B08_-_ATT_1_-_Vessel_charter_SOW_PMNM_PHIMNM_FINAL_2026_Rev_3_-_10_pgs.pdf

SCOPE OF WORK: Vessel Charter for Conservation Projects in the Northwestern

Hawaiian Islands (Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument or PMNM) and

Central Pacific (Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument or PIHMNM)

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – National Wildlife Refuge & Monuments Honolulu Office

Project Contact: Amanda Boyd, Email: Amanda_j_Boyd@fws.gov, Phone: 808-286-1320

NOTE: This contract is for Year One of a contract with four option years. Option years subsequent to this year will be activated by modification to add funds.

Contract Information:

Period covered by contract:

Base Year: April 13, 2026 to April 12, 2027

Option Year 1: April 13, 2027 to April 12, 2028

Option Year 2: April 13, 2028 to April 12, 2029, Option Year 3: April 13, 2029 to April 12, 2030

Option Year 4: April 13, 2030 to April 12, 2031

FWS Contact for billing: Patricia Pimentel (patricia_pimentel@fws.gov)

Phone: 808-953-8569

Background: Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument has multiple projects/trips planned for 2026 and beyond including endangered finch translocations, invasive species removal, native species monitoring on different islands within the Monument. Three trips planned for 2026 include Nihoa and Kapou (Lisianski Island). Both Nihoa and Kapou lie within the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

(PMNM). Because of small and isolated populations, many of Nihoa’s endemic species face a high risk of extinction from environmental catastrophes such as severe storms, disease outbreaks, and introduction of alien species. Control of invasive plants such as Sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus) and establishment of additional populations of rare species are necessary to buffer

Nihoa’s endemic species [e.g., Nihoa Finch (Telespiza ultima), Nihoa Fan Palm (Pritchardia remota)] from this high extinction risk. Development of detailed translocation methods is essential to the successful establishment of additional populations, and we plan to translocate a small population of Nihoa Finches to Kapou during the summer of 2026.

Currently, our team is conducting work on Nihoa Island to protect native species including monitoring, invasive species removal, seed collection, captive feeding trials of Nihoa Finches, habitat studies, and other tasks that necessitate camping on Nihoa island for periods of five to 15 days at a time, one to two times each year. Nihoa Island is a small, steep volcanic fragment with no lagoon and little fringing reef to provide a protected landing site. Nihoa is an undeveloped wilderness. Other than the Refuge sign, there is no permanent infrastructure on the island.

Transportation to Nihoa is only by sea, and landing on the island can be accomplished only at a single, rocky point in a semi-protected cove and is not possible during some sea states.

mailto:Amanda_j_Boyd@fws.gov mailto:patricia_pimentel@fws.gov

Located in the center of the Northwestern Hawaiian Island chain, Kapou is an almond-shaped island within the much-larger Neva Shoals reef. The landing site is quite calm and protected by the reef on southwest side and near the south point of the island. We plan to have a short-term field camp on Kapou during 2026 to support the Nihoa Finch translocation. In addition to monitoring the newly translocated finches, our team will be monitoring invasive plant and ant species as well as native plant, bird, turtle, seal and snail species. Small boat operations are required for both Kapou and Nihoa Islands. A trip to Kapou will require the vessel to stay offshore and conduct small boat operations for 2-10 days at a time.

Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument has a trip planned to Johnston Atoll in 2026 and would like to consider options for expeditions other islands within the Monument (Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Palmyra and Kingman Reef) during following years of the contract. Biologists would like to spend 5-10 days at Johnston conducting rapid ecological assessments and confirming the continued absence of yellow crazy ants. The chartered vessel would dock at a wharf on Johnston Island for the extent of the island visit and small boat operations will be required to access the other islands within the atoll.

Objective: PMNM and PIHMNM seeks an oceangoing vessel charter capable of extended ocean travel to support fieldwork in both Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Pacific

Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. It is well established that approaching and landing on Nihoa requires knowledge and skills that can only be acquired through extensive experience working in high conditions with the objective of safely landing personnel and gear on rocky ledges in high surf conditions. The landing on other islands within PMNM are much easier than

Nihoa. Johnston Atoll has uncomplicated vessel access, but other locations within PIHMNM present more challenges depending upon ocean conditions.

The vessel will be responsible for the following for each of several charters:

• transport of up to 12 passengers from Oahu, HI to the project island(s).

• land personnel and gear on the remote islands for field camps that can last from 1 to 16 days;

• extract personnel and gear from the island; and transport back to Oahu, HI.

• provide room and board to all passengers through the extent of the charter

• with appropriate permits and inspections, wildlife and wildlife resources may also be occasionally transported on the ship.

Schedule/Period of Performance: This contract will be for a base period of one year, with four

1-year options. In the base period, PMNM will conduct at least 1 trip to Nihoa, 1 trip to Nihoa and Kapou lasting seven to 16 days and PIHMNM will conduct at least 1 trip to Johnston Atoll lasting five to 16 days. Trip dates will be scheduled based on the needs of the conservation projects and availability of the vessel. In future (option) years, trips could potentially include travel to Nihoa, Mokumanamana, Lalo (French Frigate Shoals), Kamole (Laysan), Kapou

(Lisianski, Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll), Midway Atoll (Kuaihelani), Holaniku (Kure

Atoll), Palmyra Atoll, Johnston Atoll, Baker, Jarvis, Howland, Wake Atoll and Kingman Reef.

Vessel Requirements: The vessel must be suitable for open-ocean travel with sufficient fuel, water, and food stores, and must undertake regulatory compliance (see below) to transit to and operate within PMNM, PIHMNM, as well as within the waters of the main Hawaiian Islands.

The vessel must have, in proper working order, all required United States Coast Guard approved safety, navigation and communication devices. The vessel must also be compliant with all applicable international, federal, state, tribal, and local laws, including but not limited to PMNM regulations found at 50 C.F.R. Part 404 and Best Management Practices, found at https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/permit/bestmanagement.html. These requirements include, but are not limited to, obtaining a vessel permit, rodent inspection with detector dogs, type-approved Vessel Monitoring System units, and hull, tender vessel, gear and ballast water inspections. The same regulations and best management practices must be followed for all

PIHMNM location visits, in addition to PMNM trips. Regulations and Best Management

Practices can be found here: https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/permit/bestmanagement.html

The contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, equipment, services, and facilities to accomplish the objective and as follows below (except as otherwise specified). Any delays exceeding six hours due to failure of contractor furnished equipment, facilities, services, or assets shall result in the loss of that sea day at the contractor’s expense, excluding failures due to unforeseen weather, natural disasters, or health reasons. Scientific and camp equipment will be furnished by the USFWS biologists and partners.

Vessel Requirements:

1. Qualified captain and appropriate number of crew to safely operate the vessel and conduct all supporting operations planned for each expedition. Activities undertaken by the ship’s captain and crew must comply with the PMNM and

PIHMNM permits issued to the ship and contractor for each trip. Captain and crew are required to sign a statement of compliance and participate in any required briefings or stipulations.

2. The vessel captain and crew must have demonstrated experience operating in open waters as well as demonstrated experience in adverse sea conditions that include landing people and gear on rocky ledges in surf conditions.

3. The Primary Vessel will provide all passengers with a safety briefing before or shortly after departure to explain safety procedures, location of safety equipment and explain chain of command when undergoing various operations.

4. Vessel must be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 8 knots in average sea conditions within the operating area.

5. Vessel must have capacity to endure at least 21 days of operations.

https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/permit/bestmanagement.html https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/permit/bestmanagement.html

6. The Vessel must provide two operational small boats as well as at least one back-up engine that supports the two small boats which are all capable of landing personnel and gear on remote islands. For trips disembarking at Nihoa specifically the small boats must be soft-hulled/inflatable boats such as a Zodiac in order to safely operate on challenging landing.

7. All small boats must be able to maneuver quickly and safely in near-shore surf zones to land personnel and gear on a rocky terrace in a small cove. The skiff must be capable of run up on the rocky landing site, providing addition stability and safety while disembarking or embarking people and gear. Gasoline fuel for the outboard motor must be stored in U.S. Coast Guard and/or U.S. DOT approved tanks or containers.

8. The vessel must have two trained small boat operators on board all trips, (a primary and a backup).

9. Operational capacity to clean gear returning to the vessel from islands (i.e. running water/space)

10. Deck or internal storage area of at least 200 sq ft for storing and transporting scientific and camp gear and accessories. Deck storage area may be continuous or separated into sections throughout the vessel.

11. Dry storage area of at least 100 cu ft for holding scientific equipment and electronics. Dry storage area may be continuous or separated into sections throughout the vessel.

12. Clean and sanitary accommodations for crew and field party (variably numbering from three to 12 personnel) which may include both males and females. Stateroom and berthing arrangements must allow for separate rooms for male and female scientists.

13. Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use (including showers and laundry) for all personnel aboard for at least 21-days. If a water-maker is not available, then a minimum of 4,000 gal is required.

14. Clean mattresses pillows and linens for the scientific field party.

15. A minimum of two heads and two showers shall be available to the scientific field party. Soap, toilet paper, and paper towels shall be provided by the vessel.

16. Berthing, and galley spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke, excessive engine noise, and hydrocarbon fumes.

17. In an effort to reduce marine debris pollution, the Captain shall comply with waste management regulations as described in Section V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of

1978 (“MARPOL 73/78”) and as regulated by monument regulations and best management practices, including those described here:

https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/permit/bestmanagement.html. The vessel shall be required to have a storage facility, with or without a trash compactor, to retain all refuse (except food and paper materials) or a means to incinerate this refuse so that it is not disposed of at sea.

18. All vessels operating within the Monuments must have a rodent inspection and an ant inspection each conducted by detector dogs approved by USFWS no more than

48 hours prior to departure, as well as a hull inspection or approved biofouling risk assessment report conducted no more than 14 days prior to departure, and a ballast water record inspection. If any small boat operations are proposed to occur within the Monuments, then a tender vessel fouling inspection or risk assessment must occur within 14 days prior to departure as well. If any gear will be placed or used in the water or on land, you must schedule an inspection of these items before departing for the Monument also. For more information on specific current requirements and to confirm current suitable sources for the described services please call the USFWS contract POC or other contact designated by the contract

POC (i.e. the assigned FWS Expedition Leader).

19. The vessel is required to always have both rodent traps and ant traps on board to response to any signs of presence of those species after departure.

20. If confirmed or potential signs of any species of concern are detected in any of the inspections, Contractor may be required to conduct cleaning or treatment operations such as rodent eradication, ant treatments, hull cleaning, or ballast water maintenance at Contractor’s own cost before departing for the Monuments. If proposed gear or materials are found to be contaminated with any species of conservation concern, Contractor may be required to conduct specific cleaning measures or complete replacement of contaminated items at Contractor’s own cost before departing for the Monuments. Re-inspection may be required.

21. Additionally, recent concerns over the proliferation of alien algae in the main

Hawaiian Islands has resulted in the need for a strong effort on the part of any visitor to ensure that they do not transport these species into the waters of the

Monuments. All small boats, engines, anchors, and lines will be visually inspected for any algal remnants or other alien species which must be removed prior to departure for the Monuments. If necessary, the small boats must be washed and disinfected prior to departure from the main Hawaiian Islands. The same inspection procedure is required for small boats and associated equipment between uses at multiple atolls or islands within the Monuments. If any alien species are found, they must be removed and placed in a sealed container until they can be properly disposed of upon return to Honolulu through coordination with proper authorities in the main Hawaiian Islands (i.e. U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Protection

Quarantine and Hawaii Department of Agriculture .

22. In a similar manner, precautions to prevent the movement of Chondria tumulosa (a nuisance algae species) from Holaniku/Kure, Midway and Manawai/Pearl &

Hermes) to the main Hawaiian Islands must be followed when accessing waters within 12 miles of each site. The Monuments current Best Management Practices must be followed when conducting operations in these areas, which can be found at https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/permit/bestmanagement.html

23. The deck must be cleaned with pressurized water prior to cargo loading, paying special attention to cracks and crevices that could harbor insects, such as the space between deck boards or beneath immovable objects. If pre-access monitoring detects ants onboard, then an insect treatment service must be implemented.

24. All vessels used to access the Monuments must carry a minimum amount of wreck removal and pollution insurance, specifically targeted and sufficient to provide for the vessel’s full extraction and removal from the Monuments should it run aground or experience difficulties. Documentation must be provided to the FWS contract

POC or their designee no later than 30-days prior to trip departure. The extraction method used must meet permitting requirements which are set buy the FWS

Superintendent of each monument area.

25. No release or exchange of ballast water will be permitted within either Monument.

26. Discharging gray water is allowed in the Monuments outside of all Special

Preservation Areas and the Midway Atoll Special Management Area (See attached

Map at the end of this document ). Discharging biodegradable solid waste associated with galley operations is restricted to 3 nautical miles (ground to 1 inch in diameter) and 12 nautical miles (unground) outside of all Special Preservation

Areas and the Midway Atoll Special Management Area. This means that no food or kitchen rubbish may be thrown overboard within the Special Preservation Areas and the Midway Atoll Special Management Area. Pursuant to MARPOL 73/78, intentional releases of black water from the Primary Vessel within the Monument are prohibited. All sewage shall be held in a proper storage tank(s).

27. A cruise log must be maintained for the entire cruise and should include a description of activities and geographic locations of those activities. A copy of this cruise log will be provided to USFWS upon return to

Honolulu.

28. The Contractor is responsible to arrange and produce all U.S. Customs and U.S. Department of Homeland Security documents, reports, and inspections as required by those agencies with respect to all personnel and cargo transported under this contract.

29. The Contractor shall provide adequate crew to affect the safe operation of the ship and provide appropriate watch standing. Small boat operators must have specific, demonstrated experience handling small boats for landing and extracting personnel and gear in surf.

30. Prior to departure, the Contractors will provide USFWS with access to the

Primary Vessel, small boats, and cargo containers to inspect for invasive plant, insect, or algal invasive species prior to the commencement of on-loading cargo in Honolulu. If any invasive species are found the

Contractor must re-clean the contaminated areas prior to the on-loading of cargo.

31. USFWS will identify, label, and provide proper documentation for all hazardous materials prior to loading. Hazardous cargo will include fuel, herbicide, and some other hazardous materials (e.g. paints, engine oil).

Small Boat Requirements:

1. A minimum of two fully operational small boats are required which follow all biosecurity requirements, as described above, for the location(s) they are to be used at.

In some cases three small boats may be required if work occurs in areas with Chondria and areas without Chondria.

2. Either two fully operational small boats will be in the water at all times during at sea transfers, or, if one small boat is conducting at sea transfers the second small boat must be fully operational and be rigged for immediate deployment.

3. Each boat must be outfitted with: a fully functional outboard engine, 1 Emergency

Position Indicating Radio Beacon (“EPIRB”) or Pathfinder Pro Search and Rescue

Transponder, 2 Very High Frequency (“VHF”) radios, 2 anchors with minimum of 100 ft of line each, 1 personal floatation device for each individual transported in the small boat, compass, charts, emergency kit with a minimum of 1 portable water desalinator or 2 flats of bottled water, emergency rations, emergency blankets, tool kit, spare engine parts, and a flare kit.

4. Closed toe shoes are required for all small boat work in both Monuments for small boat handlers and scientists.

5. Small boats must be able to carry at least 3 passengers at a time and a minimum amount of cargo that is equivalent in volume to at least 10, 5-gallon buckets.

Electronic and Communication Equipment Requirements:

1. VHF Radio; a minimum of two radios, one of which must be fixed mounted in the bridge.

Two additional radios are required for each skiff. (USFWS will provide VHF radios for scientists' use while on-island).

2. Single side-band unit.

3. GPS (Global Positioning System).

4. Radar ― with a minimum range of 38.6 km (24 miles).

5. Satellite capable communication devices capable of providing access to passengers smart phones, tablets and computers that can support voice calls, text messaging and internet access.

Crew Requirements:

1. The contractor shall provide a licensed Captain for each cruise. The captain must have experience operating in open seas and landing personnel and gear in surf conditions on rocky shorelines.

2. The contractor shall provide adequate crew to effect the safe operation of the ship and provide appropriate watch standing. Skiff operators must have specific, demonstrated experience handling small boats for landing and extracting personnel and gear at Nihoa

Island or other remote islands lacking infrastructure.

3. The contractor shall also provide a cook/steward for the duration of each cruise.

4. Government personnel will provide their own safety, survival, and emergency equipment for operations conducted away from the vessel, i.e., on Nihoa island.

Operating Procedures:

1. Three meals and snacks will be provided by the vessel for the resident field party during each charter day including in-port days, unless notified by the Chief Scientist that the field party will not be eating one or more meals aboard the vessel that day. Reasonable accommodations shall be made for personnel on restricted diets (not limited to the following examples: gluten-free, dairy-free, Vegetarian and Vegan). Meal times will be coordinated with the Chief Scientist. Packaged lunches and refreshments will be provided for field party personnel who are berthed aboard the vessel while at anchor in the field and for crew while conducting operations away from the vessel and will comply with quarantine requirements within PMNM. Field party personnel camped on the island will provide their own meals and water. The Chief Scientist will notify the cook one day prior to needing packaged lunches.

2. The Captain will maintain close communication with the Chief Scientist, at least once each day while the vessel is at anchor, to discuss daily operations, weather forecasts, and resolve any problems that occur.

3. The Chief Scientist and Captain will work together to resolve all problems which occur regarding the charter and scientific operations while at sea. In the event the Field Party

Chief and Captain are unable to resolve any problem which has the potential for invalidating the scientific research 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.

4. The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow safety procedures as directed by the Field Party Chief to help prevent damage 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.

5. All equipment and gear specified in the Government's statement of work and that which is not specified but is necessary to the safe and continued operation of the vessel shall be operational at the beginning of the charter and maintained in working order throughout the duration of the charter.

6. The Contractor shall provide for all operating expenses of the vessel exclusive of scientific equipment and supplies.

Safety

1. The vessel Captain is responsible for all matters relating to safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Captain will adhere at all times to maritime navigational rules as defined by the Convention on the International Regulations for preventing

Collisions at Sea, 1972. He/she shall review safety procedures and equipment with the scientific party at the beginning of each cruise leg. The Contractor shall provide U.S.

Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all personnel aboard. The Government may provide additional personal flotation devices as deemed necessary by the Chief Scientist.

2. The Contractor shall provide a first-aid kit, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a small boat emergency kit with appropriate visual distress signal devices (as required by the USCG federal required items for boats). The Government will provide additional first aid kits/medical supplies, and emergency equipment for operations conducted away from the vessel.

3. At the time of submission of the proposal and bid, the Contractor shall indicate that they have or can obtain a vessel Stability Report, certified by a licensed naval architect/marine engineer, which describes the vessel's stability characteristics for the intended charter operations. A Category I 406 MHZ EPIRB (Emergency Position

Indicating Radio Beacon) must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Mission Plan, Pre/Post Cruise Meeting, and Cruise Report:

1. The Chief Scientist will draft a Mission Plan that will detail the mission, itinerary, scientific personnel, program provided equipment, and operations conducted on the cruise. The Mission Plan will be provided to the vessel prior to departure.

2. Pre-cruise meetings will be scheduled by the Chief Scientist with the Captain of the vessel to review the Mission Plan and discuss cruise related issues. Additional personnel may attend, including but not limited to program leaders, directors office representative, scientific staff, and essential ship crew. A safety briefing for all crew and scientific staff and a cultural briefing shall be prior to leaving port in Honolulu.

3. A post-cruise meeting will be scheduled by the Chief Scientist and the Captain of the vessel to review the cruise and provide feedback to the Contractor and Contracting

Officer/COR. Any un-resolved issues that arose during the cruise shall be discussed at this time. Additional personnel may attend, including but not limited to program leaders, directors office representative, scientific staff, and essential ship crew.