Attachment 1 - Vessel Requirements.docx

Attachment 1 –Vessel Requirements

VESSEL CHARTER FOR

BERING AND CHUKCHI SEA SURVEY AUGUST 2021

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 14 (or more) “persons in addition to the crew” or permit the carriage of 14 (or more) 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 accommodate 14 (or more) 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 and Chukchi Seas.

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

COVID-19 Safety protocols Capable of meeting or exceeding NOAA OMAO standard described below and the State of Alaska COVID-19 Health Mandates.

Background and Objective: The specific objectives of the research are to evaluate ecosystem status and change in the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea. Specifically to sample five Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) time-series sites and the 70-meter isobath in Bering Sea, recover and deploy moorings, and conduct seabird and marine mammal observations. See STATION MAP for approximate location of survey.

Period and Place of Performance:

The preferred loading location of the vessel is Seattle, Washington. It has not been determined whether scientists would embark in Seattle, Washington or Kodiak Alaska. The base amount of time for the charter is 25 days from Kodiak, Alaska to Kodiak, Alaska. If the scientists embark in Seattle, Washington and disembark in Kodiak, Alaska, the base amount of time for the charter is 30 days. An option for up to ten (10) additional days may be added in daily increments at a predetermined cost per day. The scientists will disembark in Kodiak, Alaska.

In addition to the base charter days, a minimum of (2) days pre-cruise and one (1) day post-cruise will be required for the loading and unloading of Government equipment. If winches and/or laboratory vans need to be added to the vessel, an extra day will be needed for plumbing, wiring, and loading before the equipment loading begins.

The charter is to occur in the months of August and September of 2021. The exact start date will be determined by the Government in consultation with the Contractor but the start date must be so the charter can be completed by October 10, 2021.

Mobilization, Demobilization Requirements: The mobilization (i.e., the loading) of Government equipment shall take place at pier arranged by the Contractor in Seattle, Washington. 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 prior to the start of the mission. All Government-Provided equipment will be brought to the ship by the government in Seattle to facilitate loading.

If needed, two oceanographic winches will be supplied for mounting on the vessel for over the side Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD), zooplankton net, and bottom sediment operations. The oceanographic winches will be used to deploy and recover the CTD along with the ships equipment. The Contractor will be responsible for the costs for mounting the winches on deck and connecting the winches electrically to the ship’s system (See EQUIPMENT LIST for winch dimensions, weights, and power requirements). Each winch shall be mounted on the deck with an attachment rated for 5000 pounds of pull on the winch. Winch mounting locations will require consultation with the scientific crew prior to placement.

If needed, the mooring winch will be supplied for mounting on the vessel for stern operations. The mooring winch will be used to deploy and recover moorings along with the ships equipment. The Contractor will be responsible for the costs for mounting the winch on deck and connecting the winch electrically or hydraulically if available to the ship’s system (See 10. MAJOR EQUIPMENT LIST for winch dimensions, weights, and power requirements). The winch shall be mounted on the deck with an attachment rated for 10,000 pounds of pull on the winch. Winch mounting locations will require consultation with the scientific crew prior to placement.

If needed, the Government provided laboratory containers will be supplied for mounting. The Contractor will be responsible for the costs of loading and unloading, mounting, and connecting and disconnecting power to the containers.

The demobilization (i.e., unloading) of Government equipment shall take place at a pier arranged by the Contractor in Kodiak, AK or a mutually agreed 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 pier space and moorage fees associated with mobilization Seattle, WA and for demobilization/disembarking and possible embarking scientific party in Kodiak, AK.

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 14 (or more) “persons in addition to the crew” or permit the carriage of 14 (or more) scientific personnel;

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 14 or more scientists as noted within this statement of work.

1.2. Vessel must have a crane, A-frame, or J-frame capable of safely deploying and retrieving oceanographic equipment, 4.5 feet long by 4.5 feet wide by 6.25 feet high and weighing up to 2,000 pounds off of the side of the vessel. The oceanographic equipment consists of conductivity, temperature, depth sensors and water sampling bottles connected to large metal frame called a CTD, zooplankton nets and bottom sediment grabs.

1.2.1. The vessel must either provide a winch with conductive electro-mechanical oceanographic cable or wire rope and space available to safely retrieve and deploy an oceanographic CTD (Length 4.5’ x Width 4.5’ x Height 6.25’ weighing 2,000 lbs) reach depths of 1,200 meters and a second winch with the ability to conductto conduct oceanographic sampling with zooplankton nets and bottom sediment grabs (Maximum depth, 800 meters) is desired. If a second winch is not available then the same winch used for the CTD’s may be used for the oceanographic sampling or a winch may be provided for this purpose.

1.2.2. Or have sufficient deck space to mount and provide 480V three-phase power for two Government Furnished oceanographic winches for the deployments off of the side. Oceanographic winch dimensions are Length 83inches x Width 55inches x Height 60inches, weighing approximately 5,000lbs each.

1.2.3. The space on the side of the vessel for operations should be a well-lit, uncovered, flush deck space. The estimated deck space total needed for operations off of the side and winches is 300 square feet.

1.3. Vessel must have an A-frame on the stern of the vessel capable of recovering and deploying surface and subsurface moorings. The largest mooring to recover is a high-latitude mooring (buoy with assembled tower is 2,600 lbs, 15 feet tall, 8 feet in diameter). The heaviest anchor to deploy is 3,500 lbs.

1.3.1. The vessel must either provide a winch to assist with the recovery of this mooring and an additional winch to assist with the work off the stern (i.e. a winch mounted on the A-frame capable of handling 5,000 lbs). Dragging operations may need to be conducted using the main mooring winch. This winch should have sufficient cable for dragging operations and a pull capacity of 10,000 lbs.

1.3.2. Or have sufficient deck space to mount a Government Furnished hydraulic winch for this work.

1.3.3. Estimated deck space total needed for operations off of the stern is 600 square feet.

1.4. Saltwater hoses accessible for washing down zooplankton net samples and benthic samples.

1.5. Vessel must have a Crane capable of 5,000 lbs Safe Working Load at an extension to reach 25 feet off the side of the vessel and capability to access a large majority of the back deck.

1.6. 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 of moorings if necessary.

1.7. The Vessel must have sufficient laboratory space or have deck space available to mount two 20ft by 8ft Government provided laboratory vans and storage space for scientific equipment.

1.7.1. 250 square feet of laboratory space or spaces for wet scientific work which can be used for seawater filtration and chemical titration systems. An electronics or dry lab of about 120 sq feet is preferred for installation of CTD control and other electronics. These spaces should be enclosed, weather-proof, and temperature-controlled with lab benches. Space provided does not have to be a permanent part of vessel but can include modular lab space with electrical outlets and lighting.

1.7.2. If laboratory space is not available, vessel must have deck space and capability to mount and connect electrical power for two 20ft x 8ft lab containers supplied by the Government which are powered with 240V three-phase power.

1.8. Stability requirements for loading approximately 60,000 lbs of gear. Must be capable of handling additional weight capacity for laboratory vans and provided winches if needed.

1.9. Deck space for mooring equipment, minimum of 500 square feet. Must be capable of additional space capacity for laboratory vans and provided winches if needed must be capable.

1.10. Be able to maneuver at speeds between 1 to 3 knots.

1.11. Fuel, potable water, and food capacity to operate continuously for 40 days.

1.12. Available 480V three-phase power for connecting oceanographic winches and 240V three-phase power for laboratory vans if necessary.

1.13. 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.14. Capable of loading and off-loading the scientific party and scientific gear. Crew will operate crane for loading and off-loading scientific equipment. A shore-side crane can be used to satisfy this requirement.

1.15. Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use of at least fourteen (14) scientists plus crew for entire cruise. A minimum of 1750 gallons per day is required.

1.16. Comply with the safety requirements set forth in 46 CFR Part 28.

1.17. USCG-approved survival suits and Type I personal floatation devices, which are in compliance with operational safety standards, for all scientists and crew.

1.18. The vessel shall carry an up-to-date emergency trauma first aid kit in compliance with industry safety standards. It shall be stocked to provide first aid supplies for up to fourteen (14) scientists plus vessel crew. At a minimum, this kit should be equivalent to the Marine 3000 made by Adventure Medical Kits (https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/marine/marine-3000.html) and supplemented with a box of nitrile gloves, 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, in Seattle to ensure that all items are unexpired and the kit is inclusive of all necessary items.

1.19. 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.

1.20. The ship’s general alarm must be audible from all sleeping locations.

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

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

2. MORE FAVORABLE VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 Cruising speed of more than 10 knots.

2.2 Overall length of at least 150 feet is more favorable. 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 Side A-frame in lieu of a crane for side operations.

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

2.6 Additional dry bench space or lounge with alternating current (AC) outlets to be used for computer work.

2.7 Freshwater deck hose for cleaning gear. Saltwater hose near the recovery area for washing down zooplankton net samples and benthic samples.

2.8 Dedicated 27 cubic feet of freezer space for samples collected. Freezer should be able to store samples below zero. A freezer capable of temperatures 20 degrees Celsius below zero is preferred. The required space does not need to be separate from the vessel’s food stores. If a freezer space is not provided additional interior space to install a government provided freezer in the laboratory space would be needed.

2.9 Installed continuously flowing uncontaminated surface seawater system for scientists to easily sample. If possible, a four feet by 2 feet bench should be installed near a sink that includes the continuously flowing surface seawater system.

2.10 Weatherproof area to store all spare gear and packaging. A storage container provided by the contractor could be used for this purpose.

2.11 Chemical Fume Hood installed in the laboratory space is preferred.

2.12 Capacity to supply distilled water for use by the scientific party is preferred. Distilled water supply directly from evaporators is preferred to a reverse osmosis purification system. Supply of an ultrapure water filtration unit, making water purified to 18 ohms, is highly preferred.

2.13 Cabinet for storage of corrosive Hazardous Material and a storage for Flammable Materials.

3. COVID 19 PROTOCOLS

3.1 Scientists embarking on the vessel will follow established protocols by either the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or UNOLS for going aboard ocean going vessels. At a minimum, these requirements are a combination of at least seven days of sheltering in place leaving only for essential activities related to medical urgencies/emergencies, food, and outdoor exercise at the embarking port and testing. At a minimum, the contractor’s protocol for the ship’s crew must follow something similar to this protocol.

3.2 The vessel must be sanitized before scientific personnel embark.

3.3 The ship’s protocols must be capable of meeting State of Alaska COVID-19 Health Mandates.

4. CREW REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Crew must be capable of conducting scientific operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4.2 Captain must have 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.

4.3 Additional consideration will be given for captains and crew with experience operating in the Bering and/or Chukchi seas.

4.4 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 24 hours a day, one to operate ship deployment equipment and one to assist the scientific party.

4.5 The cook must be experienced in preparing nutritionally balanced meals for fourteen (14) or more people, including vegetarian meals and/or specific food requirements such as gluten free, kosher foods, or avoidance of particular food because of allergies.

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

4.7 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://www.npfvoa.org/index.html).

5. MORE FAVORABLE CREW REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Crew member with Medical Person in Charge or equivalent/additional medical training is desirable.

5.2 Additional crew experience completing science missions is desirable.

6. ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Accommodations for a scientific party of at leastbetween fourteen (14) and twenty (20) that will include female and male personnel. The scientific party shall be accommodated separately from the crew. The scientific party will consist of United States Government employees and their contractors and volunteers and may consist of Canadian Government employees. Modular units for berthing can be used to meet this requirement as long as approved by the United States Coast Guard.

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.

6.4 Suitable sanitary accommodations, including availability of at least four (4) heads for scientific party use and at least four (4) showers shall be available. Hot, fresh water shower shall be provided. Soap, toilet paper, and paper towels shall be provided by the Contractor. The crew shall clean common spaces and hallways at least twice a week.

6.5 At least two clothes washers and clothes dryers for use by scientific party for personal laundry.

6.6 Three (3) balanced, nutritious meals shall be provided by the Contractor per day. All meals shall include fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetarian meals may be required for some members of the party. 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. Water, juice, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks shall be available throughout the day. 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. During 24-hour operations, nutritious meals that meet any special dietary needs must be available for scientific and crew personnel outside of normal meal hours. This requirement can be met by easy access to substantive food (e.g., refrigerated leftovers) in the ship’s mess.

7. MORE FAVORABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS

7.1 Ideally 1-2 persons per stateroom and at least one room to be held aside for quarantine if necessary.

7.2 Being able to accommodate more than 14 scientists is desirable.

7.3 The larger the capacity for the galley is desirable.

8. OPERATING PROCEDURES

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

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. Station operations shall require the vessel to maintain a zero-degree wire angle for the CTD in the water. Zooplankton nets would be towed through the water to achieve a 45 degree wire angle usually at a speed between 1 and 3 knots through the water.

8.5 Vessel crew, when not required by the Captain for vessel operations, shall assist the scientific party during all survey activities.

8.6 Operations will be conducted 24-hours each day, 7 days each week. Some operations may be restricted to daylight hours at the discretion of the Chief Scientist in consultation with the captain. The decision will be based on the type of activity as well as prevailing situations regarding weather, sea state, work schedule, and work progress. Oceanographic and zooplankton sampling will be conducted by multiple teams on rotating shifts. Deck operations can occur at any hour of the day. The Chief Scientist has final authority on working hours, except for work stoppage resulting from uncontrollable situations such as unsafe weather and sea state conditions and other safety-of-life-at-sea considerations as determined by the Captain.

8.7 The Chief Scientist and Captain shall meet a minimum of twice a day to discuss survey operations and resolve any problems that occur. A meeting should occur in morning, to discuss planned activities for the next 12-hour period, review progress over the previous 12-hour period, and discuss any problems or concerns.

8.8 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.

8.9 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 shall be conducted by the Captain within 24 hours at the beginning of the cruise.

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

~10,000 lbs. 240V three-phase power.

~10,000 lbs. 240V three-phase power.

11. STATION MAP

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