Statement of Work_USVI_MPAs.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NOAA FISHERIES/Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Lease two (2) Vessels Atlantic and Caribbean Reef Fish (Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division) Reef Visual Census Fish Surveys in US Virgin Islands Marine Protected Areas

PRISM # 143031-24-0154

I. Background/Overview:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) conducts research on federally managed marine fisheries, protected species, and the habitats that support them. As part of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Plan (NCRMP), the SEFSC conducts biennial surveys as part of a multi-agency effort to assess the fishes and corals in and around the US Virgin Islands. The NCRMP team was awarded funding by the Coral Reef Conservation Program to complete additional Reef Visual Census (RVC) fish surveys in two (2) territorial marine protected areas (MPAs); the St. Thomas East End Reserve (STEER) and the St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP). In order to successfully complete this project, as many sites as possible need to be visually surveyed to provide a robust sample size to evaluate the effectiveness of the MPAs compared to areas open to fishing (data collected by NCRMP). To facilitate thorough and efficient field surveys we require two vessels each with an experienced captain. The vessels should have ample open deck and storage space for dive equipment, scientific equipment, survey equipment, and should be capable of entering and live-boating around shallow reefs that often have significant wave action and currents.

II. Scope of Work Research aboard two (2) vessels to complete reef visual census (fish) surveys. These data will be incorporated into the database for NCRMP and will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the MPAs for reef fishes.

III. Tasks Task 1 Each vessel shall have a minimum overall length (LOA) of 32 feet and beam measuring between 10-12 feet to provide enough deck space to support dive, scientific, and survey equipment.

Task 2 Each vessel must have, in proper working order, all required United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved safety, navigation, and communication devices and equipment.

Task 3 Each vessel shall be equipped with a functioning GPS and depth sounder to facilitate navigation and dive operations in shallow water depths (5 to 15ft).

Task 4 Each vessel shall be capable of carrying up to six persons (divers and boat crew) including dive equipment (e.g., BCDs, masks, fins) and survey equipment (e.g., dive flags, dive reels, measuring sticks).

Task 5 Each vessel shall be outfitted with adequate deck space and tank racks for storing and securing up to 10 SCUBA tanks on a daily basis.

Task 6 Each vessel and captain must meet NOAA small boat safety standards as outlined in the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual Edition 4.2.

Task 7 As all diving operations must conform to the NOAA diving standards, the vessel(s) must provide an experienced NOAA certified Divemaster, or allow agency personnel (e.g., designated NOAA Divemaster, Dive Safety Officer, or NOAA Unit Dive Supervisor) on the vessel's operational control of all diving operations.

Task 8 Vessels captain shall have experience working with “live-boat” operations as no anchoring will be allowed during diving activities, emergencies excluded. Anchoring may be permitted within designated areas when no dive operations are underway.

Task 9 Each vessel must have the capability to receive up-to-date weather information. The Captains shall review and discuss weather reports on a daily basis with the Project Lead.

Task 10 The vessel must be available for dive operations from 0730 to 1800.

Task 11 The captains must be familiar with the vessels and local emergency plans in St. Thomas and St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.

Task 12 Each vessel shall have sun protection that covers the deck area.

Task 13 Each vessel shall have full swim platforms and ladders with rear deck space to allow divers to don gear, enter the water, and exit the water safely and efficiently.

IV. Period of Performance The 7-day trip on each vessel is expected to occur between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025. Scheduling will be dependent upon time of year (weather), SEFSC schedule, and contractor’s schedule.

V. Place of Performance Aboard the contracted vessel and at port while loading/unloading the vessel.

VI. Deliverable Schedule

1. Cruise scheduling can be adjusted to fit the operator's schedule; however, all cruises must be completed outside of known fish spawning aggregations. Operations should either occur from September to November, 2024 or from May to August, 2025.

2. The contractor will make the vessel available for loading at least 1 hour prior to departure.

3. Vessel must be ready each day for diving operations within 30 minutes of the daily agreed upon start time. This will be approximately 0830; however, it will be dependent on time of year (available light) and the sampling schedule for the day.

VII. Government-Furnished Resources The Government will not furnish any resources to the Contractor in support of this contract.

VIII. *SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

IX. Applicable Standards Vessel must meet all United States Coast Guard requirements. All operators shall be currently licensed by the United States Coast Guard at the required level commensurate with the vessel they are operating.

X. Special Requirements

a. Confidentiality and Data Privacy This contract may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information. Services contractors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

b. Intellectual Property Rights All deliverables are the property of the U.S. Government. All documents, analyses, files (digital or other), reports, notes and photos are to be used only by Contractor personnel assigned to this purchase order. Documents, files and other data are to be stored exclusively on Government owned equipment and at no point should be saved or archived on personal drives or devices. Copies are not to be disseminated to anyone outside of the NMFS or to any other contractor personnel without explicit release from the Government.

c. IT Security The contractor will not require access to Federal Buildings, DOC Systems and includes an IT component.

d. Section 508 Compliance Section 508 is not applicable XI. Key Personnel Required Knowledge and Experience:

Dive Master experience: International or Professional Divemaster certification with experience in vessel operations and emergency plans.

Boat Captain experience: Captain must have appropriate US Coast guard certifications and 2 or more years of experience “live boating”.

XII. Evaluation Factors: The Government will issue an order resulting from this request for quotation to the responsible offeror whose quotation results in the best value to the Government, considering both price and non-price factors. The following factors will be used to evaluate quotations:

Technical Evaluation Factors:

Factor 1--TECHNICAL APPROACH. The quotation will be evaluated on how the offer or intends to organize, staff and manage the contract, the Vessel and means that will be used to accomplish the contract requirements. The degree to which the quotation demonstrates an understanding of the requirements will be evaluated, as well as the offeror's planned management of consultants and subcontractors, if applicable.

Factor 2--EXPERIENCE. The offeror's background, experience, and qualifications will be assessed to determine the likelihood that that offeror can successfully perform the contract requirements and the degree of the risk of non-performance.

Factor 3--KEY PERSONNEL. The education, experience, and accomplishments of key personnel will be evaluated to determine the degree to which they possess the qualifications to perform their proposed duties under the contract.

Factor 4--COST/PRICE. The proposed prices/costs will be evaluated. The cost evaluation will determine whether the proposed costs are realistic, complete, and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements. Proposed costs must be entirely compatible with the technical approach.

XIII. Project Lead:

Laura Jay Grove jay.grove@noaa.gov

305-361-4479 XIV. Contractor's invoice Per NAM 1330-52.232-71 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (FEB 2023) Applicable to all awards made after October 1, 2023.

The Contractor must submit payment requests electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). The Contractor must use the IPP website to register, access, and submit payment requests. The IPP website address is https://www.ipp.gov.

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment to the Contractor. To be considered proper, invoices must be prepared in accordance with, and contain all elements specified in, the contract payment clause (e.g., FAR 52.212-4(g), FAR 52.232-25(a)(3), FAR 52.232-26(a)(2), FAR 52.232-27(a)(2)).

The Contractor must include the following documents as attachments to payment requests submitted through the IPP: [Contracting Officer list required invoice attachment(s); none if left blank].

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to submit payment requests through the IPP due to a threat to national security; a matter of unusual or compelling urgency; or because the political, financial, or communications infrastructure of a foreign country does not support access to the IPP, the Contractor must request an exception in writing. Contact the Contracting Officer for more information about requesting an exception. (End of Clause) Remember to include the provision at FAR 52.204-24, Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, and the clause at FAR 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.