SOW_BOEM_FY15_vessel_charter.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

2014 Wind Energy Benthic Habitat Assessment Project

1.0 GENERAL

The NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is seeking a charter vessel with multibeam or swath bathymetric (interferometric) and sidescan sonar capabilities to participate in a priority research project off the northeast coast relating to the NEFSC Wind Energy Benthic Habitat Assessment Project. This project is in its third years of work and is being funded by U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in the northeast, as part of a larger effort toward minimizing environmental and cultural impacts of offshore wind development. The vessel chartered will be involved in conducting an eight day acoustic mapping survey in the coastal ocean off southern New England. The selected vessel will be required to conduct acoustic mapping operations on a 24 hour basis with the aim of collecting data to produce high-resolution (2x2m) bottom maps of both seafloor bathymetry and acoustic backscatter (hardness) of the central portion of the BOEM-designated Massachusetts Wind Energy Area (MA WEA).

2.0. SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1. Period of Performance

The planned period of performance is up to eight days at sea during the period of July 27- August 3, 2015. A sea day is defined as any part of a calendar day spent steaming to and from the port of departure for the purpose of conducting the research, and the days actually spent conducting the sampling. Conducting research is defined as conducting acoustic transects and laying-to due to bad weather or scientific equipment failure.

The vessel shall be at a mutually agreeable port two (2) days prior to the start of a research cruise prepared with the necessary fuel, food and crew to conduct at least an eight (8) day cruise. Loading of the scientific staff and their equipment will be done at a mutually agreed time prior to the beginning of the cruise.

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 the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-4(f) shall be added to the cruise period per contract modification (See FAR 52.212-4(c) and FAR 52.212-4(f).

2.2. Cruise Operations

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

The vessel shall have a minimum of a five (5) member crew to include a Master, mate, engineer and cook, to operate the vessel and to support scientific operations. The Master and at least one (1) other member of the ship’s crew shall be fluent in English. While at sea, the Master is responsible for the operation of the vessel and coordinating with acoustic mapping operations to insure the safety of the scientific staff and all crew members. The vessel’s crew is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel and following the designated transects, while the acoustic mapping crew is responsible for the safe operation of the sonar equipment while overboard and while stowed aboard the vessel. Any damage to the vessel and its gear which occurs during the cruise is the responsibility of the vessel. The Chief Scientist will be in charge of the cruise track and overseeing scientific operations.

The cruise shall take place in the coastal ocean off southern New England in water depths ranging approximately 20-40 m (11-22 fathoms). Operations will occur day and night; operating on agreed-upon watches, following pre- determined transect lines provided to the Master prior to departure for his/her review.

A Scientific Research Permit from the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Administrator will be obtained by the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) and maintained onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey. No Days-At-Sea (DAS) or catch allocation will be charged to the vessel under this survey activity;

the vessel will be considered a NOAA research vessel under this contract.

The vessel shall utilize and maintain nautical charts, deck log and 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 Master shall provide access to scientific personnel, GPS location data, speed, RPM, and other available operations data during mapping and sampling activities, either by recording or electronically logging these data. Similarly, any operational data independently collected will be made available to the Chief Scientist upon request.

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

2.3. Provisions

Three (3) meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel cook for up to four scientists (to be confirmed one month prior to cruise date). Each meal shall include a meat option and a vegetarian option or other special dietary options. The contractee will be notified of any special dietary requirements one week ahead of the cruise start. At each lunch and dinner, two (2) vegetables and d essert or fruit shall be provided. Milk, coffee, tea, water, cold juice, and soft drinks shall be available at all times. Meals shall be prepared during each day of vessel operation under this contract.

2.4. Emergency Medical Care, Safety and Health

a. Medical Services.

The Contractor shall designate crew member trained in CPR and First Aid. The Contractor personnel shall assist in instances of medical emergency at sea. The personnel will utilize 24/7 medical advisory service in the event of a medical emergency at sea.

b. Medical Provisions. The Contractor shall be outfitted with comprehensive medical kit including automated external defibrillator (AED). The Contractor shall insure all controlled medications are kept in a secure location.

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 Title 5 United States Code (U.S.C.)

§552(a).

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 Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Subtitle B Chapter 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 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 (PPE) 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 no (0) hazardous materials will be brought on board by the scientific crew.

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.

2.5. Living and Working Conditions for Scientific Personnel

a. Liquor or Illegal Drugs: During the cruise period, the possession or use of intoxicating liquor 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 in FAR 52.223-6, Drug-Free Workplace.

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

d. Discrimination: At no time during the vessel charter period which includes staging and de- staging 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 removed from all common areas on board the vessel during the duration of the vessel charter period.

f. Water: 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 (3) 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.

2.6. Passengers

The Contractor shall not permit any passengers 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 crewmembers, Scientific Field Party personnel not assigned and the general public.

2.7. 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) The vessel must be capable of safe operation of multibeam or swath bathymetric and side scan sonar on the continental shelf in waters ranging from 11 to 22 fathoms. A wide-swath system (greater than 4X water depth) with co-registered sidescan is preferred, but not essential.

2) In addition to its regular crew, the vessel will provide at least two skilled sonar operator for the purpose of setting up the sonar system(s), running the systems during one watch per day, and training scientific staff to monitor it during other watches.

3) The vessel shall have been actively used for collecting scientific data within the past 12 months with a track record of successful sonar data collection with this or other sonar systems.

4) The vessel must be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of nine (9) knots in low sea states during transits to and from operating areas and five (5) knots during sonar operations.

5) A crane with a minimum lifting capacity of to allow safe deployment of a sonar towfish, if used, and of a Young-mofidied Van Veen grab sampler (~200 lbs), even in rough seas.

6) A well-lit, sheltered deck area clear of obstructions of a size sufficient to allow set-up and deployment of a sonar towfish and grab sampler, if utilized.

7) A dry storage area for scientific supply storage of at least 150 ft2.

8) A minimum of 90 square feet of dedicated dry space for computer monitoring equipment.

9) A suitable, dedicated, dry counter area on the bridge large enough to accommodate one (1) computer and one (1) monitor with adjacent 110/115 volt, 60 Hz power outlets for collection of vessel sensor data.

10) Clean, sanitary, and sufficiently ventilated berths with mattresses for five (5) ship’s crew plus four scientists, which includes sonar operators. Bunk areas shall contain at least one (1) drawer or closet per occupant for storage of clothing and personal gear.

11) A minimum of one (1) head, one (1) shower and sink with hot water that is available to scientific crew.

12) Fresh water supply adequate for nine (9) people for eight (8) days (minimum 1,500 gal).

13) Sufficient potable water for nine (9) people for eight (8) days.

14) Galley facilities for concurrent seating of nine (9) people.

3.1 b Minimum Sonar System (multibeam or swath sonar and side scan components) Specifications:

1) Operational depth capability for bottom depths in the range of 11-22 fathoms

(20-30 m).

2) Operational speed for collection of data not less than five (5) knots

3) A water column speed of sound sensor is required to be deployed periodically for acoustic data correction

4) Multibeam system requirements:

a. Swath width 4X depth or greater beneath acoustic head,

b. Bathymetric (or sidescan) data output at 2x2m horizontal and 25 cm vertical resolution (i.e. IHO SP44 Special Order standards),

c. Data georeferenced with DGPS,

d. Data capable of being corrected for water column speed of sound in near real time.

5) Side scan system requirements:

a. Width of coverage 4X depth or greater beneath acoustic head (comparable to multibeam swath width),

b. Sidescan imagery at 2x2m resolution that is co-registered with the multibeam data output (strongly desired).

c. Frequency ranging from 100 - 500 kHz

3.2.Electronic and Communication Equipment Requirements

1) Radios:

a. VHF (minimum two (2))

b. Single side-band

2) Radar (Two (2) units with minimum range 40 nm)

3) GPS (minimum two (2) units)

4) Plotters with capability of plotting input from GPS

5) Depth sounders (minimum two (2), different frequencies preferred)

6) Email capability

7) Weather FAX machine desirable but not required

3.3. Crew requirements

1) The Captain shall have a minimum of three (3) 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 (2) other members of the crew shall have a minimum of three (3) years of sea-going experience.

4) The designated cook should have adequate experience in the planning and preparation of three (3) daily meals at sea for groups of 10 or more people.

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

6) The sonar operator shall have a documentable record of field experience with the system he/she is proposing, which includes operations in conditions similar to those typical of the NE shelf sea.

3.4. Safety

The Contractor shall provide documentation that a USCG Fishing Vessel Safety Inspection has been passed within one (1) 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 C.F.R. Part 28.

The vessels shall be outfitted with personal floatation devices and survival craft 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 Title 46 C.F.R. There shall be two (2) 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 (2) rest periods per 24 hour period, one of which must be at least six (6) continuous hours in duration. Aboard vessels employing a one-person bridge watch, a tamper resistant audible watch or bridge alarm in the wheelhouse is 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 United States Coast Guard (USCG) or Safety of Life at Sea (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 (3) 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 will provide their own survival suits. The Government reserves the right to inspect the vessels for safety, firefighting and lifesaving capabilities in accordance with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) 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 a 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 C.F.R. 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 drydocking survey, or underwater survey in lieu of drydocking, 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:

Item Description Quantity Due Date Deliver To Reference

0001 Structural Inspection Verification 1 EA With

Quote COR/CO SOW, para 3.6

Additional $5 million Insurance Rider for Data Waiver

1 EA Prior to Cruise COR Section II.9

0003 Data Waiver 1 EA With Quote CO SOW, para

2.2

0004 Stability Letter, if Available 1 EA With

Quote CO SOW, para 3.5

The following data deliverables shall be provided to the chief scientist or his/her scientist designee at the termination of the cruise:

1) Raw data collected during the cruise by the mapping sonar system(s):

multibeam or swath bathymetric and side scan.

2) Ship’s track GPS data (from single or multiple systems) as a flat text file or files separate from the sonar data and recorded at intervals of 30 sec or less.

3) CTD or speed of sound profiles as flat text files.

4) Data from other ship’s electronic sensors recording during the cruise, including ship’s fathometer, pitch and roll sensors, weather sensors, water conditions, speed, RPM, and other ship’s operational data etc. as available as flat text files.