and-Information-Specifications/.

BOEM shall be provided at least thirty (30) sixty (60) days to review and comment (iterative process) on the Draft Final Report.

The Contractor shall address all corrections, comments, and recommendations, and shall submit a second version of the Report, referred to as the “Review Copy.” The Review Copy shall be prepared as if it were the final version (i.e., with identical pagination, format, cover art, forward matter, figures, tables, etc.) and shall be within sixty (60) days of receipt of review comments.

The Review Copy will go through review by the COR and our Editorial Staff until deemed accepted by BOEM. All corrections shall be incorporated into the Final Report and Final Technical Summary.

F.4.9 Draft Technical Summary and Review Copy (Deliverable 9)

The Contractor shall submit a Draft Technical Summary to BOEM for scientific peer and editorial review. The Technical Summary should cover all technical tasks. The format and organization for the report will be agreed upon between the Contractor and the BOEM COR prior to preparation. This report shall conform to the specifications found at the following BOEM website: https://www.boem.gov/ESP-Data-and-Information-Specifications/.

BOEM shall be provided at least thirty (30) sixty (60) days to review and comment (iterative process) on the Draft Technical Summary.

The Contractor shall address all corrections, comments, and recommendations, and shall submit a second version of the Technical Summary, referred to as the “Review Copy.” The Review Copy shall be prepared as if it were the final version (i.e., with identical pagination, format, cover art, forward matter, figures, tables, etc.) and shall be submitted within sixty (60) days of receipt of review comments. The Review Copy will go through review by the COR and our Editorial Staff until deemed accepted by BOEM. All corrections shall be incorporated into the Final Technical Summary.

F.4.10 Final Report (Deliverable 10)

The Contractor shall submit a Final Report including any changes and/or comments noted by BOEM on the draft report. The Contractor shall provide the rationale in a letter accompanying the Final Report addressing comments not accommodated. Copies of the report, a high-quality master copy, and a searchable-text .pdf digital copy shall be provided to BOEM. The contractor shall provide bibliographic citations for the Final Report to BOEM in EndNote compatible format. The Contractor shall not provide copies of this Report, nor any subsequent revisions prepared during the review process, nor data contained within, nor any portions thereof, to any parties not specifically designated in Section F.7 prior to final acceptance by BOEM. If a need arises to do so, the Contractor must obtain the written approval of the CO.

F.4.11 Final Technical Summary (Deliverable 11)

The Contractor shall submit a Final Technical Summary that incorporates changes, corrections, and additions identified during the BOEM review of the draft in digital format. Contractor shall not provide copies of this Report, nor any subsequent revisions prepared during the review process, nor data contained within, nor any portions thereof, to any parties not specifically designated in Section F.7 prior to final acceptance by BOEM. If a need arises to do so, the Contractor must obtain the written approval of the CO.

F.4.12 Project Webinar (Deliverable 12)

After the final report is submitted and accepted, and as specified under Section F.6, the Contractor shall present a webinar on the project findings, recommendations, and details of tasks accomplished to BOEM staff and invited participants. The Project Manager and appropriate technical leads shall participate in the presentation.

F.4.13 Presentation Slides (Deliverable 13)

The contractor shall prepare collections of 10 to 20 slides with captions or equivalent computer slide show (on CD-ROM or portable disk). The slides, with captions, shall portray activities conducted during the course of contract performance, study design, objectives, methods, and study results and interpretations. The slides will be used by BOEM in future presentation about the outcomes of the study.

F.4.14 Journal Publications and Oral Presentations (Deliverable 14)

The Contract or shall submit all manuscripts intended to be published in journals and all abstracts or summaries prepared for oral presentation based on this contract to the BOEM COR for review and comment prior to submittal to the journal or conference authority. All associated tables and figures shall be included and sent to the COR for a courtesy review prior to formal submission. All such publications and oral presentations shall contain an acknowledgement of the BOEM funding that reads as follows: “Study funding was provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program, Washington, DC under Contract Number XXXX.” An acknowledgment page with the above statement shall be incorporated into any PowerPoint slides for oral presentations. Publication is strongly encouraged.

F.5 SCHEDULE AND DISTRIBUTION OF DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall edit and proofread all material in order to prepare error-free products prior to their delivery to BOEM. Deliverable products shall be submitted to the addresses shown in Section F.7 in accordance with the following schedule.

Item No.

Deliverable Due Date Distribution

Post-Award Meeting

Post-Award Meeting Agenda, Presentation Slides, Draft Project Management Plan (F.4.1)

Within than fourteen (14) days of contract award

No less than three (3) days prior to Post-Award Meeting

One (1) digital copy to the

CO, COR, ESP

Representative, and DES Chief via email.

2 Post-Award Meeting Summary and Final PMP (F.4.2)

Within one (1) week of Post-Award Planning Meeting

CO, COR, ESP

Representative, and DES Chief via email.

3 Monthly Status Meetings and Summaries (F.4.3)

Monthly, second Wednesday of each month via teleconference.

Summaries shall be submitted within three (3) calendar days of each meeting

One (1) digital copy to the

CO, COR, ESP

Representative, and DES

Quarterly Progress Reports (F.4.4)

Every three (3) months after contract award.

One (1) digital copy to the

CO, COR, ESP

Representative, and DES

5 Cruise Deployment Map and Risk Mitigation Plan (F.4.5)

Due 5 days prior to the cruise.

1 electronic copy via email to:

COR, ESP

Representative

6 Electronic Copies of Raw Data and Video Footage (F.4.6)

Fifteen (15) months after contract award

1 electronic copy to: COR Electronic copies of raw data and video footage shall also be provided on 2 USB/ hard drives via mail to:

COR

7 Post-Cruise Deployment Meeting and Summary (F.4.7)

Meeting shall occur within 21 days after the cruise.

Meeting summary due 5 days after the meeting.

1 electronic copy via email to:

COR, ESP

Representative

8 Draft Final Report (F.4.8)

Review Copy of Final Report (F.4.8)

Fifteen (15) months after contract award Six (6) months prior to the end of the contract (30 months after award)

Sixty (60) days after receipt of BOEM Comments

COR – one (1) digital copy and ESP Representative – one (1) digital copy each CO – notice of transmittal only

COR and ESP Representative – one (1) digital copy each CO – notice of transmittal

Draft Technical Summary (F.4.9)

Review Copy of Final Technical Summary (F.4.9)

Concurrent with Draft Final Report

Concurrent with Draft Final Report

COR – one (1) digital copy and ESP Representative – one (1) digital copy CO – notice of transmittal only

COR and ESP

Representative – one (1) digital copy each

Final Report and Bibliographic Citations (F.4.10)

Within thirty (30) days of receipt of BOEM comments on Draft Final Report, or resolution of all issues 10 days prior to the end of the contract/study completion.

COR – one (1) digital copy ESP Representative – one (1) digital copy

Final Technical Summary (F.4.11)

Concurrent with Final Report

COR – one (1) digital copy ESP Representative – one (1) digital copy

12 Project Webinar (F.4.12)

Within one (1) month prior to study completion

COR via email.

Presentation Slides (F.4.13)

At study completion One (1) digital copy to the COR via email.

14 Journal Publications and Oral…