Combined Synopsis NFFM73202301311.docx

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

CHARTER VESSEL SERVICES FOR TURTLE ECOLOGY SURVEYS SOUTH OF NANTUCKET, FOR THE NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

(I) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(II) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Submit written quotes on RFQ Number NFFM73202301311DR.

(III) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-02 (MAR 2023) (Deviation 2023-03) (DEC 2022).

(IV) This solicitation is being issued as a total small business set-aside. The associated NAICS code is 483114. The small business size standard is 550

(V) This combined solicitation/synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial services:

Line Item 0001 – Services, non-personal, to provide all equipment, labor, and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Sea Day Vessel Charter to support NOAA Fisheries Turtle Ecology Research Survey as per the statement of work. Qty 10 days @ $__________per day $___________total for line item.

Line Item 0002 – Option line item; Services, non-personal, to include all equipment, labor, and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for additional days: up to (5) additional sea days (including fuel cost) may be exercised, in accordance with the Statement. Qty 5 days @ $__________per day $___________total for line item.

Line Item 0003 – Optional line item; Services, non-personal, to include all equipment, labor, and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Moblization and De-Moblization, if needed, to steam to/from port of Woods Hole, MA ; stage and de-stage scientific equipment (estimated 2- 4 hrs) and if needed - practice small boat load and unload, in accordance with the Statement of Work. Qty NTE 3 day @ $__________per day $___________total for line item.

Line Item 0004 – Option line item; Services, non-personal, to include all equipment, labor, and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Dock Day Rate use -only if CLIN 0002 is not used. - If the contract vessel must stay at the dock for more than 18 consecutive hours; in accordance with the Statement of Work. Qty 1 day @ $__________per day $___________total for line item.

(VI) Description of requirements is as follows:

See attached Statement of Work.

Statement of Work Charter Vessel for Turtle Ecology Research Cruise

NF-FM7320-23-01311

1.0 GENERAL

The leatherback sea turtle is listed as endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA Fisheries and the US Fish and Wildlife Service share jurisdiction of all sea turtles listed under the ESA. NOAA Fisheries leads the conservation and recovery efforts for sea turtles in the marine environment by conducting various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of leatherback sea turtles. Research results are used to evaluate population trends, inform conservation management strategies, and to assess progress toward recovery for this imperiled species. NOAA’s work includes studying behavior through various types of tagging, satellite tracking, chemical analysis, and vessel and aerial surveys.

The NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Protected Species Branch (PSB) is seeking a charter vessel to survey for leatherback sea turtles and support small boat operations, including launching and recovering one or two small work boats. When turtles are located, the work boat(s) will be deployed with science personnel, if weather permits. Oceanographic sampling may be done from the charter vessel.

We hope to spend the majority of the cruise in the area directly south of Nantucket, but we may extend further, depending on conditions at the time of the cruise. Survey Operation areas are shown in the figure below.

Primary Survey Operation Area is shown with a thick red box outline. We expect that all or a majority of survey time will be spent within the primary survey operation area; however, it could be necessary to consider a possible extended area (shown in a thinner red outline). Marine protected areas are shown in yellow.

The desired timing and length of cruise is approximately 10-15 days at sea starting approximately August 19, 2023. The base period would include 10 days at sea, with an additional 5 optional days at sea.

Option Item - Additional Days at Sea

The total number of days at sea are a base period of 10 sea days, with an option for up to 5 additional sea days (total up to 15 days at sea in the base plus option period combined) if exercised. The vendor is required to bid on this option. If scheduling conflicts cause the vendor to be unable to provide 5 optional days at sea, bids will be considered so long as at least 3 optional days at sea are included in the bid and must provide at least 3 additional days at sea. The period of performance for this option would be immediately following the base period, thus seamlessly extending the duration of the cruise. Though, if there are weather or other unexpected considerations, other time periods could also be considered so long as the dates and locations of this option are mutually agreeable to both the vendor and the Government.

2.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Period of Performance

The planned period of performance is for approximately 10-15 consecutive Sea Days, departing from Woods Hole, MA on or around August 19, 2023. Note that there is a large community event on August 20, 2023 which is expected to severely restrict vehicle and possibly vessel traffic to the village of Woods Hole.

The timing of the cruise must be coordinated with an aircraft which is currently scheduled to fly for this project from August 18 to August 31, 2023. Weather permitting, the cruise will be carried out with consecutive days in one time period. Except for emergencies, there shall not be any crew changes in the course of the cruise.

The vessel shall be available at the port of Woods Hole, MA at least one day prior to the start of a research cruise prepared with the necessary fuel, food and crew to conduct and support the mission objectives. On the day prior to the cruise, the vessel and crew will be made available to NEFSC scientific staff, for the purpose of loading cruise supplies and reviewing (and practicing) procedures for small boat launch and recovery. If the contract vessel has not launched and recovered a small boat of the same size and complexity as the work boat(s) (total length is 35’) used by the scientists, then the contract vessel shall be available for launch and recovery practice at least two days prior to the start of the cruise at the vendor’s own expense.

A vessel shall be placed off-hire in the event of loss of time due to any contractor and vessel-related operational deficiencies. Any underway days lost by the vessel during the currency of the contract due to excusable delays as defined in FAR 52.212-4 (f) shall be added to the cruise period per contract modification (See FAR 52.212-4c and FAR 52.212-4f).

2.2 Cruise Operations (CLIN 0001)

A Sea Day is defined as the vessel being at sea, transiting to or from planned areas of operation, conducting scientific operations, or laying to, due to inclement weather or scientific equipment failures. (Fuel costs are included in the sea day rate)

A Mobilization Day is defined as the contract vessel traveling to and from Woods Hole port, staging and de-staging (estimated 4 hours), and practice retrieving and deploying the small boat, as needed.

A Dock Day is defined as staying at the dock for at least 18 continuous hours of the 24 hour calendar day.

Prior to the commencement of the cruise, the vessel will be made available to NEFSC scientific staff, on mutually-agreed upon date(s), to inspect the vessel, potentially train the crew for the deployments & retrievals, and to meet with the Master and/or owners. Any software, gear, and/or equipment installed on the vessel by the PSB for the purpose of conducting the research cruise will be removed at the end of the cruise.

The contract vessel must have a minimum of four crew, covering the role of Master, mate, engineer and chief steward, to operate the vessel and to support scientific operations. The Master and mate must be fluent in English. While at sea, the Master is responsible for the operation of the contracted vessel to insure the safety of the scientific staff and all crew members. The contract vessel’s crew is responsible for the safe operation of any crane, davit, or winch. The bid shall specify whether the contract vessel’s crew will be capable of independently launching and recovering the work boat(s) or whether scientists will be needed to handle lines. Any damage to the vessel and its gear which occurs during the cruise is the responsibility of the vessel.

The contract vessel must be able to accommodate scientific crew of 9-12, and preference will be given to vessels that can accommodate at the higher end of this range. Scientific staff may include federal or contracted employees, volunteers, as well as academic, conservation, or industry partners.

Ideally the contract vessel will have an open flybridge which is safely accessible to science crew. At least three science crew may be on the flybridge at any time during the day. (Note: if there is an option other than a flybridge, that gives observers 180 degree view forward, that can be considered). It is preferred that the fly bridge be outfitted with a windshield to protect observers using hand held binoculars from wind.

Contract vessel shall be outfitted with a crane which is capable of lifting, launching, and recovering a 6,750 lb. 20 foot aluminum hulled work boat with foam collar and bow and stern extensions. Scientists must be able to board the work boat after the crane brings the work boat outboard of the contract vessel and snugs it up at the deck level of the contract vessel. The crane will be man-rated unless the freeboard of the ship allows one step down to launch the work boat. Government will provide one or two work boats and cradle(s) for work boats to sit on the aft deck. Contract vessel will provide and carry at least 200 gallons of gasoline, preferably in USCG approved mobile fuel caddies, which will be made available for work boat operations. When the work boat is aboard the contract vessel, the contract vessel crew is responsible for making it secure during all seas. Government will provide a man-rated lifting harness for work boat launch and recovery. Contract vessel shall provide a crane operator and at least one deck hand for deployment. Ideally, the contract vessel crew shall be capable of independently launching and recovering the work boat(s), but if this is not the case Government can bring science staff to aid in handling lines during launch and recovery. The quote shall specify if scientists are needed to handle lines during launch and recovery.

The contract vessel must be able to mount a .322 conducting wire winch for deploying and retrieving oceanographic sampling equipment. Winch requires 460 volt 3 phase power to be wired by the vessel. Deployment of the oceanographic equipment would be deployed using an a-frame of j-frame.

Daily Operations

The starting location for each day will be discussed the previous evening.

A major responsibility of the contract vessel will be to support work boat operations in support of the science mission. The contract vessel will launch and later recover 1 or 2 research work boat(s), as weather permits. The contract vessel must have experience launching and recovering small boats. Detailed protocols (of how small boats with scientists were successfully launched and recovered in the past) must be provided and will be used to evaluate launch and recovering capabilities. It is preferred but not mandatory for the contract vessel to supply a deployable small boat which would be available to be operated by the science party as a second or spare work boat. At times, the contract vessel may also serve as the mothership for a 23’ research vessel, which may tie up to the contract vessel. Personnel from the 23’ research vessel may come aboard the contract vessel as members of the science party, but the 23’ research vessel would not be brought aboard (retrieved or deployed from) the contract vessel.

The contract vessel will stand by during small boat operations, possibly doing oceanographic sampling. Science crew may deploy sUAS (drone) from the contract vessel, and may collect water samples for eDNA analysis or do other oceanographic sampling. These decisions will be made case by case.

The science party will work most daylight hours unless weather is limiting. If weather does not allow work from the flybridge, observers may stand watch from the wheelhouse. Research operations are not expected to routinely occur at night. There is the potential for brief operations shortly after sunset (to assess diel vertical migration of plankton). There is also the potential to run transects at night to collect echo sounding data, but this would not require significant deck work as it only involves slow transit.

An Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit, issued by the Office of Protected Resources will be maintained onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey. The Government will provide the permit. The vessel will be considered a NOAA research vessel under this contract.

The contract vessel shall utilize and maintain nautical charts, deck log and/or computer software(s) that provide a record of the vessel’s location, operations, operating conditions and any vessel-related significant events. These charts, logs and software output(s) shall be made available upon request of the Chief Scientist. The contract vessel Master shall provide scientific personnel access to GPS location data, and other available operations data as needed. Sea surface temperature is of interest to the science party.

Nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating demise of the contract vessel to the Government. The Contractor under this contract shall retain complete and exclusive possession and operation of the contract vessel and its navigation.

2.3 Provisions

Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) shall be prepared by the contract vessel chief steward for the scientists. Protein shall be included at each meal. Lunch and dinner should also have two vegetables and fruit. Milk (dairy and plant-based), coffee, tea, water, cold juice, and snacks shall be available at all times. We anticipate the scientific staff will have diet restrictions or preferences (such as allergies; gluten free and dairy free; and perhaps vegetarian or vegan), so enough food options shall be offered so that all staff are sufficiently fortified. Meals shall be prepared during each day of vessel operation under this contract.

2.4 COVID-19 Prevention and Response Plan

In parallel with other NMFS sea-going operations, all staff aboard the contract vessel shall be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Depending on the situation as the cruise nears, staff may also be required to be up to date by taking any Covid-19 booster doses for which they are eligible, as recommended by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently NMFS is not requiring seagoing staff to shelter in place, but all seagoing crew must take a NOAA supplied rapid molecular test for Covid 19 the day before joining a vessel. If NMFS does not supply COVID-19 tests, then the contract vessel will be responsible for providing mutually agreed upon COVID -19 testing for its crew and NEFSC will be responsible for providing mutually agreed upon COVID-19 testing for scientists.

Contract vessel will have a designated cabin/infirmary or a plan in place to vacate and designate a cabin for isolation should anyone present with Covid-19 symptoms. Anyone exhibiting symptoms during the cruise will be required to take a Covid-19 antigen test. If any crew member develops symptoms, they will self-administer an antigen test. If positive, will self-isolate, inform ship command and chief scientist.

If the above Covid 19 prevention and response plan becomes outdated, a mutually agreed upon plan can be substituted. Covide mitigation plans may include a combination of shelter in place (SIP), masks, testing, and vaccination.

2.5 Emergency Medical Care, Safety and Health

a. Medical Services. The Contractor shall provide a qualified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) holding current National certification (preferred) or at least one crew member trained in advanced first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use while underway for the duration of the contract. The medical person in charge is responsible to the Master for the health of crew members and Scientific Field Party personnel including emergency and routine care, preventative medicine and medical administration. The medical person in charge shall assist the Master in developing plans and procedures for dealing with medical emergencies, including obtaining shore side medical advice/assistance and designating and training other shipboard personnel to provide assistance in emergencies.

b. Medical Provisions. The Contracted vessel shall be outfitted with a current first aid manual, complete first aid kit and automated external defibrillator (AED). The Contractor shall provide a designated area to accommodate first aid treatment, medical equipment and other medical provisions. The Contractor shall establish adequate and reasonable controls and procedures for the custody and safekeeping of all medical supplies, equipment and controlled medical substances.

c. Medical Records. The Contractor shall maintain medical records aboard the vessel for Scientific Field Party personnel containing a minimum medical history and on-board treatment records. The confidentiality of these records shall be protected in accordance with the Privacy Act at 5 USC 552a.

d. Hazardous Materials. The contractor shall follow all applicable regulations and standards pertaining to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation contained in 49 CFR.B.1. The Contractor shall maintain a current library of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials aboard the vessels and shall make them readily available to all personnel on board. The Chief Scientist will provide the contractor with a current copy of an MSDS for any/all hazardous materials brought onboard the vessel by the Scientific Field Party. The Chief Scientist will be responsible for the removal of all hazardous materials not consumed during scientific operations and for the removal of all hazardous materials, if any, generated by the Scientific Field Party. The Government will provide the personal protective equipment required for the safe handling of those hazardous materials brought onboard by the Scientific Field Party. The contractor is responsible for the compliance with all applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations pertaining to shipboard operations, including the use of hazardous materials, and the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous materials (if any) generated by the vessel. It is anticipated at this time that at least one hazardous material (denatured alcohol) will be brought on board. Arrangements will be made with the Master to accommodate the above requirements. Additional safety requirements such as an emergency eye wash station will also need to be arranged. These arrangements will be made in cooperation with the Master.

2.6 Living and Working Conditions for Scientific Personnel

a. Liquor or Illegal Drugs. During the cruise period, the possession or use of intoxicating liquor and or illegal drugs by any person aboard the vessels is not permitted, and may be grounds for termination of the Contract by the Government. The Contractor shall comply with the requirements to maintain a Drug Free Workplace contained in FAR 52.233-6.

b. Firearms. During the cruise period, all firearms, should any be onboard, shall be kept under lock and key by the contract vessel Master.

c. Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited in all interior spaces occupied by or utilized by the Scientific Field Party. Smoking on deck shall be in designated areas only so that the smoking does not interfere with science operations.

d. At no time during the vessel charter period which includes staging and destaging in-port times, shall any member of the scientific party or crew be subjected to or take part in, any acts of discrimination based on sex, disability, race, color, ethic nationality or gender identification. This includes discriminatory comments, jokes, propaganda, harassment or biasness, whether directly or indirectly involving a member of the scientific party or crew member.

e. Pornographic Material: All pornographic material, such as magazines, movies, calendars, etc. shall be absent from all public/common areas on board the vessel during the duration of the vessel charter period.

f. Water intended for personal use and consumption that is taken, produced, or stored aboard the vessel shall be handled in accordance with applicable regulations. Evidence of bacteriological and chemical testing of shipboard potable water taken from the vessel’s storage tanks via the vessel’s distribution system by a certified laboratory within three months of the charter period shall be provided. Potable water shall be tested and treated to maintain a pH of 6.8 to 7.8 and a residual halogen content of 0.2 ppm to 2.0 ppm free available chlorine (or equivalent) weekly. Water should be free of tastes, odors, and turbidity that would be objectionable to the majority of those on board.

2.7 Passengers

The Contractor shall not permit any passengers (who are not part of the science party) to be transported aboard the vessel for any reason without specific approval of the COTR. This restriction applies to Government employees, Contractor’s employees who are not crew members, Scientific Field Party personnel not assigned and the general public.

2.8 Security

The vessel shall provide a security watch while in port to ensure that unauthorized personnel are not permitted to board the vessels from shore or via the harbor. Emergency phone numbers for local port officials and law enforcement shall be available to the person on watch. Best marine practices shall be in place while underway to ensure that unauthorized personnel or craft are not permitted to approach the vessel. The Master of the vessel shall take all additional customary and reasonable precautions to ensure that no harm befalls the vessel while in port and at sea.

3.0. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 a. Minimum Vessel Specifications

1) Capable of safe operation throughout the “primary area of operation” and “possible extended area”, though we acknowledge that within our primary area of operation there are shallow areas within which we do not expect the contract vessel to be able to navigate.

4) Crane or davit with minimum SWL = 6,750lbs, for launching and recovering the work boats.

9) Indoor storage space and table for scientific equipment and supplies, or provide one or two containers on deck to meet scientific needs.

10) Freezer space will be available to the scientists for storing 10-15 one-liter bottles, each measuring 10” inches tall with a diameter of 3.5”.

3.2 Electronic and Communication Equipment Requirements

1) Radios:

a. VHF (minimum 2)

b. Single side-band

3.3 Crew requirements

1) The Captain shall have a minimum of three years of experience as Master of a comparable- sized vessel in north Atlantic waters.

2) The Captain shall be competent in the use of modern navigational equipment.

3) At least two other members of the crew shall have a minimum of three years of sea-going experience.

4) The designated cook should have adequate experience in the planning and preparation of three daily meals at sea for appropriately sized groups of people.

5) Bidders shall include documentation indicating pertinent employment experience for each crew member indicating the requisite experience. Similar documentation will be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative for approval of all replacement personnel proposed for hire during the charter.

3.4 Safety

The Contractor shall provide documentation that a USCG Fishing Vessel Safety Inspection has been passed within one year of the start of the cruise. The vessels shall meet all safety, firefighting and lifesaving equipment requirements as found in applicable sections of Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 28. The vessels shall be outfitted with personal floatation devices and survival craft (lift rafts) of sufficient number and capacity to accommodate all on board including visiting scientific party and of the type required for a vessel of its size, class, and service in accordance with 46 CFR. There shall be two identified escape routes from all general areas.

A navigational watch shall be maintained at all times while the vessel is at sea. No crew member shall be required to work continuously in excess of 12 hours at any given time on any given day. Under normal operating scenarios, all crew members shall be provided at least two rest periods per 24 hour period, one of which must be at least six continuous hours in duration. Aboard vessels employing a one-person bridge watch, a tamper resistant audible watch or bridge alarm in the wheelhouse are required with an activation cycle not to exceed 15 minute intervals during the charter.

All vessels must have an emergency source of electrical power, independent of the main source of electrical power, to provide power to emergency loads in accordance with USCG or SOLAS requirements for a vessel of its size, type, and service. At a minimum, chartered vessels shall have a means to provide emergency power to the following equipment: emergency lighting, navigation equipment, navigation lights, general alarm systems (where fitted), and emergency communication systems and equipment. The emergency source of electrical power must be capable of supplying connected emergency loads continuously for at least three hours and must be located in a space or locker other than the main machinery space. Batteries of sufficient size and capacity may serve as an adequate source of emergency power.

Survival suits for the ship’s crew must be provided by the Contractor; the scientific party can provide their own survival suits if requested. The Government reserves the right to inspect the vessels for safety, firefighting and lifesaving capabilities in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between NMFS and the USCG prior to award and commencement of the research cruise. A thorough pre- cruise orientation aboard each vessel shall be conducted for the scientists and crew regarding the vessel’s safety, firefighting and lifesaving capabilities assigned responsibilities and procedures.

3.5. Stability

The vessel shall be of design and shall be operated and maintained in a condition that warrants it seaworthy and stable in accordance with the American Bureau of Shipping’s Guide for Building and Classing Fishing Vessels and the 46 CFR, Part 28, Subchapter E as applicable, taking into consideration itinerant loads identified herein.

All vessels chartered by NOAA shall have stability information and instructions derived based on tests and calculations, in a format required by regulation applicable to the vessel’s size, type, and service.

Vessels shall have, as a minimum, a Stability Letter that reflects the vessel’s current configuration and intended service, signed by a qualified individual (a recognized naval architect or naval architecture firm having been trained in and having experience in matters of stability calculations) certifying that the vessel meets intact stability requirements, taking into account the loading, over-the-side lifting, and at-sea conditions under which the vessel will reasonably be expected to operate during the charter. The stability letter shall contain instructions and guidance for the vessel’s operating personnel intended to maintain satisfactory vessel stability and shall include information regarding loading constraints and operating restrictions under varying conditions. Vessels 79 feet or less, for which regulatory stability evaluation criteria is not available or applicable, may provide evidence that stability has been evaluated by a qualified individual using best available data in lieu of an official Stability Letter required by regulation.

All vessels chartered by NOAA shall have and shall maintain stability information aboard the vessel. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall be operated in accordance with the vessel’s stability instructions and guidance.

3.6. Material Condition, Structural and Watertight Integrity

The Contractor shall provide one or more of the following, reflecting the vessel’s current configuration, as evidence of the vessel being maintained in a seaworthy condition: evidence of a dry- docking survey, or underwater survey in lieu of dry-docking, and an internal structural examination within the two years prior to the initiation of the cruise; or proof of satisfactorily passing an inspection completed by the Contractors marine insurance carrier within one year of initiation of the cruise. The Government reserves the right to inspect the vessel’s material condition with respect to maintenance of vital systems, vessel configuration, and watertight integrity prior to award and commencement of the cruises.

3.7. Regulatory Compliance

The vessel shall be outfitted, operated and maintained to meet all applicable federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and pollution control regulations. The Contractor shall have on board during the currency of this contract all certificates, records and other documents required by applicable laws and regulation including a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility” meeting requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard for vessels over 400 tons. Vessels must not have any current operator or vessel permit sanctions.

4.0. DELIVERABLES

Following is a schedule of administrative deliverables required during the period of performance of this contract:

Structural Inspection Verification

1 EA

With Quote

TPOC/CO

SOW, Para 3.6

Additional $5 million Insurance Rider for period of at-sea work

1 EA

Prior to Cruise

TPOC

Section II.9

Data Waiver

1 EA

With Quote

CO

SOW, Para 2.2

Stability Letter, if applicable

1 EA

With Quote

CO

SOW, Para 3.5

TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT (TPOC)

(a) Henry Milliken is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (TPOC). The TPOC may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the Contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The TPOC is located at:

NMFS/Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Henry.Milliken@noaa.gov

The TPOC for this contract is Heather Haas: heather.haas@noaa.gov.

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the TPOC are as follows:

(1) The TPOC is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the Contractor. The TPOC is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The TPOC is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any Contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the TPOC. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate TPOC(s) to act for the TPOC by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the Contractor

INVOICES

(a) Payment will be based on receipt of a proper invoice and satisfactory contract performance and guidelines in FAR 32.9, Prompt Payment.

(1) Original invoices shall be mailed (via U.S. Postal Service) or emailed (preferred) to the designated billing office as follows:

NOAA/NEFSC

Purchasing Department 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 nmfs.nec.invoices@noaa.gov

(2) Please reference the Contract/Order Number in your email subject line when submitting invoices.

(3) The designated payment office for this contract is:

DOC/NOAA Financial Office 20020 Century Boulevard Germantown, MD 20874

(b) The Government will return invoices that do not comply with these requirements.

PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be:

Protected Species Staff Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property listed in Attachment A to the Contractor. The Contractor shall be accountable for, and have stewardship of, the property in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with provisions of the “Government Property” clause included in this contract.

Equipment Prior to Cruise

(VII) Place of Acceptance/Performance:

Protected Species Staff Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Period of Performance shall be:

August 18, 2023 through August 31, 2023 – April 30, 2024

(VIII) FAR 52.212-1, INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023), applies to this acquisition.

NOTICE TO OFFERORS: Instructions for submitting quotations under this request for quote must be followed. Failure to provide all information to aid in the evaluation may be considered non-responsive. Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

1. Submit PDF or Microsoft Word format quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation. Email quotes are required and can be sent to Diana.romero@noaa.gov.

2. Contractor shall have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM found at https://sam.gov/content/home) in order to provide a quote and be eligible for award. Must provide their UEID/CAGE CODE with their quote.

3. Vendors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of them or their capability.

4. Provide all evaluation criteria in accordance with FAR 52.212-2 in this package. Vendors who do not provide all evaluation criteria may not be accepted.

1. Technical Approach and Capability.

a. The vendor’s overall technical approach will be evaluated to assess the Government's level of confidence in the vendor’s understanding of, approach to, and ability to successfully perform the requirements as described in the Statement of Work. Provide a detailed description of the company’s experience performing similar services. A detailed technical approach write-up describing how the contractor will perform this service is required to be submitted with the quote regardless of whether a site visit was made or not. The technical approach write-up must not be a reiteration of the Statement of Work but how your company plans on performing the tasks listed in the attached Statement of Work. i.e. performance checklists, anticipated number of crew members, and/or confirmation of supplies being provided, etc.

2. Past Performance. The vendor's past performance on related contracts will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, successful performance of contract requirements, quality and timeliness of delivery of goods and services, cost management, communications between contracting parties, proactive management and customer satisfaction. The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation, and the information may be obtained from references provided by the vendor, the agency’s knowledge of contractor performance, other government agencies or commercial entities, or past performance databases, and will be based on responsiveness, quality, and customer services. Quote shall include at least two references for similar and relevant services including the phone number, full address, and e-mail address.

Vendors lacking relevant past performance history, or for whom past performance information is either not available or has not been submitted to the Government, will receive a neutral rating for past performance.

3. Price. The quoted prices will be evaluated but not scored. The Government will evaluate the price quote for completeness and reasonableness in relation to the RFQ requirements. Quoted prices must be entirely compatible with the Non-Price Technical Solution.

(IX) FAR 52.212-2, EVALUATION- COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(NOV 2021), applies to this acquisition. Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a). The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: Evaluation will be based on the following;

Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a). The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

The evaluation will consider the Non-Price Technical Solution (Technical Approach and Past Performance) to be significantly more important than price. However, as quotes are determined to be more equal in the non-price evaluation factor, price becomes more important and may become the determining factor for award. If, at any stage of the evaluation, all vendors are determined to have submitted equal, or virtually equal, Non-Price Technical Solutions, price could become the factor in determining which vendor will receive the award.

The Government intends to evaluate the quotes and award a purchase order based on the vendor’s initial quote; therefore, the vendor’s initial quote should contain the vendor’s best terms from a Non-Price Technical Solution and price standpoint.

The Government reserves the right not to award a purchase order depending on the quality of the quote(s) submitted and the availability of funds. Furthermore, the Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities or omissions in quotes received.

The Government may make award to other than the lowest-priced vendor or the vendor with the highest technical rating if the Contracting Officer determines that to do so would result in the best value to the Government. The Government will not make an award at a significantly higher overall price to achieve only slightly superior performance capability.

Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: Evaluation will be based on the following:

1. Technical Approach and Capability.

a. The vendor’s overall technical approach will be evaluated to assess the Government's level of confidence in the vendor’s understanding of, approach to, and ability to successfully perform the requirements as described in the Statement of Work. Provide a detailed description of the company’s experience performing similar services. A detailed technical approach write-up describing how the contractor will perform this service is required to be submitted with the quote regardless of whether a site visit was made or not. The technical approach write-up must not be a reiteration of the Statement of Work but how your company plans on performing the tasks listed in the attached Statement of Work. i.e. performance checklists, anticipated number of crew members, and/or confirmation of supplies being provided, etc.

2. Past Performance. The vendor's past performance on related contracts will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, successful performance of contract requirements, quality and timeliness of delivery of goods and services, cost management, communications between contracting parties, proactive management and customer satisfaction. The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation, and the information may be obtained from references provided by the vendor, the agency’s knowledge of contractor performance, other government agencies or commercial entities, or past performance databases, and will be based on responsiveness, quality, and customer services. Quote shall include at least two references for similar and relevant services including the phone number, full address, and e-mail address.

Vendors lacking relevant past performance history, or for whom past performance information is either not available or has not been submitted to the Government, will receive a neutral rating for past performance.

3. Price. The quoted prices will be evaluated but not scored. The Government will evaluate the price quote for completeness and reasonableness in relation to the RFQ requirements. Quoted prices must be entirely compatible with the Non-Price Technical Solution.

The Government intends to award a trade-off, firm fixed-price purchase order on an all or none basis with payment terms of Net 30.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

"THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR NON-RECEIPT OF QUOTES. IT IS THE CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST AND RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION OF THE QUOTE RECEIPT".

CAR 1352.215-72 INQUIRIES (APR 2010)

OFFERORS MUST SUBMIT ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION IN WRITING VIA EMAIL TO DIANA.ROMERO@NOAA.GOV@NOAA.GOV. QUESTIONS SHOULD BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 12:00PM MST/MDT ON APRIL 17, 2023. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract.

(End of clause)

(X) FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022) (DEVIATION 2023-03) (DEC 2022), applies to this acquisition.

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— "Covered telecommunications equipment or services" has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror. Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation, means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended."Sensitive technology"— Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii)…