AG-0150-S-14-0001_-_Vessel_Charter _Soil_Resources_Inventory_SOW_4.11.14.pdf

AG-0150-S-14-0001

Statement of Work

Vessel Charter to Support Soil Resources Inventory for Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

STATEMENT OF WORK

Background:

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is engaged in a national inventory of soils.

This inventory is being developed by means of a national cooperative soil survey program which involves Federal, State, local and private cooperators. The National Park Service (NPS) is in need of information and data concerning the nature and distribution of soils at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (GLBA), as well as information on the suitability and limitations of the soils for different land uses and activities.

The purpose of this work is to conduct a soils inventory survey for GLBA and to provide current ecological site descriptions which will be used by NPS staff, researchers, educators and others.

The soil survey will provide data necessary to plan and manage land for protection and restoration of natural resources, protection of cultural resources, scenic values, wildlife values, facilities management, recreation, restoration and watershed planning.

OBJECTIVES:

To conduct multi-day field transects (surveys) in locations ashore, along the coast-line of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in June 2014 through a vessel charter contract.

PERIOD OF PERFOMANCE AND SAMPLING AREAS

Eleven (11) days at sea minimum. All offerors must be available for the full (11) days. The research cruises are to be initiated out of the Gustavus or Bartlett Cove docks and conducted during the month of June 2014; but may be postponed if weather and funding does not permit operations during that time. The areas surveyed will be within the Cross Sound, Icy Strait, and Sitakaday Narrows areas, with-in the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve boundary.

ITINERARY (subject to changes – vessel must have 11 day endurance):

Depart Gustavus or Bartlett Cove boat docks and navigate to survey sites determined by research project leader. The specific locality of survey sites will be disclosed after the contract has been awarded; roughly 20 beach landings from Cape Spencer to Excursion Inlet (Vivid green areas in Figure 1). Timing and duration of the cruise will be determined by optimal weather and timing of the tides. Master of the vessel and project leader will consult prior to each cruise on the feasibility of going ashore for daily survey work.

This is a highly technical survey operation, and therefore the vessel must be able to meet handling requirements as stipulated in Vessel Requirements section below. Successful demonstration of prior performance in this area of research is also highly desirable.

SURVEY AREA:

Figure 1: Survey areas along the shore-line with-in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.

Transect surveys will be conducted between 1/2 to 1 mile inland from beach landing locations (green shaded areas along coast).

SURVEY PROCEDURES:

• Daily survey operations will be called into Glacier Bay dispatch, once in the morning and once in the evening.

• Cruises in the skiff will begin at 8 am or at the best time to catch the tides. Evening pick-ups are around 5:30 or at other specified time by the research crews.

• Duration of transects ashore will be approximately 8 hours.

• 2 transects each day, 1 per crew.

• Crews may need to move to another transect location during the day; radio contact with the vessel is mandatory.

• Crews will need to transport shovels, augurs, backpacks, and shotguns from the vessel to transect locations in the skiff.

VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

Technical requirements:

• Vessel must have a current Coast Guard safety inspection and Ocean Route Certification.

• Vessel shall be a commercial passenger vessel or research vessel; the length of the vessel shall be between 55 and 70 ft., the beam width greater than 15 ft., and the ability to cruise at 8 knots or higher with a range of up to 11 days.

• Vessel shall carry a skiff (~15’ rigid hulled inflatable, with 25 HP motor) to effectively reach all transect locations as described in this statement of work.

• Required electronic equipment includes a primary and backup GPS, plotter, satellite phone, VHF and marine radios, sonar, and depth sensor.

• A work area and table inside the vessel where laptop computers can be used is required.

At least four 110v outlets must be provided to charge batteries and plug in personal laptop computers.

• A minimum of 400 cubic feet of below deck storage for equipment is required.

• Have available an electric microscope aboard.

• Boat must have a full fuel tank before departure. Additional cost for gas will not be charged to NRCS and will be the responsibility of the contractor. The cost of fuel must be included in the quote.

Operational requirements:

• Vessel shall have a licensed Captain aboard and have at least 3 years’ experience cruising in Southeast Alaskan seas. The Captain should have at least 2 years of experience operating as a research vessel.

• Vessel must have any necessary permits to operate in Glacier Bay Nation Park & Preserve.

• Vessel is required to have 2 main and 1 auxiliary (generators) engines. The contractor is responsible for providing fuel.

• Access to a freshwater on deck is required.

Berthing requirements:

• The vessel shall be capable of accommodating at least eight (8) scientists, both female and male. At least two separate berthing areas are required.

• The vessel shall have two (2) marine heads (toilet) and shower facilities that are clean and sanitary. Bunks, linens and blankets, shall be provided to the scientists. Sleeping quarters, work spaces, and galley shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke.

• Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use (including showers) for at least 11 days.

• Vessel shall be capable of carrying provisions for up to 11 days at sea for all personnel.

• The charter is NOT required to provide meals or snacks for personnel. Scientist should have access to the galley to prepare all meals.

INSURANCE:

During the full period of this contract the Contractor shall maintain the customary full form marine insurance coverage on the vessels including Hull and Machinery and Liability- P&I, taking into account scientific personnel employed on board. The expense of this insurance shall be covered by the contractor, and shall be deemed to be included in the hire payable under this contract. Copies of the insurance policy shall be provided by the contractor as technical information with the quote package.

DELIVERABLES:

1. Quote: Vendor must provide a quote that addresses that they meet or exceed all statements stated here in. In addition they must include the size of the boat, copy of boat/vessel registration, and Captain Name. Quote must be inclusive of fuel and charter cost.

2. Upon scheduled request, Vendor must provide charter boat per the data and requirements stated here in and agreed to in the Contract award document.

FINANCIAL DISBURSEMENTS:

The contractor can submit an invoice after successful completion of the entire survey. Invoices are to be sent to the Contracting Officer’s Representative, who shall be named at time of award.