26-3373_PWS_FINAL.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Hawaiʻi Shortline Fishery Monitoring Feasibility and Pilot Deployment.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Background

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering establishing a framework for the systematic monitoring of the Category II Hawaiʻi shortline fishery. It would support the collection of data necessary to determine whether the fishery may contribute to interactions with the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) insular and the pelagic false killer whale stocks.

Available information indicates overlap between the Hawaiʻi shortline fishery and habitat utilized by MHI insular and pelagic false killer whales. Existing information also indicates that approximately 30 percent of animals within the MHI insular stock show evidence of fishery interactions.

NMFS has identified electronic monitoring (EM) as a potentially practical and financially feasible monitoring solution for the Hawaiʻi shortline fishery due to limitations associated with the long-term use of human observers aboard small vessels. However, significant information gaps currently exist regarding the operational characteristics, effort distribution, vessel configurations, and logistical structure of the fishery that must be addressed prior to implementation of a long-term EM program.

1.2 Requirements

This PWS establishes the requirements for contractor support to:

● Characterize the Hawaiʻi shortline fishery;

● Assess the feasibility of EM implementation;

● Develop vessel-specific monitoring approaches;

● Conduct pilot EM deployments; and

● Support EM data analysis.

● EM Implementation Planning Support

2. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this requirement is to obtain contractor support to develop, assess, and pilot test an EM monitoring framework for the Hawaiʻi shortline fishery capable of supporting NMFS monitoring and evaluation objectives associated with false killer whale interactions.

3. SCOPE

The contractor shall provide all resources, including personnel, equipment, technical expertise, logistical support, data review support, equipment support, and implementation recommendations necessary to:

1. Characterize the Hawaiʻi shortline fishery;

2. Assess operational requirements for EM deployment;

3. Develop vessel-specific monitoring plans (VMPs);

4. Conduct pilot EM deployments;

5. Conduct EM analysis;

6. EM Implementation Planning Support

4. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, policies, and guidance documents, including but not limited to:

● Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)

● Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)

● False Killer Whale Take Reduction Plan (FKWTRP)

● NOAA and NMFS electronic monitoring guidance documents

● NOAA information security policies

Additional applicable documents may be identified by the Government after contract award.

5. DEFINITIONS

5.1 Electronic Monitoring (EM)

A system utilizing onboard cameras, sensors, associated software, and supporting infrastructure used to monitor fishing activity.

5.2 Vessel Monitoring Plan (VMP)

A vessel-specific document describing camera placement, equipment configuration, operational procedures, and data collection requirements.

5.3 Fishing Day

A calendar day during which a vessel conducts fishing operations.

5.4 Set

Deployment and retrieval of fishing gear associated with a fishing operation.

5.5 Data Review

Review and analysis of EM video and associated data for identification and documentation of events of interest.

5.6 Government

Refers to NMFS and authorized Government representatives.

5.7 Contractor

Refers to the awardee performing work under this contract.

6. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Fishery Characterization and Information Gathering

The contractor shall gather and assess information necessary to characterize the operational structure and logistics of the Hawaiʻi shortline fishery.

6.1.1 Requirements

The contractor shall:

1. Assess the estimated number of vessels participating in the Hawaiʻi shortline fishery through stakeholder interviews, analysis of CML data, coordination with NMFS partners, and other appropriate methods.

2. Assess the prevalence and operational characteristics of Hawaiʻi shortline vessels, including hybrid vessels operating under multiple fishery categories.

3. Assess available information regarding total fishing effort, including:

o Fishing frequency and location;

o Ports or origin;

o Estimated annual fishing days;

o Estimated annual number of sets;

o Estimated hooks per set;

o Range of sets conducted per fishing day.

4. Assess fishing logistics, including:

o Gear deployment methods;

o Gear retrieval methods;

o Types of gear utilized;

o Operational vessel layouts;

o Frequency and nature of depredation events.

5. Conduct outreach and information gathering activities with fishing industry participants.

The contractor is tasked to conduct outreach with fishing industry participants and coordinate with State of Hawai'i personnel. Because contractors are representing themselves in the community, contractor status must be identified when attending meetings, in telephone conversations, and in written correspondence.

6. Attend fishing community meetings or forums related to Shortline fishing up to 4 times annually

7. Coordinate, as appropriate, with State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) personnel and other identified stakeholders.

6.1.2 Deliverables

The contractor shall provide:

Deliverable Attend fishing community meetings

Frequency Up to 4x

Due Date TBD by Government

Fishery Characterization Report One-Time By Contract Completion.

Hybrid Vessel Assessment Report One-Time By Contract Completion.

Fishing Effort Assessment Report One-Time By Contract Completion.

Stakeholder Engagement Summary Monthly Monthly

6.2 – EM Feasibility Assessment and System Design

The contractor shall assess EM feasibility and develop recommendations for fishery-specific EM implementation.

6.2.1 Requirements

The contractor shall:

1. Assess camera system requirements for representative vessel types.

2. Assess required camera quantity, placement, capability, and configuration.

3. Assess trigger mechanisms and activation requirements.

4. Assess operational requirements for onboard data storage and retrieval.

5. Assess shoreside data transfer and storage requirements.

6. Assess EM review methodologies necessary to support marine mammal monitoring objectives.

7. Conduct vessel configuration reviews necessary to support development of VMPs.

8. Develop draft VMPs for participating vessels.

9. Provide technical analysis and recommendations regarding fleet coverage levels

10. Assess technical and operational limitations associated with EM implementation.

6.2.2 Deliverables

Deliverable Frequency Due Date EM Feasibility Assessment One-Time TBD by Government Vessel Monitoring Plans (Draft) As Required As available Camera Configuration Recommendations One-Time TBD by Government

Deliverable Frequency Due Date Data Management Assessment One-Time TBD by Government

6.3 – Pilot EM Deployment

The contractor shall support pilot EM deployments on selected vessels.

6.3.1 Requirements

The contractor shall:

1. Procure and install EM systems on 3 pilot vessels.

2. Configure systems consistent with approved VMPs.

3. Conduct pilot deployments on 3 vessels and 3 trips as directed by the Government.

4. Provide technical troubleshooting and maintenance support.

5. Assess effectiveness of camera configurations.

6. Assess operational impacts associated with EM deployment.

7. Assess data retrieval and transfer procedures.

8. Refine VMPs based on pilot deployment findings.

6.3.2 Deliverables

Deliverable Frequency Due Date Pilot Deployment Plan One-Time TBD by Government Pilot Deployment Summary Reports Monthly Monthly Updated Vessel Monitoring Plans As Required As available.

Technical Issue Logs Monthly Monthly

6.4 – EM Data Review and Analysis

The contractor shall conduct EM data review and analysis in support of NMFS monitoring objectives.

6.4.1 Requirements

The contractor shall:

1. Review EM footage consistent with Government-approved review protocols.

2. Determine if complete, accurate, and identifiable data was collected

3. Assess effectiveness of camera configurations.

4. Assess operational impacts associated with EM deployment.

5. Conduct quality assurance and quality control procedures.

6. Provide summary analyses and reporting.

7. Support refinement of review methodologies and camera placement

8. Support assessment of review efficiency and data storage requirements.

6.4.2 Deliverables

Deliverable Frequency Due Date Monthly Data Review Report Monthly Monthly Quality Assurance Summary Quarterly 1st of each Quarter Final Review Methodology Recommendations

One-Time TBD by Government

6.5 – Implementation Planning Support

The contractor shall support NMFS planning associated with future implementation of an operational EM program.

6.5.1 Requirements

The contractor shall:

1. Develop implementation recommendations for operational EM deployment.

2. Assess staffing and resource requirements.

3. Assess long-term review requirements.

4. Assess operational costs and logistical considerations.

5. Provide recommendations regarding implementation schedules and scaling approaches.

6. Support Government planning discussions and technical meetings.

7. Develop a Final Report assessing the feasibility of implementing EM in the fishery.

6.5.2 Deliverables

Deliverable Frequency Due Date Implementation Strategy Report One-Time At Contract

Completion Resource Requirement Assessment One-Time At Contract

Completion Long-Term Operations Recommendations One-Time At Contract

Completion

6.6 - Phase Out Plan Require the contractor to provide a Transition-Out Plan roughly 60-90 days before the contract ends.

6.6.1 Requirements

The contractor shall:

1. The Contractor will provide a Transition-Out Plan roughly 60-90 days before the contract ends.

a. This plan will detail:

i. how will all EM data be securely transferred

ii. The return or transfer ownership of the camera equipment, and

iii. The hand over any software/documentation to the Government seamlessly.

6.6.2 Deliverables

Deliverable Frequency Due Date Phase-out Plan One-Time 90 days before

Contract Expires

6.7 Performance Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels

Performance Objective

Performance Standard Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)

Method of Surveillance

Fishery Characterization Provide Fishery Characterization Report, Hybrid Vessel Assessment, and Fishing Effort Assessment.

Deliverables shall be technically accurate and submitted by required due dates. Deliverables shall include supporting methodology and assumptions.

100% on-time submission. No more than [1] revision required per deliverable to achieve COR acceptance.

100% Inspection by

COR.

EM Feasibility Assessment Assess camera system requirements and draft Vessel Monitoring Plans.

Deliverables shall be operationally feasible and support NMFS monitoring objectives.

Recommendations and plans are actionable with no more than [2] major technical flaws identified during COR review.

100% Inspection by

COR.

Pilot EM Deployment Procure and install EM systems on pilot vessels.

The contractor shall maintain operational EM systems during pilot deployments.

EM systems are operational for [90%] of scheduled fishing days.

Review of Monthly Technical Issue Logs.

Technical Troubleshooting Provide technical troubleshooting and maintenance support.

The contractor shall respond to technical issues within timelines established by the COR.

The contractor shall accurately document deployment issues and corrective actions.

Contractor responds to technical issues within [24 hours] of notification.

Corrective actions are documented with [100%] accuracy.

100% Inspection by

COR.

EM Data Review and Analysis Review EM footage consistent with Government-approved review protocols to determine feasibility.

The contractor shall accurately document review findings and maintain data integrity.

[95%] Determine if complete, accurate, and identifiable data was collected. Assess effectiveness of camera configurations and operational impacts associated with EM deployment.

Random Sampling and Quarterly Quality Assurance Summary review.

Implementation Planning Develop implementation recommendations for operational EM deployment.

Provide recommendations regarding implementation schedules and scaling approaches. Submit reports within established timelines.

100% on-time submission. Delivered plans contain all requested elements (schedules, resource requirements, and costs).

100% Inspection by

COR.

7.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

09/30/2026-09/29/2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Work shall primarily occur in Hawaiʻi on both Oahu and Hawaiʻi island (where the fishery is primarily based)

Performance may include:

● Contractor facilities;

● Fishing vessel deployments;

● Harbors and ports;

● Government offices;

● Fishing community meetings.

Specific locations shall be identified after award.

9. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION (GFI)

Yes

Potential GFI may include:

● Available fishery data;

● Existing EM guidance;

● Existing monitoring data;

● Contact information for participating entities.

10. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)

Yes. The contractor must use GFE furnished equipment.

11. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The contractor may be required to comply with NOAA or NMFS information security requirements associated with handling EM data, vessel information, or protected information.

12. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel within the Hawaiian Islands may be required. This may involve traveling to outer islands for meetings, equipment installation, or reviewing vessels to establish a VMP.

1. This may include up to 13 trips from Oahu to Hawaii Island for between 1 and 4 days.

2. All travel must be pre-approved in writing by the Contracting Officer's Representative

(COR).

3. All travel costs will be reimbursed strictly in accordance with the Federal Travel

Regulations (FTR).

13. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall provide personnel with the demonstrated technical expertise in:

● Electronic monitoring systems;

● Fisheries monitoring;

● Video review and analysis;

● Marine mammal monitoring;

● Fisheries operations;

● Data management;

● Stakeholder outreach.

14. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall provide progress reporting as directed by the COR.

Placeholder reporting requirements may include:

● Monthly progress reports;

● Quarterly status briefings;

● Technical memoranda;

● Final reports.

Final reporting schedules shall be established after award.

15. DELIVERABLE SUMMARY TABLE*

Deliverable Frequency Quantity Fishery Characterization Report One-Time 1 Hybrid Vessel Assessment One-Time 1 Fishing Effort Assessment One-Time 1 Stakeholder Engagement Summary Monthly 12 EM Feasibility Assessment One-Time 1 Vessel Monitoring Plans As Required 1 per vessel Camera Configuration Recommendations As Required 1 per vessel Data Management Assessment One-Time 1 Pilot Deployment Plan One-Time 1 Pilot Deployment Summary Reports Monthly 12 Technical Issue Logs Monthly 12 Monthly Data Review Report Monthly 12 Quality Assurance Summary Quarterly 12 Implementation Strategy Report One-Time 1 Long-Term Monitoring Recommendation Report One-Time 1 Operational EMStatus Reports Monthly

*= all deliverables will be delivered to the Contractor’s and NMFS’s Project Managers.

16. ASSUMPTIONS AND CONSTRAINTS

16.1 Assumptions

● Vessel participation is voluntary.

● Existing fishery information may be incomplete.

● Vessel configurations may vary significantly.

● EM operational requirements may vary between vessel types.

16.2 Constraints

● Small vessel layouts may limit EM configuration options.

● Connectivity limitations may affect data transfer capabilities.

● Operational fishing conditions may affect camera performance.

● Availability of existing effort data may be limited.

17. RESERVED SECTIONS

The Government reserves the right to add or modify requirements associated with, but not limited to, the following:

● Data ownership;

● Information security;

● Privacy protections;

● Protected species handling requirements;

● Cybersecurity requirements;

● Cloud storage requirements;

● Equipment standards;

● Review protocols;

● Quality assurance metrics.

Any changes to scope or contract conditions will be accomplished via contract modification.

17. RESERVED SECTIONS