Attachment A - Performance Work Statement.pdf

Performance Work Statement National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Alaska Region, Protected Resources Division

Monitoring Services for the Subsistence Use of Northern Fur Seals on St. Paul Island, Alaska

Background

The subsistence use of northern fur seals is regulated under provisions of the Fur Seal Act.

Pribilovians of St. Paul Island, Alaska will attempt to meet their subsistence needs consistent with the regulations at 50 CFR 216.72-74. The regulatory provisions and Co-Management agreement include annual reporting requirements (see: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/marine-mammal-protection/northern-fur-seal-subsistence-harvest-estimates-and-reports). Historically, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) monitored the entire six-week subsistence harvest season on St. Paul Island. Prior to 2019, fur seal harvest consisted of community harvests in June and July, with no firearms allowed. Subsistence use has since expanded temporally, as the regulations were revised in 2019 authorizing hunting of fur seals with firearms from January 1- May 31 annually, as well as additional harvest without the use of firearms from June 24 through December 31. In 2020, NMFS and the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Tribal Government (ACSPI) signed an updated co-management agreement to share responsibility for monitoring and managing subsistence use on the island (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/co-management-plan-subsistence-use-marine-mammals-st-paul-island-alaska). In 2023, ACSPI again petitioned NMFS, requesting revision of the regulations to authorize the use of firearms for subsistence hunting from fall (September or October) through May 31.

Although the regulatory seasons for subsistence encompass nearly the entire calendar year, the tribe organizes subsistence use activities once or twice a week for 6-8 weeks in June and July. The Tribe collects data in real time on subsistence activities and reports that information to the community and NMFS. After the organized summer harvest season, subsistence activities are not coordinated by the Tribe and instead are family oriented and self-reported to the Tribe. Data from 2021 and 2022 indicate that about 80 percent of the family-style subsistence use occurs from August through October. NMFS and ACSPI rely on collection of in-season data regarding the locations, numbers, and sex of northern fur seals killed for subsistence use to make management decisions. In-season monitoring is also necessary for the collection of samples by the Tribe, and to ensure compliance with regulations and that the community’s subsistence needs are being met.

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/marine-mammal-protection/northern-fur-seal-subsistence-harvest-estimates-and-reports https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/marine-mammal-protection/northern-fur-seal-subsistence-harvest-estimates-and-reports https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/co-management-plan-subsistence-use-marine-mammals-st-paul-island-alaska https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/co-management-plan-subsistence-use-marine-mammals-st-paul-island-alaska

Tasks

Key tasks include the following:

Task 1 – Field & Community Orientation: The contractor shall work with NMFS Alaska Region (AKR) Pribilof Program Manager and ACSPI representatives to understand roles and responsibilities of contractor observers and ACSPI staff during community subsistence use activities. The contractor shall schedule a kick-off meeting to identify and record: 1) subsistence use locations that have been used successfully in the past and are likely to be used again, 2) locations where seals are not used for subsistence and whether that is due to a lack of interest, ease of access, or lack of seals, and 3) locations where subsistence is seasonally limited.

The contractor shall work with ACSPI and NMFS staff to identify the dates when subsistence use is scheduled, as well as the process for monitoring, reporting, and sampling which may occur on weekends or evenings. Orientation of the contractor will also include meeting and coordinating with Tribal representatives and NMFS staff to review the regulations and co-management plan provisions applicable to subsistence use to be monitored and reported. The contractor shall review the regulations, subsistence use Co-management plan, and monitoring and reporting measures to be implemented on behalf of the Co-management Council.

Task 2 – Effective Communications: The contractor shall ensure that miscommunication is minimized among NMFS AKR Pribilof Program Manager, Tribal staff, community members, and subsistence users regarding subsistence use scheduling, monitoring, and implementation. The contractor shall participate in weekly conference calls with ACSPI and NMFS. The contractor shall immediately inform NMFS and ACSPI representatives whenever the conduct or conditions affecting the harvest appear contrary to the management plan or regulations.

Task 3. Subsistence Use Observations [Harvest]: Subsistence use harvests on St. Paul Island are expected to occur once or twice a week from August 15 – October 15. The contractor shall collect data on the number of seals (by sex and general age) taken from 50-60 percent of the days that subsistence use activities occur during this period. There were 14 successful subsistence use days during this period in the 2021 season and 18 successful subsistence days in 2022. The contractor shall attempt real-time (within 24-hours) harvest observations at least 30 days of this higher interest 60-day period and ensure the public is aware of Tribal self-reporting requirements to support management decisions by the Co-management Council.

From October 16 through December 31 harvest activities are more infrequent and monitoring can consequently be less frequent or require fewer hours per observation. Contractor and ACSPI shall coordinate confirmation of self-reporting within 24-48 hours of reported harvests of pups, yearlings, and possibly older seals by subsistence users. This data will be used by NMFS and ACSPI to summarize subsistence efforts that will directly inform harvesters and to improve future management and monitoring implemented by the Co-management Council. The contractor shall characterize the harvest and estimate what factors might be most important in estimating the duration and efficiency of harvests. The contractor will coordinate with ACSPI staff to: 1) estimate or count directly the number and sex of seals killed for subsistence use, 2) the location of seals killed, 3) the date of subsistence activities, and 4) obtain a photograph of the head of the seal to estimate age and sex and facilitate collection of samples by ACSPI. Regulations include an annual limit of 20 female mortalities; therefore, checking the sex of harvested seals and recording the number of female mortalities is an important element of monitoring.

Indicator of success: Contractor shall be available for up to 4 hours for 30 days to obtain self-reports of the number, sex, and locations of seals harvested from August 15 through October 15;

Standard: The contractor shall monitor at least 60% of the days when harvests occur during the peak subsistence period (August 15 through October 15), and shall report the resulting data to the subsistence sub-committee that meets weekly to review subsistence data; at least 80% of weekly harvest reports shall include date of harvest, harvest location, number of females killed, number of males killed, and photos of those seals killed to estimate age. If a discrepancy or clarification is identified in the weekly report, at least 90% of those weekly reports shall be reconciled and revised in the subsequent weekly report.

Task 4. Subsistence Use Observations [Hunt]: Subsistence use hunting with firearms on St. Paul Island is expected to occur intermittently from January 1 – May 31. There were about 24 successful hunting days during the 2021 season and 29 successful hunting days in 2022. The contractor shall attempt real-time (within 24-hours) hunting observations when practical and ensure the public is aware of Tribal self-reporting requirements to support management decisions by the Co-management Council.

Indicator of success: The contractor shall be available for up to 4 hours for 50 days to obtain self-reports of the number, sex, and locations of seals hunted from January 1 through May 31, 2024;

Standard: The contractor shall monitor at least 60% of the days when hunting occurs with a priority on April and May 2024 and report to the subsistence sub-committee that meets weekly to review subsistence data; at least 80% of weekly harvest reports will include date of kill, location of kill, number of females killed, number of males killed, and photos of those seals killed to estimate age. If a discrepancy or clarification is identified in the weekly report, at least 90% of those weekly reports will be reconciled and revised in the subsequent weekly report.

Deliverables

2024 Harvest Season

1. Provide a weekly subsistence harvest status report to the NMFS AKR Pribilof Program Staff and ACSPI staff. If a complication occurs during the harvest season in 2024, the contractor shall update the NMFS staff in coordination with ACSPI staff as soon as practical after the event by phone or email. The weekly harvest status report shall include the date and locations of harvests, observations and data regarding the conduct of the harvest, number and sex of seals taken during each harvest, photos collected of seals killed, and any unusual observations. The contractor should also attend at least 70% of weekly St. Paul Island Co- Management Council Subcommittee meetings.

2. Work with NMFS and ACSPI staff to reconcile consistency of harvest data collected from August 15 through December 31 (by the contractor and by ACSPI) and to prepare an annual summary of subsistence harvest observations in 2024. Provide a preliminary summary of all pup and yearling harvests during 2024 to the NMFS AKR Staff no later than January 30, 2025.

NMFS will provide a template for the summary. An electronic copy of the data will be provided by the contractor in either a spreadsheet or database format, using a template provided by NMFS. All weekly reports shall be included as reference in the annual report.

NMFS will review and provide comments on the report within 30 days. NMFS may request Tribal review of the report as well, for a total review period not to exceed 60 days without written notice to the contractor.

3. Provide a draft final summary report of the 2024 harvest season to be reviewed by the NMFS AKR Staff no later than 30 days from receipt of comments and suggested revisions by NMFS. If NMFS does not provide comments within 30 days of receipt of the draft report, the contractor can finalize the report. An electronic copy of the harvest data shall be provided in either a spreadsheet or database format, using a template provided by NMFS. All observations and data collected shall be included in the final contract summary.

2025 Hunt Season

1. Provide a weekly subsistence hunting status summary report to the NMFS AKR Pribilof Program Staff and ACSPI staff. If a complication occurs during the hunt season in 2025, the contractor shall update the NMFS Staff in coordination with ACSPI staff as soon as practical after the event by phone or email. The weekly hunt status report shall include the date and locations of hunts, number and sex of seals taken during each harvest, photos taken of the hunted seal’s head, and any unusual observations. The contractor should also attend at least 70% of weekly St. Paul Island Co-Management Council Subcommittee meetings.

2. Work with NMFS and ACSPI staff to reconcile consistency of hunting data collected January 1 through May 31 (by the contractor and by ACSPI) and to prepare an annual summary report of subsistence hunting observations in 2025. Provide a preliminary report of all hunted seals during 2024 to the NMFS AKR Staff no later than July 30, 2025. NMFS will provide a template for the report. An electronic copy of the data will be provided by the contractor in either a spreadsheet or database format, using a template provided by NMFS. All weekly reports will be included as reference in the annual report. NMFS will review and provide comments on the report within 30 days. NMFS may request Tribal review of the report as well, for a total review period not to exceed 60 days without written notice to the contractor.

3. Provide a draft final summary report of the 2025 hunting season to be reviewed by the NMFS AKR Staff no later than 30 days from receipt of comments and suggested revisions by NMFS. If NMFS does not provide comments within 30 days of receipt of the draft report, the contractor can finalize the report. An electronic copy of the hunting data, and photos collected shall be provided in either a spreadsheet or database format, using a template provided by NMFS. All observations and data collected shall be included in the final report.

Performance Requirements Summary

This contract includes a Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). The PRS plays an integral role in the administration of the contract. In addition to any applicable inspection clauses or other related terms and conditions contained in the contract, the PRS shall serve as a primary tool for inspection and acceptance of services as facilitated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance shall be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the PRS, and will be conducted by the COR. The PRS constitutes a material aspect of the contract and will not be changed or otherwise modified without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

The PRS establishes key elements of Contractor performance that represent “mission essential” service requirements or “Deliverables”, which are identified in the table below in the “Service Output” column. The “Performance Objective” column represents the standard against which Contractor performance will be measured in relation to accomplishment of the corresponding service output. The performance objective or “standard” describes the minimum acceptable level of service by the Contractor for satisfactory performance. The “Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)” column displays the maximum allowable deviation from the performance objective, which, if exceeded, evokes the negative incentive specified in the table below.

Required Service and Designation

Desired Outcome Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

Monitoring Method Incentive/ Disincentive

Task 1: Field and Community Orientation kick-off meeting

-Identify subsistence use locations: 1) used successfully in the past and are likely to be used again, 2) locations where seals are not used for subsistence and whether that is due to a lack of interest, ease of access, or lack of seals, and 3) locations where subsistence is seasonally limited.

-Review: regulations, Co-management plan, and monitoring and reporting measures to be implemented on behalf of the Co-management Council

-List of subsistence use locations and the category of use for each subsistence use location are identified

-Task completed

-Subsistence locations provided within 2 business days of the kick-off meeting

- Review completed within 2 weeks of contract award

-PM/COR will solicit feedback from requesters; Use of email to determine request date and scheduling date;

Review of agendas and meeting notes by requester and/or attendees

- Submit statement that contractor staff have reviewed the most recent versions of the regulations, and co-management plan

Material-poor performance evaluations;

corrective action plan

Task 2:

Communication

-Attend weekly meetings

-Report monitoring

- Attendance at weekly meetings

- Timeliness and

- Attend 80% of meetings or submit weekly reports via email

- PM or alternate attends all weekly meetings and will submit quarterly

Material-poor performance evaluations;

corrective action

Designation

Desired Outcome Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

Monitoring Method Incentive/ Disincentive findings and locations monitored -Report summarizing all weekly observations and corrections regarding dates, animal details, and locations completeness of report submitted

-Submit draft report within 30 days of the end of the annual harvest and hunting season

-Finalize draft report responding to comments and proposed revisions within 30 days of receipt from NMFS reports of attendance

- PM review of reports plan

Task 3:

Subsistence harvest observations (August 15 through October 15)

Obtain self-reports of the number, sex, and locations of seals harvested from August 15 through October 15

Contractor shall be available for up to 4 hours/day for 30 days

Monitor at least 60% of the days when harvests occur during the peak subsistence period

PM or alternate attends all weekly meetings and will submit quarterly reports of attendance

Material-poor performance evaluations;

corrective action plan

Task 4:

Subsistence hunting observations

Obtain self-reports of the number, sex, and locations of seals hunted from January 1 through May 31, 2024;

report, at least 90% of those weekly reports

Contractor shall be available for 4 hours/day for 50 days

Monitor at least 60% of the days when hunting occurs with a priority on April and May; at least 80% of weekly

PM or alternate attends all weekly meetings and will submit quarterly reports of attendance

Material-poor performance evaluations;

corrective action plan

Designation

Desired Outcome Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

Monitoring Method Incentive/ Disincentive will be reconciled and revised in the subsequent weekly report.

harvest reports will include date of kill, location of kill, number of females killed, number of males killed, and photos of those seals killed to estimate age. If a discrepancy or clarification is identified in the weekly

Qualifications

At least 10 years of experience working with Alaska Native marine mammal hunters. Familiarity with laws and regulations related to subsistence use of marine mammals in Alaska.

Period of Performance August 15, 2024-August 14, 2025 with four (4) option years. Base year will include both harvest and hunt monitoring. Option years will separate out harvest and hunt monitoring into separate CLINs, as only one may be executed in the future Option Years.

• Option Year 1: August 15, 2025-August 14, 2026

• Option Year 2: August 15, 2026-August 14, 2027

• Option Year 3: August 15, 2027-August 14, 2028

• Option Year 4: August 15, 2028-August 14, 2029

Confidentiality and Data Privacy

This purchase order may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information.

Services contractors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

Security Requirements

This project is considered low risk, and Contractor staff must be suited for public trust classification. Background investigations are required for all contractor staff proposed for this project, and must be completed prior to beginning work.

IT Security

The contractor must meet the Department of Commerce IT Security Program Policy and Minimum Implementation Standards and also adhere to NOAA and NMFS security policies.

Information can be found https://sites.google.com/a/noaa.gov/ocio-itso/home/department-of-commerce-policies.

Government Furnished Resources

The Government will provide all necessary information, data and documents to the Contractor for work required under this contract.

The Government will not furnish any resources to the Contractor in support of this contract.

https://sites.google.com/a/noaa.gov/ocio-itso/home/department-of-commerce-policies https://sites.google.com/a/noaa.gov/ocio-itso/home/department-of-commerce-policies

Place of Performance: Work will be conducted on St. Paul Island, Alaska

Overtime, Travel, and Training

Travel is not expected or authorized for this purchase order.

Training is authorized for NMFS/NOAA/DOC specific systems and requirements. Completion certificates must be submitted to the COR no later than 3 business days after the start of the contract/ purchase order or completion of courses after authorization. The following training is currently required to be completed under this purchase order. The COR may authorize additional training that is necessary for the purchase order and not commercially available.

• NOAA IT security

• Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Training IAW NAM 1330-

52.222-70(b)(6) (required for all contractors, contractor-provided)

• Records Management 101 (required for all contractors)

Additional commercial or non-purchase order specific training may be permitted under the following circumstances: 1) prior written approval is obtained from the COR, 2) there is no additional cost to the Government for attendance, 3) the time is not billed to the Government, and 4) there is no relief/change for deliverable due dates.