AB133F16RQ0033_A0001.pdf

NSN 7540-01-152-8070 STANDARD FORM 30. (Rev. 10-83) Previous Edition unusable Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Page of Pages AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. Contract ID Code

2. AMENDMENT MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (if applicable)

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6) CODE

(x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (NO., Street, Country, State and ZIP Code)

CODE FACILITY CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning ______ copies of amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OR OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

Check One

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

FISHERY OBSERVER SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE'S SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES DIVISION

1 12

A0001 JAN 21, 2016 NFFP5000-15-03416

AJ630031

WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE, SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

See Block 6

AB-133F-16-RQ-0033

JAN 07, 2016

See Schedule

Attachment Page

PAGE 2 OF 12 AB-133F-16-RQ-0033/A0001

Amendment A0001 to Solicitation AB-133F-16-RQ-0033 is issued to address vendor inquiries as follows:

Q1. Can descriptions be provided for the labor categories listed in the wage determination (Fishery Observer I, II, III)?

A1. The following paragraph is incorporated into the solicitation:

LABOR CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

FISHERY OBSERVER (Occupational Base):

The Fishery Observer is responsible to observe and document fishery catch composition and disposition, including takes of protected species (marine mammals, sea birds, sea turtles) and fishery discards. Duties may also include the following: biological sampling, monitoring of compliance with fishery regulations, environmental monitoring, collection of information on vessel and gear performance and characteristics, and collection of information on costs associated with fishing operations.

FISHERY OBSERVER I:

The Fishery Observer I performs routine tasks associated with recurring and continuing work according to prescribed or established procedural standards and technical methods assigned, assures that tasks are completed, data developed, methods used in securing and verifying data are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions and established procedures. This worker makes estimates of amounts and species composition of fish caught, retained and discarded, using at a minimum, simple, single stage sampling techniques and dichotomous keys, and collects biological samples from the catch of various fisheries according to detailed procedures. According to established standards and detailed procedures, this observer records data on appropriate forms and logs, some of which may be electronic, maintains field equipment and supplies, collects scientific, management, compliance information, and make observations of fishing operations. This worker measures selected portions of catch including incidentally caught marine mammals, sea birds and sea turtles. This incumbent may tag species of interest including sharks, tunas, sablefish, spiny lobsters, swordfish and sea turtles, and uses calculator and or PC for calculations and recording data. The Fishery Observer I obtains, enters and transfers data electronically, obtains and records information on electronic equipment, socio-economics and gear characteristics of fishing gear types while working either on board vessels, on alternative platform, or at a shore-based facility. This observer may use interpersonal communication skills to contact fishermen and schedule observer sampling trips, observe and document compliance with fishery regulations, write affidavits, camp at remote sites and may operate All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) and skiffs.

FISHERY OBSERVER II:

The Fishery Observer II independently executes duties, while learning when and how to resolve exceptions and special problems or to make adaptations in the procedures, makes estimates of amounts and species composition of fish caught, retained and discarded, utilizing knowledge of various statistically valid sampling methods and dichotomous keys; and collects biological samples from the catch of various fisheries according to detailed program and gear scientific procedures. According to established standards and detailed procedures, this observer records data on appropriate forms and logs, some of which may be electronic, and supplies in-season reports. Maintains field equipment and supplies. This incumbent collects scientific, management, compliance information, observations of fishing operations, and measures selected portions of catch including incidentally caught marine mammals, sea birds and sea turtles. This observer participates in tagging species of interest including sharks, tunas, sablefish, spiny lobsters, swordfish and sea turtles, and uses calculator and/or PC for calculations and recordings data. The worker may enter and transfer data electronically, obtains and records information on electronic equipment, socio-economics and gear characteristics of fishing gear types while working either on board vessels, on an alternative platform, or at shore-based facility; uses knowledge of

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interpersonal and communication skills while contacting fishermen to schedule observer sampling trips; and may coordinate observer activities with appropriate State agencies. This person may observe and document compliance with fishery regulations, write affidavits, camp at remote sites, operate All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV’s) and skiffs, and may participate in aerial surveys and vessel surveys to provide abundance data or describe fisheries to be used in observer data analysis and program.

FISHERY OBSERVER III:

The Fishery Observer III acts as field coordinator and primary debriefed of lower graded Fishery Observers, oversees and tracks debriefing lower graded Fishery Observers, final data review, data editing and entry, demonstrate extensive familiarity of methods, procedures and management to ensure proper day-to-day operations. 130 This worker shifts from one type of responsible technical assignment to other types, which are different in terms of equipment used. This person acts as primary field contact to address sampling, data, and deployment issues, makes recommendations so as to increase the efficiency of recruiting, training, and safety components of the program, supplies in-season reports, and Independently executes duties, while learning when and how to resolve exceptions in the procedures. The Fishery Observer III does the following: collects biological samples from the catch of various fisheries according to detailed program and gear specific procedures, makes estimates of amount and species composition of fish caught, retained and discarded, utilizing knowledge of various statistically valid sampling and sub-sampling methods and dichotomous keys. According to established standards and detailed procedures, this incumbent records data on appropriate forms and logs, some of which may be electronic and provide recommendations for updates, oversees the maintenance of field equipment and supplies, uses and completes a pre-boarding vessel safety checklist; collect scientific, management, compliance information, observations of fishing operation, and measure selected portions of catch including incidentally caught marine mammals, sea birds and sea turtles, participates in tagging species of interest including sharks, tunas, sablefish, spiny lobster, swordfish and sea turtles, uses a calculator and/or PC for calculations and recording data. This incumbent obtains and records information on electronic equipment, socio-economics and gear characteristics of fishing gear types while working either on board vessels, on an alternative platform, or at a shore-based facility, uses knowledge of interpersonal and communication skills while contacting fishermen to schedule observer sampling trips and coordinate observer activities with appropriate State agencies; observes and documents compliance with fishery regulations, and write affidavits as required, camps at remote sites, operates All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) and skiffs as required, participates in aerial surveys and vessel surveys to provide abundance data or describe fisheries to be used in observer data analysis and program design.

Q2. How many hours does the average debriefing take to complete?

A2. Section 3.2.3 of the solicitation has been updated to include this information as follows, changes are highlighted:

3.2.3 Observer Duties and Data Collection Requirements

(a) Observers are required to collect scientific, management, compliance, and other data at sea through interviews of vessel captains and crew; observations of fishing operations; sampling catch; measuring selected portions of the catch and fishing gear; and collecting samples. Observer coverage is mandated by a number of statutes and is an integral part of the regulations. These authorities empower the Observer to perform certain functions aboard vessels as well as afford protection to the Observer against interference and intimidation in the course of performing his/her duties.

(b) Observers are required to collect biological samples from the catch of fisheries according to detailed procedures in the Observer Program Manual and Biological Sampling Manual (copies available for specific fisheries online from links at the NMFS National Observer Program website: http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/observer-

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home/). These data include those collected once per deployment; those collected with each change of fishing gear; those collected at the beginning and end of each tow; and those collected during the deployment cruise. These data are recorded electronically or on data sheets provided by the Government.

(c) The Observer is required to collect data on fishing effort, location, and retained and discarded catch for each gear deployment that occurs while the Observer is aboard the vessel. The Observer Sampling Manual describes required data collection protocols for gear deployment that the Observer sees as well as those not observed.

(d) The Observer is required to collect length measurements, age, and biological samples from segments of the catch. Required Observer protocols, priorities, and data/sample collection procedures are detailed in the Observer manual.

(e) The Observer shall also collect information on any incidentally captured marine mammals, sea turtles, sea birds and other protected species, including, but not limited to: location of take, biopsies, biological samples, measurements, photos, and written descriptions of the incidental capture and condition of the animal. When protected species are caught, the primary responsibility of the Observer shall be to handle and release the protected species.

(f) The Observer shall participate in all required debriefings. Debriefing of the Observer ensures that the data are complete and as accurate as possible before computer audits are run. Debriefing also provides immediate feedback to the Observer in the field in order that errors may be corrected immediately. Debriefings shall occur on a regular basis and as frequently as possible. Government staff will debrief new Observers after each of their first two deployments. The Government will debrief returning Observers after their first deployment each year. The Contractor’s Project Manager or Observer Coordinator shall conduct all subsequent debriefings with the Observer. The Government will debrief pelagic longline Observers after every completed longline trip.

The Contractor is responsible to ensure that each Observer reports within two (2) business days of returning from a fishing trip to the NMFS West Coast Regional Office in Long Beach, CA, for Government-conducted debriefing procedures. Should circumstances arise where the Observer is unable to report within the two (2) business days of returning from a fishing trip, the Contractor shall immediately contact the COR and request a time extension. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and granted, as deemed appropriate, by the COR, however, all debriefings shall be conducted in person. The actual observer debriefing will typically take less than one day.

Debriefings shall consist of: 1) reviewing sampling methods and answering Observer questions; 2) reviewing preliminary data; 3) correcting any data errors; 4) reviewing any other past errors or changes in sampling techniques or recorded on forms; 5) reviewing any logistical problems or concerns encountered by the Observer; and 6) providing the Observer with any updates on modifications to sampling procedures or other program information. The Observer shall turn in all completed forms, film, and samples and request or exchange gear and other supplies at the time of the debriefing.

Every Observer shall have a final debriefing at the close of the fishing season or at the end of the Observer’s deployment.

(g) At the completion of an Observer’s deployment(s) on a single vessel (there may be multiple deployments on a single vessel), the Observer is required to complete a vessel survey and provide this information to the Contractor and the Government. The vessel survey asks questions regarding the accommodations, food, sampling station and other data collection activities. The Government will provide the Contractor a NMFS vessel survey form. The Contractor shall ensure that surveys are collected and forwarded to the Government within 7 business days of completion of the final deployment.

(h) An Observer who encounters captains or vessel owners operating in fisheries requiring mandatory Observer coverage who refuse to accept them on their vessel for

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deployments shall provide documentation of the refusal to the Project Manager. The Project Manager shall provide this documentation via e-mail or hard copy to the COR the day of the event. This documentation shall be of sufficient substance and detail to be usable for enforcement actions. Narrative shall be provided to completely answer the following guideline questions: who, what, when, why, and where.

(i) The Observer may be required to serve as Biological Technicians on NMFS research cruises when commercial fishing activity is low. Hours required for this work varies and averages between 4-8 hours in length as required. Such duties as a Biological Technician when aboard NOAA research vessel or a vessel contracted or approved to perform fishery research may include any of the following depending on type of survey being conducted:

- Deploy, operate, and retrieve underwater cameras and fish traps;

- Assist in plankton tows, sort and preserve plankton samples, record biological and physical station information;

- Cut bait, bait hooks, assist in setting and retrieving long-line, count unbaited hooks, compile and record necessary data as instructed (type hook, what is on hook when retrieved, hook set and retrieve time, depth and temperature info, download depths and temperature), operate FSCS and SCS systems; and

- Visually search water surface for marine mammals and other marine life, identify and enumerate sighted marine life, deploy and retrieve CTD, collect and analyze water samples, take photographs and videos of marine mammals, complete marine mammal sighting data forms, assist in equipment care and maintenance, assist with data editing and management each day.

When Observers serve aboard research vessels they will be provided all meals and required equipment and supplies to perform their official observer duties. Personal items will not be provided to the observers, these items are the observer’s responsibility.

Q3. How many hours per day, working in the capacity of a Technician on research cruises, do observers work when at sea working on a research cruise?

A3: Hours required for this work varies and averages between 4-8 hours in length as required, see A2 above.

Q4. On page 24 of the RFQ under Key Personnel the key personnel identified is referred to as “Project Manager.”

On page 45 of the RFQ (f) there is reference to the “Contractor’s Program Manager.” Please confirm which title should be used in our proposal to identify the key personnel.

A4: Project Manager, see A2 above.

Q5. Are all debriefings conducted in person or are some completed via phone or some other communication method?

A5: Debriefings are to be conducted in person, see A2 above.

Q6. Where is the data entry described in section 3 of the PWS completed? Are the computers listed in the Government Furnished Equipment, Attachment #1 used for the electronic submission of data by the observers?

A6. Section 3 of the solicitation has been updated to include this information as follows, changes are

3. Data Entry

Electronic data entry by Observers is required and shall be managed by the Contractor in coordination with the COR. Data entry shall be completed at the Contractor’s facility on Government-provided computers. Dataset shall be delivered to the Government following the completion of each fishing season. Submission of Observer

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data to the program manager shall be accomplished in a timely manner in compliance with Section C – CONTRACT CLAUSES, Paragraph titled: DELIVERY SCHEDULES. The Contractor shall work with the COR to establish the appropriate means to transfer the electronic data to the COR and/or to establish a shared network database.

Q7. Does the government provide storage space for the observer equipment? If so where is the gear stored?

A7. Section 3.3.3 of the solicitation has been updated to include this information as follows, changes are

3.3.3 Gear Acquisition and Maintenance

The Government will provide existing and presently held Observer gear, equipment, and supplies to the Contractor after award. Once the Government has provided all existing gear, equipment, and supplies to the Contractor, an inventory list shall be established, agreed to by both parties as to the accuracy, and thereafter shall be maintained and stored by the Contractor. The Contractor shall properly maintain and re-supply all Observer gear, equipment, and supplies throughout the Period of Performance of the contract. The Contractor shall provide an annual equipment and gear inventory by May 15th of each year. Equipment and gear should be inspected and repaired in accordance with manufacturers specification as needed and at a minimum of once per year. Newly acquired gear must be approved by the Government and of the same quality as the originally provided Government gear. Observer gear and Contractor’s tracking and maintenance of such gear is subject to periodic audit by the Government.

The Government retains the right to modify gear specifications and requirements to meet research collection needs. Upon completion or termination of the contract, all Government property, equipment, gear and supplies shall be inventoried again and the list provided to the Government COR for review and acceptance by the Government.

Actual return of Government property shall be coordinated with the Government COR.

Q8. On average how many 1-day briefings and 5- day briefings are completed each year?

A8: Section 3.3.2 of the solicitation has been updated to include this information as follows, changes are

3.3.2 Observer Training

Prospective Observer candidates must complete a two (2) week training course conducted by the Government. Prospective Observer candidates must pass written tests with an overall average score of 85% or greater, meet all safety requirements, and must demonstrate their potential to collect accurate field data, exercise astuteness, and react to unfamiliar situations at sea in a professional manner. Prospective Observer candidates must pass the species identification final with a score of 85% or greater.

Prospective Observer candidates must attend each (8-hour) day of scheduled training to pass the class, unless otherwise previously approved by the training instructor and COR. Typically most of the training, briefing and debriefing will occur at the West Coast Region Office in Long Beach. Portions of training/briefing will be conducted at a pool in Long Beach, the port of Los Angeles/Long Beach or San Diego, USCG Sector LA/LB and the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla.

Qualification for sea duty is determined by passing the Government-conducted Observer training and Government training staff assessments. During the first three (3) vessel assignments, Observers are considered to be in a probationary status. Observers are recognized by the Government as bona fide Observers with the successful completion of three (3) vessel assignments.

The Government conducted Observer Training Curriculum includes:

(a) Observer Mission and Purpose

(b) Observer Guidelines & Responsibilities

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(c) Observer Duties

(d) Fishing Operations

(e) Data Collection Procedures

(f) Sea Turtle Identification

(g) Marine Mammal Identification

(h) Seabird Identification

(i) Fish Identification

(j) Specimen Collection Procedures

(k) Safety aboard Commercial Fishing Vessels

(l) Conflict Resolution at Sea

(m) Radio Communication

(n) Federal Regulations/NMFS Enforcement

The Contractor shall provide the Government with at least thirty (30) calendar days advance notice if additional Observer training will be needed beyond the currently scheduled training. The Government currently anticipates that a maximum of one (1), two-week (8 hours day/5 days per week) training session and one (1) one-week briefing session will be conducted per contract year, unless otherwise scheduled and arranged for by the Government COR. Training needs in option periods are anticipated to follow this same schedule. Any additional training beyond the currently scheduled training is at the discretion of the Government. Typically one, 5-day briefing per year prior to the beginning of drift gillnet season for all returning observers is required.

(Additional 1 day briefings may be required in order to train observers for additional data collections prior to their first trip in a fishery).

The Contractor shall submit to the Government COR, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the beginning date of a scheduled Observer training or briefing session, the following information:

- A list of proposed qualified candidates to attend training, upon approval by the Government,

- A certified copy of each proposed candidate’s academic transcripts;

- A copy of each proposed candidate’s resume if specialized experience is being substituted for marine science or fisheries course work;

- A completed "Authorization for Release of Information" form from each proposed candidate;

- A "Security Coversheet for Non-Employees" form for each proposed candidate;

- A proof of medical fitness;

- A proof of CPR and First-Aid Certification; and

A “refresher” or “briefing session” is required for those individuals who have previously successfully completed a two (2) week Observer training course conducted by the Government, and have successfully completed three (3) observed trips, but have not observed in West Coast Region Observer Program during the previous 6 months. The session shall be scheduled with the Government COR. If the Observer has not observed in the West Coast Region Observer Program for more than 6 months but less than one (1) year, they are required to take a one (1) day briefing session before they will be eligible to go to sea. If the Observer has not observed in the West Coast Region Observer Program for more than 1 year but less than 2 years, they are required to take a five (5) day briefing session before they will be eligible to go to sea. If the Observer has not observed for the West Coast Region Observer Program in the previous 2 years (24 months), the Observer will be required to retake the two (2) week Observer training course. In addition, each Observer must have a five (5) day briefing session annually. One training or briefing per year is required, either the initial two week or the scheduled briefing (This may be less than a year from the initial training, (i.e.

September 2016 and August 2017) but only one training per drift gillnet season is required).

The Government COR retains the right to reject any proposed Observer candidate who:

(1) does not meet the required qualifications or standards as identified herein, (2) has a previous unsatisfactory performance history, i.e., failure to report/complete debriefing procedures or data found to be false, inaccurate, or incomplete; and/or (3)

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has had previous behavioral issues on prior assignments, i.e., disruptive or jeopardized the credibility of the Observer program.

Q9: Where will Government-conducted training, briefing and debriefing take place?

A9: Typically most of the debriefing will occur at the West Coast Region Office in Long Beach, see A8 above.

Q10. Are observers who complete the two week training required to complete a 5 day briefing within the same year?

A10. No, See A8 above.

Q11. Section 3.3.12 states that while at sea observers work an average of 8 hours per day. Are the observers permitted to stop working while at sea to avoid exceeding an 8 hour average?

A11. Section 3.3.12 of the solicitation has been updated to include this information as follows, changes are

3.3.12 Observer Workday

When at sea, Observers may work an average of eight (8) hours per day, as the sole Contractor employee aboard privately owned commercial fishing vessels, but may be required to work more than 8 hours in the event that fishing operations and specimen collecting beyond 8 hours is necessary. Observers collect required information to assess the involvement of target species, sea turtles, sea birds, marine mammals, other protected species, and other bycatch. An “observed sea day” commences once the vessel has left port and concludes when the vessel returns to port. Observers shall be compensated for each day on-board the vessel until it returns to port, i.e., traveling to pick up crew, traveling to fishing grounds, actual fishing time, traveling between fishing grounds, or in route returning to port. Following trip completion, observers average 4-5 hours per day for debriefing and data entry. The Contractor shall adhere to the requirements of the Service Contract Act (SCA) and applicable Department of Labor (DOL) Wage Rate Determination when calculating and paying salaries and benefits to Observers. Overtime shall be paid in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other applicable labor laws, whether work is performed inside or outside U.S. territorial waters, or seaward of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.

Q12. After a trip completion how many hours per day on average do observers work to complete post trip data entry and other duties?

A12. Following trip completion, observers average 4-5 hours per day for debriefing and data entry, see A11 above.

Q13. Will the government provide the number of sea days completed by line item each year for at least the last two years?

A13. The following information is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee the current requirement will follow this structure:

In Fiscal Year 2013: 136 drift gillnet sea days, 92 longline sea days and 54 set gillnet sea days were competed.

In Fiscal Year 2014: 285 drift gillnet sea days and 99 longline sea days were completed In Fiscal Year 2015: 158 drift gillnet sea days and 147 longline sea days were completed

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Q14. How many observed sea days were completed in each fishery in each port in 2014 and 2015?

A14. The following information is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee the current requirement will follow this structure: Most sea days were from San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura and Morro Bay. With a small portion from Northern California Ports (Bodega Bay, Fort Bragg, Eureka and Crescent City)

Trips don’t necessarily begin and end in the same port, so a “trip’s” observer days aren’t directly associated to a specific port. Information pertaining a Trip’s Departing/Arriving by port in FY14 and 15 combined is as follows:

San Diego 32/33 Los Angeles 1/4 Oxnard/Ventura 12/11 Morro Bay 8/7 Moss Landing 1/0 Fort Bragg 2/2 Eureka 1/0

Q15. On page 24 of the RFQ under CAR 1352.237-74 Progress Reports (Apr 2010) please clarify what time period for submission of progress reports is meant by the phrase “and every (bilateral) during the period of performance.”?

A15. CAR 1352.237-74 is revised as follows, revisions are highlighted.

CAR 1352.237-74 PROGRESS REPORTS (APR 2010)

The contractor shall submit, to the Government, a progress report one month after the effective date of the contract, and every month thereafter during the period of performance. The contractor shall deliver progress reports that summarize the work completed during the performance period, the work forecast for the following period, and state the names, titles and number of hours expended for each of the contractor's professional personnel assigned to the contract, including officials of the contractor. The report shall also include any additional information—including findings and recommendations—that may assist the Government in evaluating progress under this contract. The first report shall include a detailed work outline of the project and the contractor's planned phasing of work by reporting period.

(End of clause)

Q16. Will you please elaborate on the data analysis requirements of the contract? Data analysis is referenced on page 39 and 40 in section 1 and page 81 as part 3 of evaluation factor 2.

A16. Section 1 of the Statement of Work and Evaluation Factor 2 – Operational Requirements Approach are revised as follows, revisions are highlighted:

1. SCOPE AND OUTCOMES

The Contractor shall provide and retain the necessary qualified personnel, material, equipment, services, and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to perform quality environmental, biological, and fisheries operations data collection, data analysis (which includes observer coverage level calculations in season and post season), and information dissemination for the West Coast fisheries observed by NMFS West Coast Region (WCR). Data quality is of the utmost importance. Quality data collection, analysis, and dissemination are expected to increase the critical information gathered for stock assessments to manage the species.

EVALUATION FACTOR 2 – OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS APPROACH

The Operational Requirements Approach Section shall be organized in the following format:

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1. The Offeror shall describe its approach for providing for and recruiting Observer Candidates and plan to retain qualified Observers. The Offeror shall describe in detail their recruitment plan; how they will ensure their Observer Candidates become fully qualified; and how they plan on retaining these qualified Observers for future vessel deployments.

2. The Offeror shall describe in sufficient detail their Observer’s duties and how it plans to ensure compliance with the duties and Standards of Conduct.

3. As may be required, the Offeror shall describe the proposed approach for data analysis (to include observer coverage level calculations in season and post season) to be provided on a monthly basis.

Q17. On pp.33-35, Delivery Schedules, the heading titled “Reference” cites the letter “C” cited prior to the paragraph numbers for information about the deliverables in this schedule. Are we correct in assuming that the references should refer to section “D”?

A17. Reference should refer to section D. Delivery Schedules paragraph is revised as follows, revisions are

DELIVERY SCHEDULES

In performing the services and providing the support described in this PWS, the Contractor shall provide the deliverable items described as follows:

Note: All adjustments to the deliverable due dates must be made by signed and dated mutual agreement between the Contractor and the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall provide the Government with reports of activities relative to the execution of work under this contract. These reports and plans are listed below with their associated due dates.

Task Orders issued under this contract may define additional deliverables that are specific to that Task Order.

Item Reference Deliverable Recurring Non-recurring

1 D.3.1.3 Monthly Status Report

Monthly

2 D.3.1.1 Project Management Plan

Draft Due: At proposal submission;

approved plan to be incorporated into contract

Updates: As required

3 D.3.1.5 Contractor Quality Assurance Plan

Draft Due: At proposal submission;

approved plan to be incorporated into contract

Updates: As required

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4 D.3.2.3(f) Debriefing materials and Data Collection Summary Report, Biological Specimens, Protected Species Cruise Summary, Trip Logs

Monthly for deployments completed during that month

5 D.3.2.3

D.3.2.4

All raw data collected and the Observer’s electronic Data Files shall be transferred to the Government as specified by the Government

Bi-weekly

6 D.3.2.3(g) Vessel Surveys On-going – within 7 days of completion of Observer’s deployments on a single vessel (there may be multiple deployments on a single vessel)

7 D.3.2.3(h)

D.3.3.8

D.3.3.14

Documentation and Notification:

Vessel refusal to accept an Observer Notification of potential infractions Safety, inadequacy of vessel’s facilities for Observers Renewals or Updates Conflicts of Interest

Day of the event

8 D.3.3.2 Observer Training Data

7 days prior to a scheduled Observer training session

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9 D.3.3.3. Gear, Equipment, Supply Inventory

Annually on 5/15

10 D.3.3.7 Communications Logs Monthly

11 D.3.3.10 Vessel Activity Records

Monthly electronic updates

12 D.3.3.17 Terminating Observers’ Interview Documentation

As required, within 7 days of an Observer’s last day of employment

13 D.3.3.14 Vessel Safety Report Same day of event

17 Clause titled

“INVOICING

INSTRUCTIONS”

Invoice monthly

18 CAR 1352.228-

70 INSURANCE

COVERAGE

Proof of Insurance Within 10 days of award; within 24 hours of any change thereafter

19 CAR 1352.237-

KEY PERSONNEL

Request for changes to key personnel

At least 15 days prior to substitution

24 Paragraph titled

“NOTICE TO

GOVERNMENT OF

DELAYS”

Notice of Delays Immediately upon knowledge

25 Paragraph titled

“OBSERVER

CANDIDATE

SCREENING

REQUIREMENTS”

Observer Candidate Screening

Initial upon hiring an observer.

Annual update on existing observers

The date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 2:00 pm, Pacific Time on February 4, 2016. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

--End of Amendment A0001--