Attachment 2 - Statement of Need - R-D Acoustic Moorings.pdf

STATEMENT OF NEED

REQUIREMENTS

Purpose - The NWFSC assesses the movements and habitat use of marine mammals in the Pacific Northwest. We use autonomous acoustic recorders deployed on subsurface moorings to determine their occurrence. These units have been widely used by other marine mammal researchers, which will be important for comparison of the data we collect.

Tasks

Provide vessel and labor for 5 days to recover/deploy acoustic recorder moorings with experience specific to:

1. The recovery/deployment of six NOAA autonomous acoustic recorder moorings from the Columbia River to the Cape Flattery, Washington, approximately 150 nm travel distance and up to approximately 40nm offshore.

NON-PERSONAL SERVICE

Personnel performing services under this order will be controlled, directed and supervised at all times by management personnel of the contractor. Personnel will perform independent of and without the supervision of any Government official. Actions of contractor employees may not be interpreted or implemented in any manner that results in any employee creating or modifying Federal policy, obligating the appropriated funds of the U.S. Government, overseeing the work of Federal employees, providing direct personal services to any Federal employee or otherwise violating the prohibitions set forth in Parts 7.5 and 37.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. The NMFS will perform the inspection and acceptance of the completed work.

DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE

Deliverables include date, time, and location (Latitude/ Longitude) acoustic recorder number, acoustic release number (and release codes) of each mooring recovered or deployed shall be provided in an Excel spreadsheet via email within one week of completion of the trip.

GREEN PROCUREMENT PROGRAM (GPP ☒ does not apply ☐ is compliant GPP includes Recovered Materials Products, Biobased Products, Energy Efficient Products, Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool Products, Water Efficient Products, Alternative Fuels Vehicles/Alternative Fuels/Hybrids, Non-Ozone Depleting Products, Environmentally-Preferable Products and Services, and Waste Prevention and Recycling. (If this procurement should fall under the GPP, but is not compliant, a justification is required with concurrence from the Environmental Designee and OCIO designee, if applicable, and approved by the Head of the Contracting Office (HCO).

REQUIREMENTS

Embark/Debark Embark: TBD depending on vessel availability and forecasted conditions.

Debark: TBD depending on success with recovery/deployments and weather conditions.

General Information A discussion of scheduling will begin immediately upon contract award.

Technical Specifications and Deliverables

1. The recommended vessel shall be between 50-80 feet.

2. Vessel shall depart from and return to the Astoria, Oregon area.

3. Dry storage area in the main deck house for holding some scientific supplies & equipment.

4. Deck space and capacity shall be sufficient to carry 5 moorings and there 800lb anchors on one trip.

5. Potable fresh water supply shall be adequate for vessel and personal use of crew and scientists.

6. Clean and sanitary accommodations for crew and scientific field party; Head shall be clean and operating appropriately.

7. In an effort to reduce marine debris pollution, the Captain shall comply with waste management regulations as described in Section V of MARPOL. The vessel shall be required to have a storage facility, to retain all refuse so it is not disposed at sea.

8. Captain must have prior familiarity of navigating through the Columbia River bar and nearshore ocean.

9. The vessel must possess a Coast Guard certification and the master or an individual in charge of the vessel must ensure that safety drills and instruction are conducted at least once a month (46 CFR 28.270). Safety orientations must be given to each individual on board that has not received the instruction and has not participated in the drills before the vessel can continue to operate.

10. Request is for six days at sea.

Electronic Equipment Requirements

1. Radios: A VHF set, a single side-band unit.

2. GPS – with 6 channels, sequential capability to track satellites.

3. Radar – minimum range of 15 miles.

4. Depth Sounders – color scope unit capable of allowing identification of subsurface mooring floats

Crew Requirements

1. The minimum crew shall consist of (1) Captain and one (1) deckhand.

2. The Captain shall have a minimum of five (5) years sea experience with two

(2) years as a master of a comparable-sized vessel.

3. Captain and deckhand will assist scientific personnel as needed.

4. The government-provided science party shall consist of 1 individual. The Chief

Scientist will be responsible for implementation of the Cruise Plan, compliance to the charter terms, all science equipment, and the conduct and performance of scientific personnel aboard the vessel.

Operating Procedures

1. Workday length and hours will be determined by the Chief Scientist in consultation with the Captain. Working days may be a minimum of 8 hours and maximum up to 24 hours. The days may be an overnight stay at sea.

The decision will be based on the type of activity expected as well as on prevailing weather conditions and the Cruise Plan. The Chief Scientist has the final authority in scientific matters.

2. The Captain may also be asked to provide data on the navigational records.

3. The Chief Scientist and the Captain will meet at least once a day during sampling to discuss operation and resolved problems. They will work together to resolve sampling locations, transits, and scheduling. In the event that they cannot reach agreement on any problem which has the potential for compromising the research or threatens the safety of the Scientific Personnel, the Chief Scientist will direct the vessel to return to port where an acceptable solution will be arranged between the Government and the Contractor.

4. The Captain shall operate the boat in a safe matter for all personnel onboard.

The hydraulic winches shall be in good working order.

5. The contractor shall provide for all operation expenses of the vessels incurred during charter days. These expenses will be moorages, fuel, personnel cost, etc.

Safety____________________________________________________________________

1. The vessel’s Captain is responsible for all matters relating to safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The U.S. Coast Guard shall possess a certification that is valid for the time period of the charter. The ship shall be operated in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules and the U.S. Maritime Regulations at all times.

Scheduling______________________________________________________________

A discussion of scheduling to go to sea will begin immediately upon contract award.

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.

DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE

This requirement includes a base and two option periods:

Base period: Date of award to December 31, 2025

Option period 1: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Option period 2: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027