9 Attachment 1 - PWS.pdf

VESSEL CHARTER FOR

2022 BERING SEA MOORINGS

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to perform the following:

Summary of Requirements:

● One (1) United States Flagged, Vessel with either:

○ A current United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Inspection (COI) inspected as: Freight Vessel (Subchapter I), Offshore Supply Vessel (Subchapter L/I) or Oceanographic Research Vessel (Subchapter U). The vessel’s COI must be endorsed for the carriage of at least 3 “persons in addition to the crew” or permit the carriage of at least 3 scientific personnel; Or:

○ A vessel operating with a valid USCG Letter of Designation (46 CFR Part 3) to operate as an Oceanographic Research Vessel are also eligible provided vessel design characteristics and stability letter permits the loading/launching/recovery of scientific gear and can accommodate at least 3 scientists as noted within this statement of work.

● An experienced captain and crew will be needed to operate the vessel and ship provided equipment and assist the scientists with oceanographic equipment deployments and recoveries from the side and stern of the vessel for 24-hour operations in the Bering Sea.

● The vessel must be capable of meeting the minimum requirements for the vessel, crew, accommodations, and operations described below.

● COVID-19 Safety protocols capable of meeting or exceeding current University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) standards.

● The vessel must be available for in-person inspection by NOAA personnel prior to order to confirm suitability for work, and any necessary modifications for safety.

Background and Objective: The specific objective of this project is to recover and deploy scientific research moorings, and deploy pop-up floats (PUFs), in the southern Bering Sea:

● At Station M2, three (3) moorings will be deployed and two (2) moorings will be recovered;

● At Station M4, two (2) moorings will be deployed and one (1) mooring may be recovered;

● At Station M5, two (2) moorings will be deployed and three (3) moorings will be recovered;

● At Station M8, four (4) moorings may be deployed and four (4) moorings may be recovered;

● At Station K1, one (1) mooring will be deployed;

● In addition, six (6) PUFs may be deployed in the vicinity of Kuskokwim Bay.

See STATION MAP below for approximate locations of stations and PUF deployments.

Period and Place of Performance:

Loading of equipment will be Dutch Harbor, AK (preferred location) or Seattle, WA (alternate location). The science personnel will embark and disembark in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The base amount of time for the charter is 8 days from Dutch Harbor. An option for up to two (2) additional days may be added in daily increments at a predetermined cost per day. If needed, the day rate for transit days to/from Dutch Harbor, AK will be negotiated.

In addition to the base charter days, a minimum of one (1) days pre-cruise and one (1) day post-cruise will be required for the loading and unloading of Government equipment. The charter is to occur in the months of August and/or September of 2022. The exact start date will be determined by the Government in consultation with the Contractor but the start date must be so the charter must be completed by September 15, 2022. Charter dates must not interfere with Indigenous subsistence whaling season. Once cruise dates are scheduled and agreed upon by all parties, any changes that would cause a cruise start delay of more than 2 days (excluding weather delays and other acts of nature) will incur a monetary penalty amounting to 50% of the daily rate for the total number of days the cruise start is delayed. Further, any delays will be added to the end of the cruise (e.g. a delay of 2 days to the scheduled start date will result in 2 extra days added to the original end date). If delays push the end of the cruise past September 15th, the Government reserves the right to shorten the length of the cruise and modify the cruise track at the expense of the Contractor. Delays to the end of the cruise of more than 7 days will also incur a monetary penalty amounting to 50% of the daily rate for the total number of days the cruise start is delayed.

Delays incur significant costs to the government (affecting travel dates, load dates, and timelines for transportation/storage of gear) and increase risk to personnel by potentially compromising COVID-19 safety protocols.

Mobilization, Demobilization Requirements: The mobilization (i.e., the loading) of Government equipment shall take place at a pier arranged by the Contractor. Estimated pier space required to accommodate one (1) 40-foot container with equipment. The pier must be accessible by vehicle for loading and be able to handle the weight of the equipment to be loaded. The Contractor will be responsible for loading science equipment onto the vessel using either the ship’s crane or shore-side crane. The schedule for loading equipment onto the Contractor’s vessel will be at the discretion of the Captain in consultation with the Chief Scientist and lead logistics coordinator prior to the start of the mission. The Chief Scientist must be able to have direct communication with the Captain, via phone and/or email, at least 1 month prior to loading. All Government-Provided equipment will be brought to the ship by the government in Seattle or a mutually agreed location to facilitate loading.

The demobilization (i.e., unloading) of Government equipment shall take place at a pier arranged by the Contractor in Dutch Harbor, AK (preferred location) or Seattle, WA (alternate location).

The pier must be accessible by vehicle for unloading and be able to handle the weight of the equipment to be loaded. The Contractor will be responsible for unloading science equipment onto the pier using either the ship’s crane or shore-side crane.

The Contractor shall be responsible for arranging all pier space and paying moorage fees associated with mobilization/gear loading, embarkation of science party in Alaska, and post-cruise disembarkation/demobilization.

1. MINIMUM VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS

1.1. One (1) United States Flagged, Vessel with either:

1.1.1. A current United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Inspection (COI) inspected as: Freight Vessel (Subchapter I), Offshore Supply Vessel (Subchapter L/I) or Oceanographic Research Vessel (Subchapter U). The vessel’s COI must be endorsed for the carriage of at least 3 “persons in addition to the crew” or permit the carriage of at least 3 scientific personnel, and must be in effect at the time of contract signatures by both parties;

1.1.2. Or, a vessel operating with a valid USCG Letter of Designation (46 CFR Part

3) to operate as an Oceanographic Research Vessel are also eligible provided vessel design characteristics and stability letter permits the loading/launching/recovery of scientific gear and accommodate at least 3 scientists as noted within this statement of work.

1.1.3. Contractor must provide the ship's list of equipment to verify capabilities and specifications of the vessel. These capabilities and specifications will be confirmed during the required in-person inspection prior to award.

1.2. The vessel must have a crane, A-frame, or J-frame capable of safely deploying and retrieving oceanographic mooring equipment (up 2,000 pounds) off of the stern or side of the vessel.

1.3. Minimum working deck space required for operations off of the stern is 600 square feet, unobstructed. The deck work area(s) must be clear of the ship’s running gear, equipment, and gear stowage.

1.4. The vessel must have an A-frame on the stern of the vessel capable of recovering and deploying surface and subsurface moorings. The A-frame must have a minimum horizontal span of 8’, a minimum height of 12’ and a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 12,000 lbs. The A-frame must have at least three (3) attachment points on the top for pulleys/sheaves, with one (1) in the center.

1.5. The vessel must provide two winches on the back deck to assist with the mooring work off the stern:

1.5.1. The first winch shall be mounted to the A-frame and be capable of handling up to 4,000 lbs;

1.5.2. The second winch shall be mounted on deck and have a minimum of 300 m cable, and a pull capacity of 5,000 lbs.

1.5.2.1. If a suitable second winch is not available, the vessel must have sufficient deck space to mount a Government Furnished hydraulic winch for mooring work. This winch requires connection to the vessel’s hydraulic system (at least 2500 psi). A valve must be placed in line to assure simultaneous operability of the A-frame and this winch.

1.6. Working decks must be kept as dry as possible to maintain traction. Maximum deck wash (seawater coming over the back deck) must be less than 4 inches in 6 foot seas.

1.7. The vessel must have a crane capable of 2 tons SWL at full extension and must be able to reach 25 feet off the side of the vessel and capability to access a large majority of the back deck, including the area under the A-frame.

1.8. The vessel must have a small work boat capable of carrying 2 science personnel and small boat crew to assist with deploying and retrieving small (less than 170 lbs) oceanographic equipment and to assist with the recovery and repair of moorings if necessary. The small boat must have soft side rails (e.g.- rigid hulled inflatable).

1.9. Adequate stability to accommodate loading approximately 35,000 lbs of gear on deck.

1.10. A minimum of 600 square feet of deck space for mooring equipment.

1.11. Maintain minimum cruising speed of 10 kts in low sea states, and ability to maneuver at speeds between 1-3 knots.

1.12. Equipped with electronic navigational and communication equipment in compliance with industry safety standards. All communication equipment shall be tested and in good operating condition before the charter cruise begins. Minimum requirements are:

1.12.1. Two (2) all-weather radars with at least a 48-mile maximum range.

1.12.2. At least one (1) very high frequency (VHF) radio with a fixed installation.

1.12.3. At least one (1) synthesized 1-18 megahertz (MHz) single-side band (SSB) radio capable of communicating with AT&T High Seas Marine Operator.

1.12.4. A system for switching to backup power (e.g., battery) for radio operation in the event of interruption of the normal power supply.

1.12.5. Two (2) Global Positioning System (GPS) units.

1.12.6. One (1) fax machine capable of receiving weather information, or equivalent.

1.13. Capable of safely loading and off-loading the scientific party and scientific gear.

Crew will operate the ship's crane for loading and off-loading scientific equipment.

A shore-side crane can be used to satisfy this requirement.

1.14. Comply with the safety requirements set forth in 46 CFR Part 28 Subpart C (Requirements for Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels).

1.15. USCG-approved survival suits and Type I personal floatation devices, which are in compliance with operational safety standards, for all scientists and crew. The Government will verify that the Contractor has current inspection certificates for all survival gear as soon as possible after contract award, but no later than one month prior to the vessel’s departure to ensure that all items are in acceptable condition.

1.16. The vessel shall carry an up-to-date emergency trauma first aid kit in compliance with industry safety standards (all medications and solutions should be within their date of expiration). It shall be stocked to provide first aid supplies for scientists plus vessel crew. At a minimum, this kit should be equivalent to the Marine 3500 made by Adventure Medical Kits ((https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/marine/marine-3500.html) and supplemented with a box of nitrile gloves, non-contact thermometers, oxygen therapy bottles, and an AED. The Government will inspect the kit at least one month prior to the vessel’s departure or as soon as possible after contract award to ensure that all items are unexpired and the kit is inclusive of all necessary items.

1.17. A Category I 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the USCG. The EPIRB must be up to date on all USCG registration and inspection.

1.18. The ship’s general alarm must be audible from all sleeping and working locations.

1.19. Smoke alarms must be wired into the ship’s electrical panel.

2. MORE FAVORABLE VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS

2.1. Cruising speed of more than 10 knots is highly desirable.

2.2. Length overall (LOA) of at least 150 feet. There is no maximum length of vessel for this requirement.

2.3. Additional deck space and weight carrying capacity beyond the minimum required for mooring equipment.

2.4. Additional maneuverability of the vessel such as a dynamic positioning system.

2.5. Access to satellite internet for the scientific party with cost included in daily rate.

3. COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

3.1. Scientists embarking on the vessel will follow established protocols by either the

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Marine https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/marine/marine-3500.html https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/marine/marine-3500.html and Aviation Operations (OMAO) or UNOLS, whichever is more strict, for going aboard ocean going vessels. The latest protocols will be shared and reviewed with the contractor. At a minimum, the contractor’s protocol for the ship’s crew must follow either of these protocols.

3.2. Specific protocols to be followed during pre-cruise loading and post-cruise demobilization shall include (at a minimum) the wearing of face coverings by all personnel, and rapid molecular testing prior to embarking the vessel.

3.3. A negative PCR test must be obtained within 24 hours of the ship’s departure and results verified confidentially between the ship’s medical officer and the Chief Scientist. All personnel (scientists and crew) must submit to a CDC approved rapid molecular testing result prior to embarking the vessel.

3.4. Rapid antigen tests must be provided by the Contractor and carried onboard for testing underway. Enough tests must be available to administer a minimum of three

(3) tests to all crew and scientists.

3.5. COVID-19 response and mitigation plan details must be discussed and agreed upon in writing between the vessel captain and Chief Scientist prior to embarking. Details of the plan must include, at a minimum:

3.5.1. a list of potential ports with adequate medical facilities for treating COVID positive patients;

3.5.2. plan for daily monitoring and recording of temperature and blood oxygen levels and COVID symptoms for 10-days prior to departure;

3.5.3. plan for daily monitoring of temperature and blood oxygen levels and COVID symptoms;

3.5.4. plan for testing symptomatic personnel; plan for onboard quarantine of confirmed positive patient (and roommate);

3.5.5. A communication plan that includes the Chief Scientist, Captain, Medical Officer, and appropriate shoreside personnel to inform all parties in the event of a confirmed positive case or personnel developing symptoms.

3.6. A final COVID-19 mitigation plan, based on current conditions at the time of the field work, will be agreed upon between the contractor and the government at least 1 (one) month in advance of the cruise start date. The full underway team (science party, Captain, and crew) will participate in a pre-cruise planning meeting (virtual or in-person as agreed) approximately 1 (one) month prior to the final departure date in which the COVID-19 mitigation plan will be shared and briefed out. After being briefed on the details of the COVID-19 response and mitigation plan all personnel onboard (crew and scientists) shall sign an acknowledgement of adherence to the policy prior to departure from the dock to initiate the cruise.

3.7. Failure to enforce or follow agreed-upon COVID-19 protocols while underway or loading/demobilizing at the dock is considered a serious safety violation and may result in termination of the contract, at the discretion of the Government under the “Termination for Cause” paragraph of FAR 52.212-4, and in consequent liability of the contractor to the Government for any costs incurred, as well as debarment, suspension or similar action from future participation in government contracts.

4. MINIMUM CREW REQUIREMENTS

4.1. Crew must be capable of conducting mooring operations during daylight hours, 7 days a week.

4.2. All licensed deck and engineering officers must have the appropriate licenses

(horsepower/tonnage, oceans) and training for the size of the vessel.

4.3. The crew assisting the scientists must be able to safely operate ship equipment.

There shall be at least two (2) crew members available on deck for all scientific operations, one to operate ship deployment equipment and one to assist the scientific party.

4.4. At least two crewmembers must be currently certified in first aid or emergency medical technician, CPR and AED use.

4.5. At least two crewmembers must be formally trained in survival skills and firefighting at a level equivalent to that offered by the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association (http://npfvoa.org/vessel-safety-classes/).

4.6. At least one crewmember must be qualified and trained as a Medical Person In Charge (MPIC). The MPIC would preferably be a crewmember other than the Captain.

4.7. The contractor shall provide safe, efficient working conditions and accommodations to the Government personnel free from violence, threats of violence, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and other disruptive behavior. The contractor, its agents, subcontractors, and employees, including the Captain and crew of the vessel shall not harass, assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, threaten, interfere with or make unwelcome advances toward any member of the Government field party. Violation under this clause may result in termination of the contract, at the discretion of the Government under the “Termination for Cause” paragraph of FAR 52.212-4, and in consequent liability of the contractor to the Government for any costs incurred, as well as debarment, suspension or similar action from future participation in government contracts.

4.8. The possession or use of intoxicating liquor and/or illegal drugs by any person on the vessel is not permitted and may be grounds for termination of this contract by the Government.

5. MORE FAVORABLE CREW REQUIREMENTS

5.1. The Captain has a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a master of a vessel comparable in size to the vessel selected and at least one-year experience aboard the vessel.

5.2. Crew members have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in crewing vessels.

5.3. Captain and vessel have experience with prior oceanographic research cruises.

Additional crew experience completing science missions is desirable.

5.4. Two or more crew members with Medical Person in Charge (MPIC) or equivalent/additional medical training is desirable.

5.5. Captain and all mates and engineers should have experience with Bering Sea operations including sailing in icebound and ice covered waters.

6. MINIMUM ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS

6.1. Accommodations for a scientific party of three (3) that could include female and male personnel. (Males and females will require separate berthing.) The scientific http://npfvoa.org/vessel-safety-classes/ http://npfvoa.org/vessel-safety-classes/ party will consist of United States Government employees and their contractors and volunteers, and may include employees of other nationalities.

6.2. Berthing spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from excessive engine noise and fumes.

6.3. Clean mattresses, covers, bedding, and blankets shall be provided by the Contractor.

Contractor will be required to clarify provided linens prior to cruise.

6.4. Suitable sanitary accommodations, including availability of at least two (2) heads for shared use and at least two (2) hot, fresh-water showers shall be available. Soap, toilet paper, and paper towels shall be provided by the Contractor.

6.5. Meals

6.5.1. Three (3) balanced, nutritious meals shall be provided by the Contractor per day.

6.5.2. Any food allergy information of prospective scientific party members or other special food requirements will be provided to the Contractor at least two (2) weeks prior to sailing to allow for proper provisioning by the contractor.

6.5.3. Water, juice, coffee, fruit, and snacks shall be available throughout the day.

6.5.4. Due to the nature of the operation, meal hours must be flexible. The Captain and Chief Scientist will set meal hours that are mutually agreeable on a daily basis.

7. MORE FAVORABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS

7.1. The scientific party accommodations are separate from the crew.

7.2. No more than 2 persons per stateroom for all science berthing.

7.3. One room to be held aside for quarantine if necessary.

7.4. Galley/mess capacity or other common space to seat 4 or more persons is desirable.

7.5. Higher speed internet connection is desirable.

8. OPERATING PROCEDURES

8.1. All operations shall be conducted at the discretion of the Vessel Captain and the

Chief Scientist or designee depending on weather, research needs, and available time. The specific itinerary of the charter cruise will be flexible to allow for interruption of work by poor weather or equipment problems, and to maximize efficiency in the working area. Any personnel have the right to call a safety pause to operations if unsafe conditions are observed during loading or underway operations.

8.2. All required scientific collection permits will be obtained by the Government prior to the charter..

8.3. Smoking shall be prohibited in all interior spaces occupied by or utilized by the Scientific Field Party. No smoking may take place near oceanographic equipment deployed on deck or samples secured on deck to avoid contamination.

8.4. While in the oceanographic working area, operations may require the vessel to make frequent stops and remain in certain positions during oceanographic sampling activities. Vessel crew, when not required by the Captain for vessel operations, shall assist the scientific party during mooring activities.

8.5. Operations will be conducted during daylight hours, 7 days each week.

8.6. The Chief Scientist and Captain shall meet once a day to discuss mooring operations and resolve any problems that occur.

8.7. The Chief Scientist and Captain shall work together to resolve all problems that occur regarding the charter and survey while at sea. In the event the Chief Scientist and Captain are unable to resolve any problem that has the potential for invalidating the survey or threatens the safety of the field party, the Chief Scientist will direct the vessel to return to port where an acceptable solution will be arranged between the Government and the Contractor, or the charter will be terminated. The vessel will be off-charter if required to return to port and will remain off-charter until the problem has been resolved and the vessel has returned to the survey area.

8.8. The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow all safety procedures as directed by the Chief Scientist to help prevent damage to or loss of Government gear and equipment. Specific safety procedures may be presented in writing to the Captain by the Chief Scientist. Repair or replacement costs may be deducted from charter payments if loss or damage to Government equipment is the result of negligent disregard of such instructions and procedures.

9. SAFETY PROCEDURES

9.1. The Captain is responsible for all matters relating to the safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Captain shall adhere at all times to Navigational Rules and Rules of the Road.

9.2. Safety orientation shall be given on the first day by the vessel master or designee to all scientists aboard, including location of exits, locations and operation of life rafts, communications, storage of life jackets and immersion suits, vessel evacuation and man overboard procedures and procedures for evacuation of vessel in the event of an emergency.

9.3. At a minimum one fire drill and abandon ship drill, including alarm signals and full musters, shall be conducted by the Captain within 24 hours at the beginning of the cruise and weekly thereafter.

10. MAJOR EQUIPMENT LIST (FOR USE BY GOVERNMENT ONLY)

Description Detail

Science gear for Mooring operations (anchors, floats, lines, towers, and instruments)

~35,000 lbs

Science personnel gear and personal supplies

~1,000 lbs

11. STATION MAP

12. STATION LIST