Sol_140P5426Q0028_Amend__0002_Attach__0004-_Updated_SOW_0002.pdf

Biscayne National Park - Marine Ecological Stewardship and Conservation Services

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Marine Ecological Stewardship and Conservation Services

Biscayne National Park National Park Service (NPS)

U.S. Department of the Interior Revised to limit current contract performance to Biscayne National Park.

1. BACKGROUND

The National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), requires contractor support to perform marine ecological stewardship and conservation services in Biscayne National Park, with an emphasis on marine debris removal. The park protects extensive coral reefs, seagrass, mangrove, and coastal ecosystems requiring ongoing resource management and restoration. Marine debris is a widespread and pervasive issue, affecting all coastal and marine habitats in the park. Sources of pollution include derelict fishing gear, vessel debris, land-based sources, and debris borne by ocean currents. Much of this debris is plastic.

Marine debris damages coral reefs and adjacent habitats including mangrove forests, beaches, and seagrass meadows. It is a threat to wildlife, leading to injury, ingestion, and entanglement, and physically damages or contaminates native habitats. Marine debris also endangers human health and safety, poses navigational risks, exposes visitors and staff to hazardous contaminants, degrades the visitor experience, interferes with park operations, and compromises staff workloads.

The purpose of this contract is to provide professional scientific and technical services to support identified ecological stewardship and conservation initiatives within Biscayne National Park. This contract aims to reduce the impact of marine debris in the park. Contracted services will support NPS in increasing public safety, enhancing recreational fishing and diving opportunities, improving resource access for park visitors, supporting law enforcement activities, and advancing NPS conservation mandates.

This is a non-personal services contract. Contractor personnel shall not be considered Federal employees.

2. SCOPE

The Contractor shall accomplish the following task areas within Biscayne National Park:

Task Area 1 - Marine Debris Removal Perform marine debris identification, removal, recovery, documentation, and disposal from coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, beaches, and other marine habitats within Biscayne National Park using methods that minimize impacts to park resources.

Task Area 2 - Ecological Restoration and Stewardship Support ecological restoration activities including coral restoration, habitat stabilization, invasive species management, marine resource protection, and other stewardship activities consistent with the requirements of this Statement of Work.

Task Area 3 - Scientific Diving and Vessel Operations Conduct scientific diving and vessel operations necessary to perform contract requirements in accordance with AAUS standards, the NPS Diving Management Program, OSHA commercial diving requirements (as applicable), and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Task Area 4 - Ecological Monitoring and Data Collection Conduct field surveys, collect ecological data, perform habitat assessments, utilize GIS-enabled field collection tools, document marine resource conditions, and maintain accurate field records.

Task Area 5 - Data Management and Reporting Prepare technical reports, GIS products, maps, photographs, databases, and other required deliverables documenting completed work, monitoring results, restoration activities, and recommendations.

Task Area 6 - Coordination and Project Support Coordinate field activities with the COR, support approved volunteer events by providing technical guidance, participate in project planning meetings, and provide technical recommendations regarding marine resource management. The Contractor shall not supervise Government personnel or Government volunteers.

3. LABOR CATEGORIES

The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel necessary to accomplish the requirements of this contract.

The Contractor shall designate one Marine Biologist as Key Personnel. The Marine Biologist role described in Section 5 is designated as Key Personnel.

4. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

• NPS Management Policies (current edition).

• NPS Diving Management Program standards.

• DOI Occupational Safety and Health Program.

• U.S. Coast Guard regulations for small vessel operations.

• FAR and DOI Acquisition Regulations (DIAR).

5. REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel necessary to perform the requirements of this contract, including the Key Personnel identified below. The Contractor retains full responsibility for supervision, management, compensation, and internal direction of its personnel. Performance is expected to include restoration, stewardship, monitoring, and reporting activities. The Contractor is responsible for allocating labor resources to accomplish all tasks.

a. Key Personnel - Marine Biologist The Contractor shall designate a Marine Biologist as Key Personnel with the following minimum qualifications:

• Master's degree in marine biology or a closely related biological science field.

• Professional experience conducting marine debris removal in sensitive habitats, including coral reefs and reef-adjacent environments (e.g., mangroves, seagrass, beaches).

• Professional experience in coral reef and seagrass ecology, restoration, and monitoring.

• Professional experience preparing ecological reports, including scientific analysis and geospatial mapping.

• Scientific diving certification consistent with American Academy of Underwater Sciences standards, with a minimum of 100 logged scientific dives.

• Professional experience safely operating small vessels in coastal environments.

Key Personnel Submission and Approval. Offerors shall identify the proposed Key Personnel in their quotation and submit resumes demonstrating that the proposed individual(s) meet the minimum qualifications specified in this Statement of Work and the solicitation. If an offeror has not yet hired the individual(s) proposed for the Key Personnel position(s), the offeror shall instead provide evidence of its ability to recruit and provide personnel meeting the required qualifications. Such evidence may include resumes of prospective candidates, a recruitment plan, or documentation demonstrating successful placement of personnel with equivalent qualifications on similar projects. The Contracting Officer will determine whether the proposed qualifications satisfy the minimum requirements established in the solicitation. Continuity of Key Personnel is essential due to the safety-sensitive nature of scientific diving and vessel operations, coordination responsibilities, and the need for consistency in scientific data collection and reporting. Once approved and assigned under the contract, Key Personnel shall be maintained throughout contract performance. Any substitution for Key Personnel shall require the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. The COR may review the proposed qualifications and provide a recommendation to the Contracting Officer; however, only the Contracting Officer has authority to approve Key Personnel or substitutions.

b. Tasks The Contractor shall perform the following services within Biscayne National Park:

• Conduct and lead scientific diving in coral reef and reef-adjacent habitats in support of restoration and stewardship activities (e.g., marine debris removal, coral outplanting, coral disease intervention, invasive species management, mooring buoy management, habitat stabilization).

• Coordinate non-diving marine debris removal activities in beach, seagrass, and mangrove habitats, in coordination with the COR. This will also include scheduling and leading volunteer cleanup events. The National Park Service retains responsibility for Government-sponsored volunteers. Contractor personnel may provide technical guidance related to marine debris removal but shall not supervise Government volunteers.

• Collect and record data on benthic habitats, marine debris, coral health, seagrass coverage, and associated marine life.

• Conduct marine ecological monitoring surveys including benthic surveys, marine debris surveys, coral and seagrass assessments, fish community surveys, mobile field data collection, mapping, and data management.

• Prepare clear, scientifically rigorous technical reports summarizing restoration and stewardship activities, data analyses, and results.

• Develop and implement dive and vessel operations plans consistent with NPS safety policies.

• Maintain dive gear, field equipment, and vessel logs.

• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.

c. Marine Diving Requirements

• All diving conducted under this contract shall comply with NPS Diving Management Program standards.

• The Contractor is responsible for ensuring its personnel meet all qualification and certification requirements necessary to perform diving services within NPS jurisdiction prior to performance.

• Personnel must maintain dive logs; complete required certifications (CPR, First Aid, Oxygen

Administration, Nitrox); and satisfy NPS dive training requirements.

• The Government shall provide Contractor personnel with dive and field gear. The Government will also provide NPS divers to serve as dive buddies and surface support for authorized scientific diving operations.

d. Small Vessel Operations Key Personnel will be required to safely operate vessels up to 30 feet in coastal waters within Biscayne National Park.

• Contractor personnel operating Government-furnished NPS vessels shall comply with applicable Federal navigation and vessel-operation requirements, including the Inland Navigation Rules in 33 CFR Subchapter E, as applicable to the vessel and operation, together with applicable DOI and NPS boating and vessel-safety requirements.

• Government-furnished NPS vessels will be utilized. The Government is responsible for providing vessels that meet applicable Government responsibilities associated with vessel ownership, inspection, registration, and required onboard equipment.

• Personnel assigned to vessel operations must obtain Department of the Interior Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) qualification before operating Government vessels. The Government will provide MOCC training at Biscayne National Park as needed. MOCC qualification, together with the professional small-vessel operating experience required for Key Personnel, constitutes the complete operator qualification required under this contract. A Merchant Mariner Credential (including Master or OUPV endorsements) and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) are not required.

• Contractor personnel are responsible for the safe operation of Government-furnished vessels, compliance with applicable navigation rules and approved operational procedures, maintenance of required vessel logs, and prompt reporting of accidents, incidents, injuries, groundings, collisions, equipment failures, or other safety events to the COR/NPS in accordance with established procedures.

The Contractor shall cooperate with any Government-required incident or regulatory reporting.

• The SOW does not impose U.S. Coast Guard requirements that are not applicable to the specific Government vessel or operation being performed.

e. Emergency Response Support Contractor emergency response support shall be limited to activities within Biscayne National Park that are specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer and are within the scope of this contract.

Emergency work outside normal working hours shall be performed only when authorized in writing by the

Contracting Officer. Any additional or materially different work beyond the contract scope shall require a written contract modification executed by the Contracting Officer.

Key Personnel assigned under this contract shall support Biscayne National Park operations during severe weather or other emergency situations (e.g., hurricanes) when required by pre-established emergency response plans incorporated into contract performance or when specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

• Tasks may include assisting with park shutdown procedures, implementing the Severe Weather

Emergency Action Plan, and ensuring safe securing of vessels, field equipment, and research assets.

• The Contractor retains full responsibility for managing and supervising its personnel during such activities. This requirement is a performance expectation and does not create an employer-employee relationship or Government supervision of Contractor personnel.

• Contractor personnel shall coordinate with Government personnel during emergency events while retaining internal supervision and management responsibility.

f. Workplace Considerations

• The Contractor shall establish work schedules necessary to meet performance requirements and support Government operations.

• Certain tasks may require performance outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, when authorized by the Contracting Officer and consistent with the scope of this contract.

• The Contractor is responsible for establishing employee work schedules necessary to fulfill contract requirements.

• Government facilities are typically closed on Federal holidays; however, contractor performance requirements will be governed by the terms of the contract.

• The Contractor shall provide staffing sufficient to meet all contract requirements. As a general performance expectation, the Contractor shall ensure contractor personnel are present and available to perform on-site services at Biscayne National Park for approximately forty (40) hours per week during the normal workweek, except when performing field assignments within Biscayne National Park, authorized leave, Federal holidays (as applicable under the contract), or other activities within Biscayne National Park necessary to accomplish the requirements of this contract. The Contractor retains full responsibility for establishing employee work schedules and managing its personnel.

6. DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:

Deliverable Frequency Due Date Format Acceptance Criteria

Quarterly reports Quarterly 15 days after quarter PDF + data files Accurate, complete, meets NPS standards

Field data (e.g., field notes, maps, coordinates, hard copy and scanned data sheets, photographs, and data)

Per task Within 3 weeks GIS/database format Meets NPS data quality standards

Dive logs Weekly Weekly NPS Dive Management System

Meets NPS-Dive data quality standards

Certifications file (e.g., driver's license, dive certifications, first aid/CPR/O2/nitrox certifications, and boating certifications)

Per certification Within 1 week of updates PDF or JPG

Current, complete, and valid certifications

All deliverables shall be submitted as hard copy and electronically in formats approved by NPS and are subject to review and acceptance by the COR in accordance with Contracting Officer authority. The Contracting Officer may adjust priorities through written direction that is consistent with the scope, terms, and conditions of the contract.

The Government will review submitted deliverables within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt and either:

• Accept the deliverable;

• Reject the deliverable with written deficiencies; or

• Request reasonable revisions.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance for the awarded contract is limited to Biscayne National Park (BISC).

Primary location: Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328 Street, Homestead, Florida 33033.

Fieldwork includes offshore coral reef tracts, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, coral keys, beaches, and other park-managed areas within Biscayne National Park. Office work will occur at Biscayne National Park Headquarters or other BISC facilities as authorized by the Government.

Potential Work at Other South Florida National Park Service Units Work at any National Park Service unit outside Biscayne National Park is not included in the current scope and is not authorized under the awarded contract unless incorporated through a bilateral supplemental agreement (contract modification).

If a need arises for the Contractor to perform similar services at another South Florida National Park Service unit, the Government may request a separate quotation for the proposed additional work. The COR may coordinate the technical requirement and request a quotation from the Contractor for Government review;

however, the COR is not authorized to direct performance, negotiate or accept changes to contract terms, or authorize work outside the existing scope.

The Contractor's quotation shall identify the proposed scope, labor, travel, materials, equipment, schedule, and any other costs associated with the requested work. The Contracting Officer will review the quotation, determine price reasonableness, negotiate as necessary, and, if the proposed work is acceptable and funds are available, execute a bilateral supplemental agreement with the Contractor before any work outside Biscayne National Park begins.

The Contractor shall not perform work, incur costs, travel, or mobilize to another NPS unit based solely on a request or communication from the COR. No work outside Biscayne National Park is authorized unless and until a written contract modification is signed by the Contracting Officer and the Contractor.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

• Base Period: 12 months from date of award.

• Option Periods: Two (2) 12-month option periods.

• Option years are subject to availability of funds.

9. DATA RIGHTS

All reports, field notes, photographs, GIS data, maps, databases, survey results, technical memoranda, and other work products developed under this contract shall become the property of the Government upon acceptance. Deliverables shall be submitted in formats acceptable to the National Park Service.

10. KEY PERSONNEL

The Marine Biologist is designated as Key Personnel. Substitution requires prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

11. NON-PERSONAL SERVICES STATEMENT

The Government and the Contractor agree that the services provided under this contract are non-personal services. No employer-employee relationship exists, or will be created, between the Government and the Contractor's personnel.

The Contractor is responsible for the supervision, management, and internal direction of its personnel. The Government will provide overall program objectives, priorities, site access, and operational requirements but will not supervise or control Contractor employees.

Contractor personnel shall coordinate and collaborate with NPS staff as necessary to accomplish work under this contract, including for project planning, field operations, safety, and site access. Such coordination does not constitute Government supervision or control.

The Contractor retains full responsibility for execution of all work, including restoration, monitoring, and support activities. Requirements for Key Personnel continuity and certifications (e.g., MOCC) are performance-based qualifications and do not establish Government direction or an employer-employee relationship.

Contractor personnel shall not:

• Be subject to supervision, direction, or evaluation by Government personnel.

• Supervise or exercise control over Government personnel or other contractors.

• Perform inherently governmental functions, including the administration of Government contracts.

12. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP) AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Government will provide the following property for performance at Biscayne National Park:

• Office workspace at Biscayne National Park Headquarters.

• Government computer and software for use at Biscayne National Park facilities.

• Dive gear (e.g., mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuits, BCD, regulator, tanks, dive computer, gauges, personal locator beacon, gloves, cutting tool, etc.).

• Field gear and personal protective equipment (e.g., non-slip deck shoes, foul weather jacket, dry bag, personal flotation device, ear protection, sunscreen, insect repellent, bug jacket, gloves, handheld radios, etc.).

• Field equipment (e.g., handheld GPS units, digital cameras, field tablets, field survey equipment, etc.).

• Small vessels (as available).

• Access to NPS databases and GIS systems.

• The Government will provide or bear the cost of transportation, landfill tipping fees, hazardous or special-waste characterization and disposal, required manifesting, and dumpsters, roll-offs, or other disposal capacity for marine debris removed under this contract.

• The Government is responsible for fuel, routine maintenance, and repair of Government-furnished vessels.

• The Government is responsible for scuba-cylinder visual inspections and hydrostatic testing, air and Nitrox fills, and routine servicing of Government-furnished dive gear.

• The Government will furnish consumable materials associated with restoration activities, including coral outplanting materials, adhesives, mooring hardware, marking and tagging supplies, and similar restoration consumables.

The Contractor shall provide all other necessary equipment and supplies unless otherwise specified as Government-furnished in this SOW or the contract.

Government-furnished property is provided solely to facilitate performance within Biscayne National Park where use of standardized equipment is necessary for safety, interoperability, and resource protection.

Provision of such property does not establish supervision, control, or an employer-employee relationship.

The Contractor remains responsible for overall management, supervision, and internal direction of its employees.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the proper use, care, and accountability of all GFP. The Contractor may be held responsible for loss or damage to GFP in accordance with applicable contract clauses.

13. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

The Contractor shall provide all management, supervision, administrative support, transportation to and from the Biscayne National Park duty station, and any equipment not specifically identified as Government-furnished property. Contractor personnel should maintain a professional appearance appropriate for the work being performed and consistent with accepted industry standards.

14. SECURITY AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Contractor personnel must:

• Pass an appropriate background investigation check. This background check will be accomplished by

NPS. Contractor personnel must receive PIV Cards and DOI network access before accessing Government IT systems.

• Complete NPS security and safety training. Required safety and security training is limited to facility access, safety compliance, and interoperability requirements and does not constitute employee orientation or supervision.

• Follow DOI safety policies.

• Comply with all marine safety requirements.

• Maintain a valid driver's license.

• Comply with the insurance requirements established by the applicable contract clauses and the SOW-specific maritime liability requirement in Section 17.

15. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Only the Contracting Officer has authority to modify the contract.

The COR may monitor performance, inspect services, coordinate site access, review deliverables, and recommend acceptance but may not alter the scope, schedule, price, place of performance, or other terms of the contract.

Any proposed performance outside Biscayne National Park must be handled in accordance with Section 7.

The COR may coordinate the technical requirement and request a quotation for Government review, but the Contractor shall not begin such work unless the Contracting Officer executes a written bilateral contract modification authorizing the additional work.

16. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Performance will be evaluated based on:

Performance Objective Performance Standard Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) Method of Surveillance

Deliverables

Required reports, GIS products, maps, and datasets are submitted by the due dates established in the contract.

100% submitted on time. COR review and deliverable tracking log.

Technical Accuracy

Reports, ecological assessments, GIS data, and field documentation are technically accurate, complete, and require only minor editorial revisions.

At least 95% accepted without major technical revision.

COR technical review.

Scientific Data Collection Field data are complete, accurate, and collected in accordance with approved scientific protocols.

At least 95% accuracy and completeness.

Field observations, data validation, and COR review.

Diving Operations

Diving operations comply with NPS Diving Management Program, AAUS standards, OSHA requirements, and approved dive plans.

100% compliance. No unauthorized or unsafe diving practices.

COR observation, dive logs, and safety documentation.

Vessel Operations

Vessel operations comply with applicable Inland Navigation Rules under 33 CFR Subchapter E, DOI/NPS boating and vessel-safety requirements, approved operational procedures, MOCC qualification, vessel-log requirements, and incident-reporting requirements applicable to the specific

100% compliance.

COR observation, vessel logs, and safety/incident documentation.

Government vessel and operation.

Required Certifications

Contractor personnel maintain all required licenses, certifications, and training throughout contract performance.

100% compliance. Certification review.

Environmental Compliance

Work is performed without avoidable damage to park resources and in accordance with environmental protection requirements.

100% compliance. COR inspections and field observations.

Safety Contractor complies with all applicable OSHA, DOI, NPS, and project-specific safety requirements.

100% compliance. Safety inspections and incident reports.

Contract Management

Contractor provides qualified personnel, maintains continuity of key personnel, responds to COR requests, and coordinates work in accordance with the contract.

Satisfactory performance throughout the contract period.

COR evaluation and contract administration records.

17. MARITIME LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Contractor shall comply with all insurance requirements established by the applicable contract clauses.

The only additional insurance requirement stated in this SOW is maritime liability coverage associated with contractor operation of Government-furnished NPS vessels.

• If Contractor personnel will operate NPS vessels, the Contractor shall maintain marine general liability and, if applicable, Protection and Indemnity (P&I) or equivalent maritime liability coverage appropriate to the services performed, with limits acceptable to the Contracting Officer.

• The Contractor shall provide evidence of the required maritime coverage upon request and shall notify the Contracting Officer of cancellation or material reduction in that coverage.