B09_Amendment__3_Q_A_0003.pdf

Amendment of Solicitation

Amendment No. 3

RFQ No.: 140M0125Q0027

Issue Date: August 18, 2025

Issued By: The United States Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Safety and

Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) on behalf of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Title: Vessel and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) services to Support an Investigation of the

Blake Plateau

1. Purpose of Amendment

The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to questions received in response to RFQ

No. 140M0125Q0027.

2. Amendment Description

The Government’s answers to vendor questions are hereby incorporated into the solicitation and form a part of RFQ No. 140M0125Q0027.

3. Terms and Conditions

All other terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

4. Acknowledgment of Amendment

Offerors are required to acknowledge receipt of this amendment in their quotes.

AMENDMENT #1

QUESTION AND ANSWER RFQ# 140M0125Q0027

Section/Reference Question Answer

1. General Will there be a provision for weather allowance if conditions are unfavorable during offshore operations?

This is proposed to be a time and materials contract, so the contractor should propose the best way to account for weather allowances.

2. General Will the contractor need to provide dockside assistance (forklift, crane, etc.)

for removal of samples from the vessel?

Yes, the contractor will need to provide dockside assistance with both loading supplies and materials as well as the removal of samples and other materials from the vessel.

3. General Will the contractor be responsible for transportation/shipping of samples to laboratories?

No. The government science team will be responsible for transportation and shipping samples to laboratories.

4. 2.3 Can you please provide an indication of the number and volume/weight of each type of geological sample that will be required?

Rocks will be on average 12 x 6 x 6" and weigh 600 - 1000 g

Nodules on average 6.5 cm diameter and

~300 g

As a potential maximum, we could collect up to 10 rocks OR up to 30 nodules per

ROV dive.

On average we collect about 5 rocks OR

15 nodules per ROV dive.

If possible, we may want to try and recover some of the patio blocks which measure approximately, 4x8x16 inches and weigh about 33lb.

5. 2.3 We assume, based on the previous work, that the contractor will be provided the high-resolution data. Since 1-m resolution AUV data have already been collected, is hull mounted multibeam required?

Yes, available high resolution AUV data will be provided to the contractor for use during the period of performance. Hull mounted multi-beam is not required.

6. 2.3 Can the type of high-resolution imagery and mapping be specified (multibeam, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling)?

We have available high-resolution imagery, multibeam and sub-bottom profiling from our previous survey.

7. 2.3 The data deliverables Section 2.5.7 indicate that bathymetric data, seafloor acoustic backscatter or side scan sonar data, sub-bottom profiler data, digital imagery, environmental sensor data (e.g., turbidity, salinity, fluorescence, magnetometer data) will all be required?

If yes, please answer the following:

1. Bathymetric data – how large an area and what resolution are required?

2. Side-scan sonar data – how large an area and what resolution are required?

3. Sub-bottom profiler data – how large an area and what resolution are required?

This section does not state any data collection requirements but rather that all data collected must be provided to the government with proper metadata.

Typically, ROVs contain sensors that collect data.

4. Digital imagery data – please specify what type of digital imagery (video) and what resolution is required?

5. Environmental data – please specify what sensors are required.

8. 2.3 Can the number, size, and type of biological samples be provided as this will dictate the type of sampling equipment required? The number and type of samples will also determine how many refrigerators and freezers will be required to store and preserve samples.

- 10-12 biological samples per dive, either in insulated biobox or sampling quivers (we can provide the quivers but not the biobox)

- Samples will be subsampled on the ship in temperature-controlled setting, ideally a cold room, temperature ~ 8oC.

- Standard refrigerator needed ~20 cu ft.

- -20 and -80 freezers required

9. 2.3 Can the number and volume of eDNA samples required be provided so that we can budget for sample storage (e.g., refrigeration)?

- Water is filtered at sea following collection and then frozen at -80.

- Approximately 2 shelves of a -80 freezer would be needed, dimensions of each shelf: ~24" deep x 24" wide x 12" tall

10. ROV &

Equipment

Are there specific manipulator configurations required (e.g., number of arms, gripper types) for the diverse sample collection needs?

At least one 7-fcn manipulator is required, 2 would be better. Interchangeable jaws are desired with one set of parallel jaws that have a coral cutter, so that coral cutting/snipping is feasible.

11. ROV &

What CTD sensor specifications are required (accuracy, resolution, sampling rates)?

There are no specific configurations required. The contractor shall propose what they think is the best solution to fulfill the tasks in the SOW.

12. ROV &

Equipment

Are there preferred data formats for

ROV navigation, imagery, and sensor data?

There are no specific preferred data formats at this time. These can be determined after receiving award in consultation with the COR.

13. ROV &

Equipment

Should the ROV be equipped with specific lighting configurations for

4K/HD imagery requirements?

There are no specific configurations required. The contractor shall propose what they think is the best solution to fulfill the tasks in the SOW.

14. ROV &

Equipment

What is the desired navigational accuracies and are there any preferred

USBL accuracies?

USBL, bottom tracking from <1 to 200 m, ship with DP, absolute accuracy would depend on a number of factors. 10-15 m or better at depth.

15. Sample

Collection

What are the target sample sizes/volume for rocks, nodules, sediment cores, and biological specimens?

See question 8.

16. Sample

Collection

Are there specific preservation methods required for different specimen types

(freezing, chemical preservation, etc.)?

Specimens will be frozen (-80, -20,) preserved in ethanol, preserved in formalin or refrigerated.

17. Sample

Collection

Does BOEM have a preference of niskin bottle volumes?

For ship-based CTD rosette: Niskin volume = 10L minimum, 20L best, Number = 12 min, 24 max

For ROV niskins: 5 L is best

18. Sample

What laboratory capabilities are needed onboard for initial sample processing?

For biological sample processing:

-Temperature control (a/c) space for processing sediment and other biological samples from ROV dives and CTD casts.

- Lab space with a large bench top for processing samples, sink for cleaning and processing materials, and access to sea water.

- Sufficient space on deck for a laundry sink and seawater connection would be required.

For rock /nodule sampling space:

- A large bench top for sample examination, description, and photography.

- A rock saw on deck is preferred but not required.

- 0-4 C freezer space for up to 15 geological samples preferred but not required.

19. Are there any preferred biosafety protocols for biological sample handling?

A fume hood will be needed, as well as flammable materials lockers for chemicals.

20. Survey

Planning

Will BOEM provide specific target coordinates, or will these be determined collaboratively during planning?

Specific target sites will be provided by the government science team. There will of course be collaboration and planning.

21. Survey

Planning

Does BOEM have a preference for mobilization locations, or would be willing to join the vessel at its homeport?

The government science team could join the vessel at its homeport. However, a

U.S. East coast port is preferred for mobilization.

22. Data

Management

Are there specific file naming conventions or directory structures required?

This can be worked out after award in consultation with the COR.

23. Data

Management

What quality control procedures should be documented in the operations report?

This seems to refer to section 2.4.4. Task 4

Delivery and Management of Data. This refers to data quality control such as post processing, chain of custody, replicates of data, storage QC, backup and redundancy and error documentation and correction.

24. Coordination What communication capabilities are needed for shore-based coordination during the survey?

Internet access is required with data transfer speeds capable of at least email correspondence and at most virutal meetings (e.g. Zoom) for 1 hr max

25. Contractual &

Administration

In Section 2.3 of the RFP it states for

Desired Ship-Based Sampling Support capabilities requests the ability for

If desired, you can propose an optional task for bathymetry data collections. See opportunistic shipped based bathymetry

(optional). Then in the Desired Data

Delivery Requirements it states that the government already has high resolution bathymetry for the study site. Can an optional task for bathymetric data collection be presented?

other questions and responses regarding data delivery requirements.

26. Contractual &

Administration

Should demobilization/cleaning costs be included if biological specimens require decontamination?

Not necessary.

27. Contractual &

Administration

Are there any fuel price escalation clauses needed given the 12-month contract period?

The Contractor shall be reimbursed for fuel costs incurred during performance of underwater survey operations in accordance with the following provisions:

Reimbursable as Direct Material Cost Fuel shall be considered a reimbursable direct material cost under the Time and Materials contract structure, as defined in FAR

16.601(b).

Basis of Reimbursement Fuel costs will be reimbursed at actual cost, supported by receipts, fuel logs, or other verifiable documentation.

Documentation Requirements- The

Contractor shall submit the following documentation with each invoice:

Itemized fuel receipts showing date, quantity, and price per unit

Identification of the boat and survey activity associated with the fuel usage.

28. General Do the Past Performance Forms count towards the 20-page maximum?

Yes, but you maybe submit the information in an alternate format.

29. General Do CPARS performance ratings count towards the 20-page maximum?

Yes- CPARs is included in the page count.

30. General RFP Section 4.2 states: “Offerors shall provide the following in separate volumes or clearly labeled sections”.

1.Can all Volumes be provided as a single PDF, with clearly labeled sections/volumes?

Yes

31. General The Final Survey Plan (FSP) deliverable appears in Section 2.5.2 as Deliverable 2 and also in Section 2.5.3 as Deliverable

3. By contrast, in Section 2.6, Deliverable 2 excludes the FSP and instead it is shown as Deliverable 3.

Please clarify how many versions we should account for, 2 or 3 versions and which deliverable they align with?

Section 2.5.2 should be corrected to “2.5.2

Post Award Meeting and Draft Survey

Plan”. There are only 2 versions needed as deliverables. However, we expect the development of the survey plan to be an iterative and collaborative process. The draft survey plan (“version 1”) should be provided to facilitate the discussion of the technical approach from your proposal

(see description in 2.4.1) during the kickoff meeting. This shall be provided

1. Draft, within 14 days of contract

2. Preliminary Final, unclear on when it is due, 2 weeks following the meeting?

3. Final, at least 30 days prior to survey within 14 days of the contractor award at least one day prior to the kickoff meeting.

The final survey plan (“version 2”) will be developed in collaboration with the government science team and provided at least 30 days prior to the field survey.

AMENDMENT #3

Section/Reference Question Answer

1. General Will there be a provision for weather allowance if conditions are unfavorable during offshore operations?

This is proposed to be a time and materials contract, so the contractor should propose the best way to account for weather allowances.

2. General Will the contractor need to provide dockside assistance (forklift, crane, etc.)

for removal of samples from the vessel?

Yes, the contractor will need to provide dockside assistance with both loading supplies and materials as well as the removal of samples and other materials from the vessel.

3. General Will the contractor be responsible for transportation/shipping of samples to laboratories?

No. The government science team will be responsible for transportation and shipping samples to laboratories.

4. 2.3 Can you please provide an indication of the number and volume/weight of each type of geological sample that will be required?

Rocks will be on average 12 x 6 x 6" and weigh 600 - 1000 g

Nodules on average 6.5 cm diameter and

~300 g

As a potential maximum, we could collect up to 10 rocks OR up to 30 nodules per

ROV dive.

On average we collect about 5 rocks OR

15 nodules per ROV dive.

If possible, we may want to try and recover some of the patio blocks which measure approximately, 4x8x16 inches and weigh about 33lb.

5. 2.3 We assume, based on the previous work, that the contractor will be provided the high-resolution data. Since 1-m resolution AUV data have already been collected, is hull mounted multibeam required?

Yes, available high resolution AUV data will be provided to the contractor for use during the period of performance. Hull mounted multi-beam is not required.

6. 2.3 Can the type of high-resolution imagery and mapping be specified (multibeam, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling)?

We have available high-resolution imagery, multibeam and sub-bottom profiling from our previous survey.

7. 2.3 The data deliverables Section 2.5.7 indicate that bathymetric data, seafloor acoustic backscatter or side scan sonar data, sub-bottom profiler data, digital imagery, environmental sensor data (e.g., turbidity, salinity, fluorescence, magnetometer data) will all be required?

If yes, please answer the following:

1. Bathymetric data – how large an area and what resolution are required?

2. Side-scan sonar data – how large an area and what resolution are required?

3. Sub-bottom profiler data – how large an area and what resolution are required?

This section does not state any data collection requirements but rather that all data collected must be provided to the government with proper metadata.

Typically, ROVs contain sensors that collect data.

4. Digital imagery data – please specify what type of digital imagery (video) and what resolution is required?

5. Environmental data – please specify what sensors are required.

8. 2.3 Can the number, size, and type of biological samples be provided as this will dictate the type of sampling equipment required? The number and type of samples will also determine how many refrigerators and freezers will be required to store and preserve samples.

- 10-12 biological samples per dive, either in insulated biobox or sampling quivers (we can provide the quivers but not the biobox)

- Samples will be subsampled on the ship in temperature-controlled setting, ideally a cold room, temperature ~ 8oC.

- Standard refrigerator needed ~20 cu ft.

- -20 and -80 freezers required

9. 2.3 Can the number and volume of eDNA samples required be provided so that we can budget for sample storage (e.g., refrigeration)?

- Water is filtered at sea following collection and then frozen at -80.

- Approximately 2 shelves of a -80 freezer would be needed, dimensions of each shelf: ~24" deep x 24" wide x 12" tall

10. ROV &

Are there specific manipulator configurations required (e.g., number of arms, gripper types) for the diverse sample collection needs?

At least one 7-fcn manipulator is required, 2 would be better. Interchangeable jaws are desired with one set of parallel jaws that have a coral cutter, so that coral cutting/snipping is feasible.

11. ROV &

What CTD sensor specifications are required (accuracy, resolution, sampling rates)?

There are no specific configurations required. The contractor shall propose what they think is the best solution to fulfill the tasks in the SOW.

12. ROV &

Equipment

Are there preferred data formats for

ROV navigation, imagery, and sensor data?

There are no specific preferred data formats at this time. These can be determined after receiving award in consultation with the COR.

13. ROV &

Equipment

Should the ROV be equipped with specific lighting configurations for

4K/HD imagery requirements?

There are no specific configurations required. The contractor shall propose what they think is the best solution to fulfill the tasks in the SOW.

14. ROV &

Equipment

What is the desired navigational accuracies and are there any preferred

USBL accuracies?

USBL, bottom tracking from <1 to 200 m, ship with DP, absolute accuracy would depend on a number of factors. 10-15 m or better at depth.

15. Sample

Collection

What are the target sample sizes/volume for rocks, nodules, sediment cores, and biological specimens?

See question 8.

16. Sample

Collection

Are there specific preservation methods required for different specimen types

(freezing, chemical preservation, etc.)?

Specimens will be frozen (-80, -20,) preserved in ethanol, preserved in formalin or refrigerated.

17. Sample

Does BOEM have a preference of niskin bottle volumes?

For ship-based CTD rosette: Niskin volume = 10L minimum, 20L best, Number = 12 min, 24 max

For ROV niskins: 5 L is best

18. Sample

What laboratory capabilities are needed onboard for initial sample processing?

For biological sample processing:

-Temperature control (a/c) space for processing sediment and other biological samples from ROV dives and CTD casts.

- Lab space with a large bench top for processing samples, sink for cleaning and processing materials, and access to sea water.

- Sufficient space on deck for a laundry sink and seawater connection would be required.

For rock /nodule sampling space:

- A large bench top for sample examination, description, and photography.

- A rock saw on deck is preferred but not required.

- 0-4 C freezer space for up to 15 geological samples preferred but not required.

19. Are there any preferred biosafety protocols for biological sample handling?

A fume hood will be needed, as well as flammable materials lockers for chemicals.

20. Survey

Planning

Will BOEM provide specific target coordinates, or will these be determined collaboratively during planning?

Specific target sites will be provided by the government science team. There will of course be collaboration and planning.

21. Survey

Planning

Does BOEM have a preference for mobilization locations, or would be willing to join the vessel at its homeport?

The government science team could join the vessel at its homeport. However, a

U.S. East coast port is preferred for mobilization.

22. Data

Management

Are there specific file naming conventions or directory structures required?

This can be worked out after award in consultation with the COR.

23. Data

Management

What quality control procedures should be documented in the operations report?

This seems to refer to section 2.4.4. Task 4

Delivery and Management of Data. This refers to data quality control such as post processing, chain of custody, replicates of data, storage QC, backup and redundancy and error documentation and correction.

24. Coordination What communication capabilities are needed for shore-based coordination during the survey?

Internet access is required with data transfer speeds capable of at least email correspondence and at most virutal meetings (e.g. Zoom) for 1 hr max

25. Contractual &

Administration

In Section 2.3 of the RFP it states for

Desired Ship-Based Sampling Support capabilities requests the ability for

If desired, you can propose an optional task for bathymetry data collections. See opportunistic shipped based bathymetry

(optional). Then in the Desired Data

Delivery Requirements it states that the government already has high resolution bathymetry for the study site. Can an optional task for bathymetric data collection be presented?

other questions and responses regarding data delivery requirements.

26. Contractual &

Administration

Should demobilization/cleaning costs be included if biological specimens require decontamination?

Not necessary.

27. Contractual &

Administration

Are there any fuel price escalation clauses needed given the 12-month contract period?

The Contractor shall be reimbursed for fuel costs incurred during performance of underwater survey operations in accordance with the following provisions:

Reimbursable as Direct Material Cost Fuel shall be considered a reimbursable direct material cost under the Time and Materials contract structure, as defined in FAR

16.601(b).

Basis of Reimbursement Fuel costs will be reimbursed at actual cost, supported by receipts, fuel logs, or other verifiable documentation.

Documentation Requirements- The

Contractor shall submit the following documentation with each invoice:

Itemized fuel receipts showing date, quantity, and price per unit

Identification of the boat and survey activity associated with the fuel usage.

28. General Do the Past Performance Forms count towards the 20-page maximum?

Yes, but you maybe submit the information in an alternate format.

29. General Do CPARS performance ratings count towards the 20-page maximum?

Yes- CPARs is included in the page count.

30. General RFP Section 4.2 states: “Offerors shall provide the following in separate volumes or clearly labeled sections”.

1.Can all Volumes be provided as a single PDF, with clearly labeled sections/volumes?

Yes

31. General The Final Survey Plan (FSP) deliverable appears in Section 2.5.2 as Deliverable 2 and also in Section 2.5.3 as Deliverable

3. By contrast, in Section 2.6, Deliverable 2 excludes the FSP and instead it is shown as Deliverable 3.

Please clarify how many versions we should account for, 2 or 3 versions and which deliverable they align with?

Section 2.5.2 should be corrected to “2.5.2

Post Award Meeting and Draft Survey

Plan”. There are only 2 versions needed as deliverables. However, we expect the development of the survey plan to be an iterative and collaborative process. The draft survey plan (“version 1”) should be provided to facilitate the discussion of the technical approach from your proposal

(see description in 2.4.1) during the kickoff meeting. This shall be provided

1. Draft, within 14 days of contract

2. Preliminary Final, unclear on when it is due, 2 weeks following the meeting?

3. Final, at least 30 days prior to survey within 14 days of the contractor award at least one day prior to the kickoff meeting.

The final survey plan (“version 2”) will be developed in collaboration with the government science team and provided at least 30 days prior to the field survey.

B09 Q&A