Draft Performance Work Statement- Enviro Field Services.pdf

SECTION I – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. INTRODUCTION

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS) Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) has an extensive program to provide the national infrastructure, science, and technical expertise to monitor, assess, and distribute tide, water level, current, and other coastal oceanographic products and services that support NOAA's mission of environmental stewardship and environmental assessment and prediction.

NOS supports the following observational CO-OPS programs that directly meet this mission:

A. The National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) B. National Current Observation Program (NCOP) C. Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®) Program D. Vertical Datum Transformation (VDatum) Program

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) describes the overall scope for the CO-OPS Environmental Field Services contract, an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

CO-OPS operates a number of long and short term observing systems, each designed and engineered to operate in the most challenging weather conditions and coastal locations. These observing systems are installed and maintained to live up to rigorous scientific standards set by the organization to ensure the data are accurate and useful as decision support tools for our partners and the nation. CO-OPS objective is to strengthen NOAA's core capabilities through partnerships with outside groups including private organizations..

2. BACKGROUND

a. NOS is devoted to exploring, understanding, conserving, and restoring the Nation's coasts and oceans. NOS promotes safe navigation, supports coastal communities, sustains coastal habitats, and mitigates coastal hazards. NOS balances environmental protection with economic prosperity and leads the effort to ensure that our Nation's coastal areas remain safe, healthy, and productive.

b. CO-OPS establishes standards for the acquisition and processing of water level and current data; collects and documents user requirements that serve as the foundation for all resulting program activities; designs oceanographic observing systems; develops software to improve data processing capabilities; maintains and operates oceanographic observing systems; performs operational data analysis and quality control; produces and disseminates oceanographic products; and archives the resulting oceanographic data.

c. Today’s monitoring infrastructure allows NOAA’s NWLON to function as a foundational water level observing system. The NOAA PORTS® Program is built on the foundation of the NWLON and supports safety and efficiency of maritime commerce in various U.S. seaport areas. In addition to NWLON and PORTS®, CO-OPS manages the NCOP.

NCOP provides current measurements to maintain the adequacy of NOAA’s Tidal Current Predictions. NCOP conducts user-requested circulation surveys and special projects. The monitoring systems support the CO-OPS Operational Forecast System (OFS) that provides high resolution, numerical hydrodynamic model based, nowcasts and forecasts of water levels and currents.

d. CO-OPS maintains a Continuous Operational Real-Time Monitoring System (CORMS) that provides quality control and system monitoring functions on a 24 hour/day, 7- day/week basis. CORMS monitors the status and performance of all water level stations and PORTS® which transmit data to CO-OPS via satellite or cellular gateway modem.

e. CO-OPS installs and operates short-term water level stations in support of a variety of programs including hydrographic and shoreline mapping surveys, VDatum program support, marine boundary determination, dredging, climate change, and long-term sea level rise studies. Short-and long-term gauges are also installed and operated to support a variety of non-navigational applications, such as wetlands restoration, and products, such as frequency and duration of inundation analyses. CO-OPS provides a comprehensive set of water level and coastal current products. These include data and products required by the National Weather Service to meet storm surge and tsunami warning responsibilities.

f. CO-OPS has developed a Field Library that is a publicly accessible, information management tool that makes non-sensitive field operations reference content available to both in-house and contract field personnel. Field support Contractors will use the Field Library information to respond to CO-OPS field requirements as well as on site in the field.

The Field Library provides, via Internet, field-related support information, including CO-OPS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protocols, equipment manuals, project instructions, diagrams, and other field relevant information. The references included in this PWS will be included in the Field Library.

2.1. The National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON)

The NWLON is a network of 210 long-term, continuously-operating water-level stations throughout the USA, including its island possessions and territories as well as the Great Lakes. The NWLON has expanded over time in response to increasing national and local needs. NWLON stations are the foundation for reference stations for NOAA's vast tide prediction products, and serve as controls in determining tidal datums for all short-term water-level stations. Technological advancements in sensors, data collection and data communications have enabled routine real-time automated data acquisition using the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) and iridium satellites. NWLON data-collection platforms are now capable of measuring other oceanographic parameters in addition to water levels, including meteorological parameters. Because of these advancements, the application of NWLON data and products has broadened.

For instance, the NWLON is a key part of the NOAA Tsunami Warning System and the NOAA Storm Surge Warning products. NWLON stations have standard configurations of water level sensors (including backup sensors), backup and primary data-collection platforms, solar panel power, GOES satellite transmitter radios, and cellular Internet Protocol (IP) modems. Sensors are calibrated and vertically referenced to nearby networks of benchmarks. The data continuity, vertical stability and careful referencing of NWLON stations have enabled the data to be used to estimate relative sea-level trends for the Nation.

2.2. National Current Observation Program (NCOP)

CO-OPS manages the NCOP to collect, analyze, and distribute observations and predictions of currents. Coastal and estuarine currents describe the movement of water from one location to another. NOAA periodically conducts current surveys in areas around the nation to ensure the accuracy of tidal current predictions. After the ocean current measurements are collected, oceanographers download the data and then analyze it through a computer program. A statistical process called harmonic analysis determines the part of the current caused by the tides. This “tidal current” can then be predicted at that location for many years into the future. The principal product generated by this program is information used to maintain and update the NOAA Tidal Current Predictions.

2.3. Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®)

PORTS® is a decision support tool that improves the safety and efficiency of maritime commerce and coastal resource management. PORTS® collects and disseminates observations of water levels, currents, salinity, bridge air gap and meteorological parameters (e.g., winds, atmospheric pressure, air and water temperatures) that mariners need to navigate safely. The objectives of the PORTS® program are to promote navigation safety, improve the efficiency of U.S. ports and harbors, and ensure the protection of coastal marine resources. PORTS® promotes safer and more efficient marine navigation by (1) providing data in near real-time to inform users of actual conditions, and (2) integrating a variety of environmental parameters on one website, eliminating the need to go to multiple sources for different observation types.

The ability to get a comprehensive and easily-understood view of the operating environment is particularly critical on the bridge of a vessel, where many issues can require the attention of the crew at the same time. Since its initial deployment in 1991, PORTS® has grown exponentially, incorporated new sensor technologies needed by the maritime community, and built a solid reputation as a highly trusted source for real-time oceanographic and meteorological information to support safe and efficient maritime commerce.

2.4. Vertical Datum Transformation (VDatum) Program

a. VDatum is a free software tool being developed jointly within the National Ocean Service. VDatum is designed to vertically transform geospatial data among a variety of tidal, orthometric and ellipsoidal vertical datums -allowing users to convert their data from different horizontal/vertical references into a common system and enabling the fusion of diverse geospatial data in desired reference levels. The ability to properly reference data to multiple vertical datums is critical to a variety of applications in the coastal zone. A National VDatum complements NOS’s work developing a national bathymetric database, a National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), and a national tidal datum reference system, which can be combined with the topographic data to provide seamless data products across the land-water interface. These products will also enable a consistent, accurate national shoreline to be defined relative to tidal and geodetic datums. Some other applications that benefit from VDatum include inundation modeling (storm surge, tsunami, and sea level rise impacts), ecosystem modeling, and coastal zone management. The vertical datums incorporated into VDatum are selected so as to accommodate the wide variety of bathymetric and topographic data sources that could potentially be used as input to the transformation software. Vertical datums can be classified as tidal datums (tidally-derived surface), orthometric datums, or 3D ellipsoidal datums. Examples of the types of data that are referenced to these categories of datums include bathymetry that is usually referenced to a tidal datum, topographic data that is often surveyed relative to an orthometric datum such as the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88), and LIDAR data that is referenced to an ellipsoidal datum.

3. FIELD STRUCTURE - IN SITU MEASUREMENT PLATFORMS

a. The real-time observing system monitoring infrastructure includes the National Water Levels and PORTS® Programs. In addition to the operational platforms distributed around the country and world, there are a number of short-term monitoring stations (30 days to several years) deployed for special projects such as hydrographic and photogrammetric surveys, VDatum projects, marsh restoration, and tidal current prediction adequacy/verification, and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Comprehensive Evaluation of Project Datums (CEPD) projects such as dredging activities, shoreline protection, and levee building.

b. An NWLON station is a standalone system that collects, stores, and transmits water level, meteorological, and other environmental data. The primary requirement of a station is to accurately measure water level information with low power consumption, high reliability, and defined accuracy. A typical NWLON station contains a primary and back-up Data Collection Platform (DCP) with -GOES)- transmitter, GPS satellite receiver, rechargeable batteries, and solar panels.

Water levels and Metrologic parameters are measured with a subset of the following sensor types: microwave radar sensor, air acoustic sensor with protective well, single or dual orifice pressure sensors, a redundant pressure-based sensor, air and water temperature, wind speed and direction, and barometric pressure.

c. PORTS® is a shared responsibility program between NOAA and the maritime community (local or regional system sponsors) that provides an integrated system of oceanographic and meteorological sensors serving mariners with real-time information about environmental conditions in seaports. With PORTS®, mariners are able to access observations:

oceanographic (water levels, currents, bridge air gap, water temperature, salinity, waves) and meteorological data (wind, visibility, air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure). Where they are established, PORTS® information is publicly available for both commercial and recreational users to access real-time data anytime, anywhere. PORTS® come in a variety of sizes and configurations, because local users identify what real-time information they need, and where it should be sited, in order to improve the safety and efficiency of maritime commerce in the area. A single PORTS® may service one or more U.S seaports, depending on the geography of the area and the local maritime stakeholders that are able to partner with NOAA to establish the PORTS®.

4. FIELD IMPLEMENTATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR

a. CO-OPS oversees the implementation, operation, maintenance, and repair of all NOS real-time environmental monitoring systems as well as short-term deployments. CO-OPS installs, documents, operates, and maintains the systems; conducts field reconnaissance; and provides training in the installation, operation, and maintenance of CO- OPS monitoring systems. CO-OPS acquires data from remote systems/sensors via GOES satellite, telephone lines, Line of Sight (LOS) radios, Iridium, and cellular gateway modem.

b. CO-OPS has field offices in Chesapeake, Virginia; Pensacola, Florida; and Seattle, Washington that operate and maintain the real-time monitoring systems. The offices provide training in support of operational partnerships and technology transfer.

5. WATER LEVELS REQUIREMENTS

a. For all water level objectives, the Contractor shall contact CORMS prior to start of work and immediately after completion of work, at each site. CORMS is available 24 hours/day, 7-days/week. CORMS is a NOS-provided support function to the operational field parties and does not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for performing Quality Control (QC) and ensuring proper gauge operation.

b. The Contractor shall contact the property owner, property manager, or point of contact (POC) provided by CO-OPS to inform that party when the Contractor intends to be on the property. This site notification shall be performed at least two (2) weeks prior to going to the site and shall be confirmed within 5 business days of the site visit. If the Contractor is unsuccessful at making contact with the party, the Contractor shall then contact the CO-OPS Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) for guidance. The Contractor shall be responsible for correctly identifying and complying with all safety rules and regulations that may apply to the property they are visiting. The Contractor shall be responsible for correctly identifying and supplying all personal safety equipment that may be required.

This equipment list may contain, but is not limited to, the following: life jackets, climbing gear, steel toe boots, respirators, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

c. When applicable, the Contractor shall send via email, station photos and video to the associated instrument lab (Chesapeake or Seattle). The contractor shall call the associated instrument lab to review the planned service and confirm steps required in the awarded Task Order.

d. For all water level stations, after maintenance service has been completed and prior to departure from the station, the Contractor shall contact the CO-OPS representative, as directed in the awarded Task Orders, to confirm transmission, throughput, station setup, and configuration. This will minimize the likelihood of system failure or other issues arising after the contractor has departed the site.

7.0 INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF WATER LEVEL STATIONS

7.1.1. General Overview

The procedures for performing a new water level station installation are described in the “CO-OPS Specifications and Deliverables for Installation, Operation, and Removal of Water Level Stations, December 2017" (or its updated version).

The project requirements, specific locations for the installations/deployments, installation/deployment details, and specific systems and sensors that are Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) will be included in the awarded ask Orders. The Contractor shall provide all necessary vehicles, vessels, tools, labor, and materials for the installation/deployment. All work shall be conducted in accordance with standard CO-OPS’ practices that are included in the specific tasks. Where required, CO-OPS will provide infrastructure requirements/diagrams to the Contractor for new or upgraded stations. CO-OPS recognizes that particular situations will warrant deviations from standard guidelines. All deviations from standard practices must be submitted to CO-OPs for consideration and approval prior to implementation. GFE for water level station tasks is included in Appendix A – Government Furnished Equipment (water level stations). CO-OPS will pack and ship GFE going to the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for packing and shipment of GFE and other non-expendable components being returned to CO-OPS. Diagrams of a typical coastal NWLON station are included as Appendix B - Diagram of a Typical Coastal Station. While all 210 plus NWLON stations are similar, no two stations are identical. All stations are shown on the CO-OPS website, http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov.

http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/

7.1.2. General Water Level Station Tasks and Requirements

a. The Contractor shall perform site reconnaissance to obtain measurements, photos and information necessary for the preparation of site view drawings.

b. The Contractor shall complete the Site Reconnaissance Field Notes in accordance with the guidance provided in CO-OPS Water Level and Meteorological Site Reconnaissance Procedures (and cGNSS Site Recon Procedures when applicable in Task Order awards).

c. The Contractor shall prepare an installation plan for the station including the following information:

1. Site layout drawings showing recovered and proposed bench mark locations;

2. Station infrastructure drawings (specifically including support structure, enclosure, proposed sensor type/locations, met tower, solar panel mounts and locations, and DCP locations);

3. Detailed fabrication drawings for any non-standard components required;

4. Communication plan (e.g., LOS radio, phone, dedicated line). These plans are site dependent;

5. Materials list;

6. Resource estimate.

d. CO-OPS’ Field Engineering Review Subcommittee will evaluate the installation plan, communicate with the Contractor on required changes, and provide final approval. The Engineering Review Board (ERB) review ensures standardization across CO-OPS designs with respect to engineering design, compatibility with existing CO-OPS systems, and that follows the best engineering practices. The ERB is structured to review and guide the projects with respect to engineering design. ERB will review the project documents and guide the project team to the lessons learned from the previous experience and appropriate design methods. For projects that are new in scope, the ERB will help the project team formulate a design methodology.

e. The Contractor shall arrange for the installation of utilities. CO-OPS will place the order and pay for recurring electric, phone, and cellular costs.

f. The Contractor shall identify responsible parties and coordinate with CO-OPS for information required for permits/licenses (standard NOS license agreement), if required. The contractor will be responsible for all permitting.

g. The Contractor shall manage the delivery and security of GFE. CO-OPS will pack and ship equipment going to the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for packing and shipment of equipment being returned to CO-OPS.

h. The Contractor shall fabricate or procure all non GFE components. This shall include, but not be limited to, batteries; desiccant; stands and mounts; and stainless steel rods.

i. The Contractor shall conduct pre-installation/pre-deployment bench test of the fully assembled and configured system as per CO-OPS standard operating procedure to verify operation of all components prior to actual installation/deployment in the field. Specific operating procedures are included in each task, specific to task requirements.

j. The Contractor shall install and deploy systems and sensors.

k. The Contractor shall provide diver services to install all underwater components such as protective well, clamps, brackets, pressure sensor orifices, and other support structures such as timber beams and pilings. All diving activities shall meet the OSHA regulations.

l. The Contractor shall provide either digital video or still photos from each diving operation performed. This is standard across the diving services industry. For new installations, video or photos should be taken after the installation is complete.

m. All work shall meet the OSHA standards, including welding, trenching, climbing, and over the side harness supported construction.

n. The Contractor shall recover existing benchmarks or establish new bench marks to complete the required bench mark network based on the type of station.

o. The Contractor shall conduct Second Order Class I precise leveling, performed in accordance with NGS standards for geodetic leveling and the CO-OPS User’s Guide for the Installation of Bench Marks and Leveling Requirements for Water Lever Recoding Stations using National Geodetic Survey (NGS) approved electronic leveling equipment, Translev and Windesc processing software, between the bench marks and the sensor(s) to establish initial elevation relationships between the sensor(s) and bench marks for sensor stability control. The use of electronic digital levels is required at all sites where feasible. Where Second Order Class I levels cannot be run due to transportation restrictions on the length of the level rods, Third Order levels, and closure tolerances, using the Second Order techniques are authorized as specified in the Standing Project instructions for CO-OPS Observing Systems, November 2020 (or its updated version) or approved via waiver through CO-OPS.

p. For those stations that have single or dual orifice Paroscientific pressure sensors installed as primary sensors, the Contractor shall measure the orifice(s) zero above the primary bench mark using the methods described in the Standing Project Instructions for CO-OPS Observing Systems, November 2020 (or its updated version).

q. Water level station and its various components (tide house, Data Collection Platform, all sensors, meteorological tower, bench marks, and pertinent access facilities such as railings, and steps, as appropriate), when designed and/or installed by Contractors, shall be installed and maintained as prescribed by manufacturers, installation manuals, or appropriate local building codes. Water level station and all installed components shall be structurally sound, secure, and safe to use for NOS, local partners, and general public, as appropriate.

r. The Contractor shall conduct static GPS observations on a suitable bench mark that is part of the site’s leveling network according to CO-OPS “User's Guide for GPS Observations at Tide and Water Level Station Bench Marks (latest update available online). The Contractor is required to check the validity of the GPS data before departing the station by using the NGS Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) available on the NGS website (http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS), and publishing the OPUS results through OPUS-DB (Data Base). The Contractor is required to submit all the data and http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS) documentation as listed in CO-OPS “User’s Guide for GPS Observations” (latest update available online).

s. The Contractor shall conduct removal of the station at the end of a project or prior to relocation. Removal includes: (1) running closing levels to all bench marks and the water level sensor (the leveling shall be performed by connecting to all marks and the sensor leveling point with Second Order Class I precise leveling, performed in accordance with NGS standards for geodetic leveling using NGS-approved electronic leveling equipment, Translev and Windesc processing software and CO-OPS “Users Guide for the Installation of Bench Marks and Leveling Requirements for Water Level Recording Stations, NOAA/NOS October 1987”) (or its updated version) ; (2) removal of the water level measurement system and restoration of the premises, reasonable wear and tear accepted; and (3) completion of the E-Site report (or Excel XPERT Site Report when E-Site is not available) and other documentation as required. All sensors, data collection platforms, and enclosures shall be packaged to prevent damage and returned to CO-OPS. Support equipment such as protective wells, clamps, and towers in good condition shall be cleaned and returned to the Contractor’s equipment depot for future installations or returned to CO-OPS, if requested.

t. The Contractor shall prepare all documentation and provide metadata for the site, systems, and sensors within 30 calendar days of completion of the installation.

7.2. VDATUM REQUIREMENTS

a. CO-OPS conducts various short term water level data collection efforts at a number of secondary and tertiary locations in the US that are installed in support of the NOS VDatum program and for NOAA hydrographic and photogrammetry projects.

b. Contractor VDatum requirements are the same as the requirements for long term water level stations.

VDatum water level stations are deployed for short periods of time, generally a minimum of 90 days. VDatum requirements include the removal of the stations in addition to the installation.

c. Remote is defined as “any location that cannot be easily accessed from the ground, air, or waterway by means of powered transportation such as automobile, vessel, or aircraft”. Remote would include a water level range so great or so small, or currents so high, or surge so great, that a standard VDatum station installation would have to be modified to ensure the integrity of the data time series. Typically, stations will not require access by plane or helicopter but that does not mean that a Contractor could not employ those means of transportation. Access via aircraft does not necessarily mean that a station is remote. Typically, a remote access reconnaissance and installation involves travelling over unpaved roads via automobile (trucks) and then hiking over rough terrain. The tide ranges will differ by site and will be specified in the awarded Task Orders. The strength of the currents will depend on the sites specified in the awarded Task Orders. Structures vary by site and will be specified in the awarded Task Orders. Sensors will vary by site and will be specified in Task Orders. The number of benchmarks will be specified in the awarded Task Orders and will also depend upon site location and reconnaissance. The use and type of disk or rod will be specified in the awarded Task Orders. An example of a non-remote station would be any station accessible by powered transportation, such as one located next to a road or a station that is accessible by powered vessel, such as one that could be accessed by mooring at or near a station. An example of a remote station would be a station where the Contractor would have to navigate through rough terrain by foot or rough seas through manpower without the use of powered transportation for a time of more than 30 minutes after departing the last leg on the itinerary where powered transportation was used.

7.3. PERFORM ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AT WATER LEVEL STATIONS

7.3.1. General Overview

a. The procedures for performing the annual maintenance are described in the Standing Project Instructions, and in the annual project instructions. Standing Project Instructions and annual project instructions provide specific details required for all inspections in the current year and also at each site. “CO-OPS Project Instructions: Installation and Maintenance of Coastal and Great Lakes Water Level Stations” and "CO-OPS Scheduled Maintenance Checklist for Water Level Stations" (or its updated version) are included under References.

b. Requirements included in the Standing Project Instructions and annual project instructions (revised annually) have precedence over the general requirements provided in the PWS, and the requirements specified in the specific tasks have precedence over the Standing Project Instructions and Annual Project Instructions. The requirements will be consistent with the scope of requirements provided in the PWS and the awarded Task Orders. Operations and requirements are dynamic and reflect the real-time operating environment. The PWS provides general requirements. Awarded Task Orders provide specific requirements for the time, place, and environment.

c. The Contractor shall conduct scheduled service and preventive maintenance activities to maintain the systems and sensors in good working order. CO-OPS will provide the necessary spare components GFE to support the annual maintenance visits at each site. The Contractor shall provide all personnel and miscellaneous hardware meeting CO-OPS specifications, including but not limited to batteries, desiccant, conduits, wires, voltage meters and electronic test equipment, welding supplies and equipment, leveling equipment, diving equipment, earth digging and other machinery required, as necessary, to perform the annual maintenance. This list is not complete and other equipment and support may be needed to complete the annual maintenance.

d. This requirement also includes the potential reinforcing (hardening) of tide house structures subject to harsh environments.

7.3.2. General Maintenance Tasks and Requirements at Water Level Stations

a. The Contractor shall run levels to verify the stability of the water level sensor. The sensor leveling point shall be connected to a minimum of five (5) bench marks with Second Order Class I precise leveling, performed in accordance with NGS standards for geodetic leveling using NGS-approved electronic leveling equipment, Translev and Windesc processing software and CO-OPS “Users Guide for the Installation of Bench Marks and Leveling Requirements for Water Level Recording Stations, NOAA/NOS October 1987” (or its updated version) . All ten (10) bench marks shall be leveled every two (2) years for NWLON stations.

b. The Contractor shall conduct static GPS observations on a suitable bench mark that is part of the site’s leveling network according CO-OPS “User’s Guide for GPS Observations” (latest update available online), the Contractor is required to check the validity of the GPS data before departing the station by using the NGS Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) available on the NGS web site (http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS), and publishing the OPUS results through OPUS-DB. That requirement is generally specified in the annual project instructions or Task. The Contractor is required to submit all the data and documentation as listed in CO-OPS “User’s Guide for GPS Observations” (latest update available online).

c. For those stations that have single or dual orifice Paroscientific pressure sensors installed as primary sensors, the Contractor shall measure the orifice(s) zero above the primary bench mark to the nearest millimeter.

d. The Contractor shall remove the acoustic water level sensor and its calibration tube and replace it with a GFE matched pair on a yearly basis. The Contractor shall be responsible for packing and shipment of sensor and calibration tube for recalibration to CO-OPS.

e. The Contractor shall install and maintain the water level station and its various components (tide house, Data Collection Platform, all sensors, meteorological tower, bench marks, and pertinent access facilities such as railings, and steps as appropriate), as prescribed by manufacturers, installation manuals, or appropriate local building codes. Water level station and all installed components shall be structurally sound, secure, and safe to use for NOS, local partners, and the general public, as appropriate.

f. The Contractor shall provide diver services to inspect and clean all underwater components such as the NGWLMS protective well, clamps, brackets, and other support structures such as timber beams and pilings. All diving activities shall meet the OSHA regulations.

g. The Contractor shall provide either digital video or still photos from each diving operation performed. This is standard across the diving services industry. For routine operation and maintenance (O&M) dives, video or photos should be taken before and after cleaning and when maintenance is complete.

h. All work shall meet OSHA standards, including welding, trenching, climbing, and over the side harness supported maintenance.

i. If above or below water inspection results in the discovery of the need for major maintenance, potential safety hazard, construction, or station re-installation, the contractor should cease operations and immediately report the findings to the COR. Additional work may need to be accomplished through a separate task, approved resource estimate or managed within CO-OPS Field assets. Documentation and photos shall be provided to CO-OPS.

j. The Contractor shall remove and replace the wind sensor nose cone annually with a GFE wind sensor nose cone. The Contractor shall return the wind sensor nose cone for refurbishment to CO-OPS.

k. The Contractor shall remove and replace the conductivity sensor with a GFE sensor on an annual basis. The Contractor shall return the conductivity sensor for recalibration to CO-OPS.

l. The Contractor shall recalibrate the visibility sensor annually.

m. The Contractor shall verify sensor and equipment operation within the specified requirements outlined in CO- OPS standard operating procedures and included in accordance with awarded Task Orders

n. Following each annual station visit, the Contractor shall complete and submit to CO-OPS an E-Site Report describing the maintenance and repair action performed within 30 calendar days of completion along with other required documentation such as leveling abstracts, photos, bench mark recovery, and chartlets. Critical configuration information, such as sensor and datum offsets, GOES parameter changes, or installation/removal of any DCP/sensors shall be sent to the TR, the COR, and COET email address within 24 hours.

7.4. PROVIDE EMERGENCY/UNSCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AT WATER

LEVEL STATIONS

7.4.1. General Overview

The Contractor shall conduct emergency or unscheduled maintenance to systems and sensors to correct problems or to repair failures as directed by CO-OPS. For emergency visits, CO-OPS shall provide the specific parts to replace the inoperative components. The Contractor shall provide all necessary vehicles, vessels, tools, labor, and materials for the repair. All work shall be conducted in accordance with standard industry practices, unless otherwise specified.

7.4.2. General Emergency and Unscheduled Maintenance Requirements at Water Level Stations

a. This effort shall consist of a station visit to identify and correct operational problems with the station. The Contractor shall respond and correct the problem within 72 hours after notification by CO-OPS of a station problem, receipt of an approved resource estimate and receiving parts or supplies from CO-OPS.

b. The Contractor shall install and maintain the water level station and its various components (tide house, Data Collection Platform, all sensors, meteorological tower, bench marks, and pertinent access facilities such as railings, and steps where needed, as prescribed by manufacturers, installation manuals, or appropriate local building codes.) Water level station and all installed components shall be structurally sound, secure, and safe to use for NOS, local partners, and the general public. The Contractor may be required to perform unscheduled servicing to install improved sensors, software updates, or utilities as required.

c. The Contractor shall complete and submit to CO-OPS an Excel XPERT Site Report (or E-Site Report) and a short summary of the CO-OPS requirement (request) and actions taken by the Contractor to satisfy the requirements within 5 working days of completion, along with other required documentation such as leveling abstracts, photos, bench mark recovery, and chartlets.

d. In addition to station documentation, deliverables shall include a short summary of the CO-OPS requirement (request) and actions taken by the Contractor to satisfy the requirements. SOP 6.6.1.1 describes the Review Protocol for Contractor Submitted Deliverables For the Installation and Maintenance of CO-OPS Water Level and Current Meter Stations.

7.4.3. Objective Completion

Emergency maintenance is successful when all task order requirements have been satisfied and all documentation has been accepted by CO-OPS.

7.5. PERFORM UPGRADES AND IMPROVEMENTS AT NWLON AND SHORT

TERM WATER LEVEL STATIONS

7.5.1. Overview

The Contractor shall recommend, and conduct, once approved by CO-OPS, upgrades and improvements to the station infrastructure, ensuring the collection of high quality data.

7.5.2. General Tasks and Requirements for Upgrades and Improvements at Water Level Stations

a. Upgrade and improvement tasks shall be identified during the annual maintenance visit, to be accomplished at a later date either during the same task order year or the following year. GFE will be limited to the list provided in the PWS, unless specified otherwise.

b. Upgrade and improvements may require a site visit as a prerequisite for determining the full scope of work for an upgrade or an improvement. The Contractor and CO-OPS will mutually determine the scheduling of the approved upgrade and improvement work, depending on existing schedules and availability of supplies.

c. Some examples of upgrades and improvement tasks, but not limited to, are as follows: (1) repair of damaged protective wells, (2) replacement of several well brackets or supporting structures, (3) replacement of the equipment shelter,

(4) multiple repairs required after storm damage, and (5) relocation of the station for various reasons.

d. The Contractor shall prepare a plan for the upgrade or relocation of the station including the following information:

1. Site layout drawings showing recovered and proposed bench mark locations;

2. Station infrastructure drawings (support structure, enclosure, proposed sensor type/locations, solar panel mounts and locations, met tower, and DCP locations);

3. Site specific communication plan (e.g., LOS radio, phone, dedicated line);

4. Materials list; and

5. Resource estimate.

7.5.3. CO-OPS’ Field Engineering Review Subcommittee

CO-OPS’ Field Engineering Review Subcommittee will evaluate the installation plan, communicate with the Contractor on required changes, and provide final approval. The ERB review ensures standardization across CO-OPS designs with respect to engineering design, compatibility with existing CO-OPS systems, and that follows the best engineering practices. The ERB is structured to review and guide the projects with respect to engineering design. ERB will review the project documents and guide the project team to the lessons learned from the previous experience and appropriate design methods.

For projects that are new in scope, the ERB will help the project team formulate a design methodology.

8. PORTS® REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall contact the property owner, property manager, or point of contact (POC) provided by CO-OPS to inform that party when the Contractor intends to be on the property. This site notification shall be performed two (2) weeks prior to going to the site and shall be confirmed within 5 business days of site visit. If the Contractor is unsuccessful at making contact with the party, the Contractor shall then contact the CO-OPS COR for guidance. The Contractor shall be responsible for knowing and complying with all OSHA safety rules and regulations that may apply to the property they are visiting. The Contractor shall be responsible for knowing and supplying all OSHA approved personal safety equipment that may be required at any site. This equipment list may contain, but is not limited to, the following: life jackets, climbing gear, steel toe boots, respirators, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

8.1. INSTALL NEW PORTS® SITES AND NEW SENSORS AT EXISTING PORTS® SITES

8.1.1. General Overview

a. PORTS® is a program that supports safe and cost-efficient navigation by providing ship masters and pilots with accurate real-time information required to avoid groundings and collisions. It is a decision support tool used to measure and disseminate observations and predictions of water levels, currents (from bottom platforms, side looking ADCPs, and surface buoy-mounted ADCPs), bridge clearance (air gap), and meteorological parameters (e.g., wind speed and direction, air and water temperature, barometric pressure, and visibility).

b. The Contractor shall provide all necessary vehicles, vessels, tools, labor, and materials for the installation/deployment. All work shall be conducted in accordance with standard CO-OPS practices that are included in specific tasks. CO-OPS recognizes that particular situations will warrant deviations from standard guidelines. All deviations from standard practices must be submitted to CO-OPS for consideration and approval prior to implementation.

8.1.2. General PORTS® Tasks and Requirements

a. The project requirements, specific locations for the installation/deployment, installation/deployment details, and specific systems and sensors that are GFE are contained in the awarded Task Orders.

b. After CO-OPS completes the site selection based on field reconnaissance, user needs, and vessel mounted tows for current stations, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining measurements and information necessary for the preparation of site view drawings for tidal, current, and meteorological stations.

c. The Contractor shall prepare a plan for the installation or upgrade of the station including the following information:

1. Site layout drawings showing recovered and proposed bench mark locations;

2. Station infrastructure engineering drawings (support structure, enclosure, proposed sensor type/locations, solar panel mounts and locations, met tower, and DCP locations);

3. Detailed fabrication drawings for non-standard components required;

4. Site specific communication plan ;

5. Materials list; and

6. Resource estimate.

8.1.3. CO-OPS’ Field Engineering Review Subcommittee

CO-OPS’ Field Engineering Review Subcommittee will evaluate the installation plan, communicate with the Contractor on required changes, and provide final approval. The ERB review ensures standardization across CO-OPS designs with respect to engineering design, compatibility with existing CO-OPS systems, and that follows the best engineering practices. The ERB is structured to review and guide the projects with respect to engineering design. ERB will review the project documents and guide the project team to the lessons learned from the previous experience and appropriate design methods.

For projects that are new in scope, the ERB will help the project team formulate a design methodology.

8.1.4. Specific Tasks for New PORTS® Station or Sensor Installations

a. The Contractor shall arrange for the installation of utilities. CO-OPS will place the order and pay for recurring electric, phone, and cellular costs.

b. The Contractor shall identify responsible parties and permits/licenses requirements (standard NOS license agreement), if required. CO-OPS may execute permits/licenses.

c. The Contractor shall manage the delivery and security of GFE. CO-OPS will pack and ship the GFE.

d. The Contractor shall fabricate or procure all non GFE components. This shall include, but not be limited to, conduit and connectors; batteries and A/C chargers; desiccant; stands and mounts; underwater platforms and weights;

stainless steel rods; and nitrogen tanks and regulators.

e. The Contractor shall conduct pre-installation/pre-deployment bench test of fully assembled and configured system as per CO-OPS standard operating procedure to verify operation of all systems and sensors prior to actual installation/deployment in the field.

f. The Contractor shall install and deploy systems and sensors. The Contractor shall provide all necessary vehicles, vessels, tools, labor, and materials for the installation/deployment. All work shall be conducted in accordance with NOS/CO-OPS practices, unless otherwise specified. CO-OPS recognizes that particular situations will warrant deviations from standard guidelines, such as extreme environments, and will consider alternatives prior to implementation. All deviations from standard practices must be submitted to CO-OPs for consideration and approval prior to implementation.

g. The Contractor shall recover and establish new bench marks to complete the required bench mark network for the type of station.

h. The Contractor shall conduct Second Order Class I precise leveling, performed in accordance with NGS standards for geodetic leveling using NGS-approved electronic leveling equipment, Translev and Windesc processing software, between the bench marks and the sensor(s) to establish initial elevation relationships between the sensor(s) and bench marks for sensor stability control.

i. The Contractor shall conduct static GPS observations on a suitable bench mark that is part of the site’s leveling network according to CO-OPS “User’s Guide for GPS Observations” (latest update available online). The Contractor is required to check the validity of the GPS data before departing the station by using the NGS Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) available on the NGS web site (http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS), and publishing the OPUS results through OPUS-DB. Contractor is required to submit all the data and documentation as listed in CO-OPS “User’s Guide for GPS Observations” (latest update available online). The Contractor is not required to blue-book the collected GPS data, but is required to provide the published OPUS-DB sheet for one bench mark for each water level station.

j. The Contractor shall provide before and after digital still photos or video of all underwater cleaning, installation, and inspection dives. The photos/video shall show all underwater components for each tide station and current meter station.

k. The Contractor shall prepare documentation and provide metadata for the site, systems, and sensors within 30 calendar days of completion, in addition to a 24 hour site report.

l. Owing to the unique character of air gap installations, CO-OPS will provide onsite oversight to Contractor personnel for the installation of at least one site.

8.2. PERFORM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT EXISTING PORTS® SITES

8.2.1. General Overview

a. The Contractor shall conduct scheduled service and preventive maintenance activities to maintain the systems/sensors in good working order.

b. CO-OPS will provide the necessary spare system components to support the maintenance visits. The Contractor shall provide all personnel and miscellaneous hardware meeting CO-OPS specifications including but not limited to batteries, desiccant, conduits, wires, voltage meters and electronic test equipment, welding supplies and equipment, leveling equipment, diving equipment, earth digging and other machinery required, as necessary, to perform the annual maintenance. This list is not complete and other equipment and support may be needed to complete the annual maintenance.

c. This objective also includes the potential reinforcing (hardening) of PORTS® related structures such as tide houses. The Contractor shall be capable of providing the services as may be required or necessary.

8.2.2. Routine PORTS Maintenance Tasks and Requirements

The Contractor shall monitor the various PORTS® data products issued by CO-OPS so as to maintain knowledge of those products and the associated data values. Respond to all requests regarding instrument status, and repair schedules.

8.2.3. Routine Maintenance Intervals

Table 1 - Sensor Service Interval:

8.2.3.1 Performances at Maintenance Intervals

a. Daily The Contractor shall monitor the various PORTS® data products issued by CO-OPS, to maintain knowledge of the products and the associated data. Further, the Contractor shall respond to all requests regarding instrument status, and repair schedules.

b. Two (2) - Month Service Interval

1) The Contractor shall inspect all of the above-water components of the station (e.g., instrument enclosures, locks, antennas, solar panels, batteries, desiccant, stands and mounts, meteorological towers, poles and standoffs; conduit, cables, connectors, and air pump system). The Contractor shall clean the station and its above water components, repair the station and its above water components if not functioning properly, or replace the station and its above water components if the non-functioning components or station cannot be repaired.

2) Particular attention shall be made to inspect the wind sensors (if installed). If the wind sensor(s) are found to be defective, the Contractor shall replace and send the old sensor to CO-OPS for refurbishment.

3) The Contractor shall clean the solar panels.

4) The Contractor shall inspect the conductivity/temperature (C/T) sensors for fouling or corrosion. The sensors shall be cleaned or replaced as needed. The removed sensor(s) shall be returned to CO-OPS for repair and re-calibration.

5) The Contractor shall raise horizontal ADCP, inspect and clean any fouling off of chain and sensor.

6) The Contractor shall…