Form SF18 1305M322QNFFM0030.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

b. TELEPHONE

AREA CODE

NUMBER

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95) Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

8. TO:

b. COMPANYa. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

7. DELIVERY

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or service. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotation must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NUMBER

(a)

SUPPLIES/ SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

a. NAME OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

1. REQUEST NUMBER 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

RATING

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date)

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS)

NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

NF-FM7320-22-01608 NF-FM7320-22-016081305M322QNFFM0030

WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE, SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

CARINA TOPASNA

carina.topasna@noaa.gov

Please See Continuation Page for Line Item Details

206 526-6350 PROTECTED SPECIES BR /F/NEC32

NOAA/NMFS 166 WATER STREET

WOODS HOLE

02543-1026MA

APR 22, 2022

MAY 01, 2023

FM732073

April 14, 2022

Attachment Page

PAGE 2 OF 77 1305M322QNFFM0030

VESSEL CHARTER TO CONDUCT NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE RESEARCH IN

THE GREAT SOUTH CHANNEL AND THE GULF OF MAINE

i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with FAR Subpart 13.5, with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to award one Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract for a chartered vessel and crew to conduct the Right Whale Research Cruise in the Great South Channel and the Gulf of Maine, as described in the Statement of Work. All responsible Small Business sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by NOAA. The Government intends to select one contractor; however, the Government reserves the right to award no contract at all, depending on the quality of the quotations, the prices submitted, and the availability of funds.

ii) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Written quotes for RFQ number 1305M322QNFFM0030 shall be submitted on Standard Form 18.

iii) The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular No. 2022-05, dated March 07, 2022.

iv) This solicitation is 100% set-aside for small business concerns. The associated NAICS code is 483112.

The small business size standard is 1,500 employees.

v) This combined synopsis/solicitation is for purchase of the following commercial supply items:

BASE PERIOD

CLIN 0001 Vessel Charter: Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023;

Quantity: 25 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 25-day vessel charter in support of the Right Whale Research Cruise, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 0002 Optional Vessel Charter Days: Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023; Quantity: 5 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 5-day vessel charter in support of the Right Whale Research Cruise, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

OPTION PERIOD I:

CLIN 1001 Vessel Charter: Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 Quantity: 25 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 25-day vessel charter in support of the Right Whale Research Cruise, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

CLIN 1002 Optional Vessel Charter Days: Period of Performance shall be May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 Quantity: 5 Days (DA); Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 5-day vessel charter in support of the Right Whale Research Cruise, in accordance with the Statement of Work contained herein.

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vi) Description of requirements is as follows:

STATEMENT OF WORK

(See also: SOW Attachments 1-5)

Title: Charter Vessel for the Right Whale Research Cruise in the Great South Channel and the Gulf of Maine.

1.0 GENERAL

North Atlantic right whales (NARW) are critically endangered, and therefore protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is required to assess the status of marine mammal populations found in U.S. waters. Monitoring the population status of NARW is a top priority for the Protected Species Branch (PSB) at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). Studies include photographic identification of individuals, biopsy sampling for genetic analysis, aerial imagery for health assessment and size estimates, and plankton sampling and suction cup tagging to investigate feeding ecology.

The PSB is seeking a charter vessel to survey for North Atlantic right whales and support a small Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and/or small aluminum hull boat with foam collar. When whales are located, the small boat will be deployed with about 4 science personnel, if weather permits. Scientists will also use the charter vessel as a platform to deploy and retrieve a small Unoccupied Aerial System (sUAS or drone).

Up to eleven bottom-mounted passive acoustic moorings will be deployed, and oceanographic sampling will be done from the charter vessel.

The survey area in U.S. waters is expected to include the Great South Channel, waters south of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and south to the New York bight and continental shelf break. The survey area will also include 10-11 stations, to be visited once, in the Gulf of Maine.

The desired timing and length of cruise is 25-30 days at sea between May 18, 2022 and June 18, 2022.

2.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Period of Performance

The planned period of performance is for approximately 25 days at sea with additional optional 5 days, with the desired period of performance within the time frame of May 18 – June 18, 2022. This time period may be broken into two legs, depending on staffing and needs of the charter vessel. The preferred break would be around June 3rd-6th.

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 NARW research.

Calendar days of less than 24 hours will be prorated at an hourly rate based on the daily rate agreed upon for the contract period. The vessel shall be available at the port of Woods Hole, MA three days prior to the start of a research cruise prepared with the necessary fuel, food and crew to conduct and support the mission objectives. We will provide a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 12 scientific staff.

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NARW General Survey Operation Area in U.S. waters

Passive acoustic mooring station map (one additional site may be added at the northeast edge)

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2.2 Cruise Operations

The vessel will arrive in Woods Hole 2 days prior to the commencement of the cruise, the vessel and crew will be made available to NEFSC scientific staff, for the purpose of training ships crew and scientific staff regarding the deployment and retrieval of small boats and sampling gear. The ship will be required to depart the dock for at sea training on one or two of these days. This training will be conducted in Vineyard sound, not far from the dock. Any software, gear, and/or equipment installed on the vessel by the NEFSC/PSB for the purpose of conducting the research cruise will be removed at the end of the cruise.

The 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 at least one other member of the ship’s crew must be fluent in English. While at sea, the Master is responsible for the operation of the vessel to insure the safety of the scientific staff and all crew members. The vessel’s crew is responsible for the safe operation of any crane, davit, or winch. Any damage to the vessel and its gear which occurs during the cruise is the responsibility of the vessel.

Charter vessel will be able to accommodate scientific crew of 7-12. Three meals per day will be provided for the science crew.

Charter vessel will have an open fly bridge which is safely accessible to science crew. At least three science crew will be on the fly bridge at any time during daylight hours. Prior to the commencement of the cruise, the vessel crew will install the ‘big eye’ binocular stands on the fly bridge. See images in Appendix 1. The chief scientist will be consulted regarding placement prior to installation (Note: if there is an option other than a fly bridge, that gives observers 180 degree view forward, that can be considered). On the day of staging, ship’s crew will facilitate getting the big eye binoculars to the fly bridge. The fly bridge will be outfitted with a wind screen to protect observers from wind. The windscreen should at least run across the front of the fly bridge and extend down the sides to be lateral with big eye stands. Windscreens are around 4.5’ tall, leaving clearance for big eye binoculars, if necessary. Windscreens should include extension at the top, on the outboard side, which deflects wind from coming directly over the windscreen. See images in Appendix 1.

Charter vessel will be outfitted with a crane which is capable of lifting and launching a 2,500 lb. (vessel, propulsion, fuel, gear, and, 4 persons), 18’ RHIB and a 5,650 lb, 20’ aluminum hulled vessel with foam collar, over the side. The crane will be man-rated unless the freeboard of the ship allows one step down to launched vessel. NEFSC will provide the RHIB and/ or aluminum hulled vessel, and cradle(s) for vessels to sit on the aft deck. Charter vessel will provide and carry around 100 gallons of gasoline, preferably in USCG approved mobile fuel caddies. Charter vessel will be responsible for fastening the RHIB cradle(s) to the deck in order to secure the small boats during rough seas. NEFSC will provide a man-rated lifting harness for deployment. Charter vessel will provide crane operator and at least one deck hand for deployment. Charter vessel will modify deck rail/bulkhead to provide deck level embarkation/debarkation access point for 20’ vessel. There will be scientific crew available to tend lines for deployment and retrieval of the RHIB.

During the cruise, the charter vessel will deploy 10-11 bottom-mounted passive acoustic moorings in the Gulf of Maine (see map). The mooring system to be deployed consists of a 150 lb I-beam anchor, stainless steel wire rope to Innovasea VR2AR acoustic release, spectra line to strong-back housing the PAM recorder, spectra line to 14” trawl float.

The mooring length is ~ 10 meters from anchor to float (see Appendix 1). The moorings may be deployed using the crane, or an A-frame, davit, or similar system which is capable of lifting and releasing a 200-lb anchor, or open stern deck or rail where the mooring system (float, line, instrumentation) may be trailed behind the vessel, allowing the anchor to be pushed off the deck upon arrival to the station.

PAGE 6 OF 77 1305M322QNFFM0030

If using a davit, crane or similar, a quick-release system will be required for lifting and deploying the anchor. Charter vessel will provide a crane operator and at least one deck hand for deployment.

Scientific crew may operate the quick release system.

If the charter vessel is not equipped with a .322 conducting wire cable and winch for deploying and retrieving oceanographic sampling equipment, then the NEFSC may bring a winch which will need to be secured to the back deck and powered by the ship.

The NEFSC will investigate and hope to bring a dry lab/wet lab container to be secured to the back deck in order for science crew to work in this area. We will also require another 20’ container, provided by the charter vessel, for storage of gear on the back deck.

During the cruise operations, the chief scientist may survey occasionally at night using sonobuoys (listening devices deployed from the ship, but not retrieved) in order to locate NARW.

Charter 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.

Daily Operations Observers will be on watch on the fly bridge by early morning. Track lines will be determined the previous evening, unless locations of aggregations of right whales are known. When right whales are sighted, the RHIB will be deployed if weather permits. The charter vessel will stand by while RHIB is working, likely sampling for plankton in the area of whales. Science crew may deploy sUAS (drone) from charter vessel while RHIB is deployed. These decisions will be made case by case. Observers will work most daylight hours unless weather is limiting. If weather does not allow work from the fly bridge, observers may stand watch from the wheel house.

Research operations will be during daylight hours only, with the exception of opportunistic sonobuoy deployment (no crew required).

A Scientific Research Permit from the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Administrator will be obtained by the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) and maintained onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey. The vessel will be considered a NOAA research vessel under this contract.

The 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 Master shall provide scientific personnel access to GPS location data, and other available operations data as needed. The chief scientist will have access to the internet for weather forecasting and reporting as necessary. It is preferable that all science crew have at least intermittent internet access.

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 Meals

Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel chief steward for the scientists. Meats shall be included at each lunch and dinner along with two vegetables and dessert or fruit.

Vegetarians and vegans will be accommodated. 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.

PAGE 7 OF 77 1305M322QNFFM0030

2.4 COVID-19 Monitoring and Response Plan

All science staff are fully vaccinated and will obtain a negative test COVID-19 prior to boarding. Ship’s crew will also obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 3 days prior to departure. Contract vessel will be responsible for providing COVID -19 testing for its crew. Cleaning of common touch areas within the work spaces will be conducted by the ship’s crew throughout the day. PPE will be made available.

If any crew member develops symptoms, they will self-administer an antigen test. If positive, will self-isolate, inform ship command and chief scientist. All crew members shall follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations and follow what is applicable at the time based on the crew’s status and COVID levels based on the vessel health and safety protocols to the maximum extent practicable.

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 two hazardous materials will be brought on board, that is denatured alcohol and formalin. 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.

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2.6 Living and Working Conditions for Scientific Personnel

a. 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.

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

c. 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 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 across Georges Bank and the NY Bight and out to the continental shelf break.

2) The vessel shall have been actively used for collecting scientific data within the past 12 months and/or a track record of prior work with protected species, including marine mammals and sea turtles.

3) Sufficient deck space for one RHIB (minimum 19’ LOA with cradle), and oceanographic sampling gear.

4) Crane or davit with minimum SWL = 5,500 lbs, for deploying and retrieving RHIB overboard.

5) Clean, sanitary, and sufficiently ventilated berths with mattresses for 7-12 scientists. Bunk areas shall contain at least one drawer or closet per occupant for storage of clothing and personal gear.

6) A minimum of two heads, one shower and sink with hot water that is available to the scientific crew.

7) Sufficient potable water for all crew and scientists for the duration of the cruise.

8) Galley facilities for concurrent seating of at least 7 people.

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3.2 Electronic and Communication Equipment Requirements

1) Radios:

a. VHF (minimum 2)

b. Single side-band

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

3) GPS (minimum 2 units)

4) Plotters with capability of plotting input from GPS desirable

5) Depth sounder

6) Internet connectivity for weather forecasting, reporting and daily access to the internet for chief scientist required; If the contract vessel is not already equipped with a satellite internet system, the vessel’s company will be responsible for acquiring a system and monitoring it for the duration of the cruise so that the chief scientist has daily internet access.

3.3 Crew requirements

1) The Captain shall have a minimum of three years’ 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 groups of 5 or more 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 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 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.

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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 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.

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I. STATEMENT OF WORK ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT 1: Government Furnished Property List ATTACHMENT 2: Vessel Configuration Form ATTACHMENT 3: Vessel's Commercial History ATTACHMENT 4: Master/Crew Work Experience Form ATTACHMENT 5: Past Performance Form

-End Statement of Work-

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vii) Acceptance of all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) will take place aboard the contracted vessel.

viii) The provision at FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) and addenda apply to this acquisition.

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

ADDITIONAL QUOTE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Offerors shall submit all attachments with complete information which clearly and concisely relates to the evaluation criteria in SOLICITATION PROVISIONS, FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021), specifically addressing the following:

Quotations are due no later than 2:00 PM Pacific Time on April 22, 2022, and shall be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer – Carina Topasna (carina.topasna@noaa.gov).

(a) General Instructions

NOTICE TO OFFERORS: Instructions for submitting offers under this solicitation must be followed.

Failure to provide all information may result in the offer being considered non-responsive. Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

(1) The offer must be prepared in two parts: A technical quote and a business/price quote. Each of the parts shall be separate and complete in itself so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently from evaluation of the other. The technical quote must not contain reference to price; however, adequate information must be contained in the technical quote so that the offeror’s technical approach is sufficiently detailed to provide a clear and concise presentation that addresses all contract requirements and demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

(2) The technical quote should be typed, double-spaced, with one inch margins, using Times New Roman size 11-font or equivalent, and printed, unreduced in size, on 8½" by 11" paper. The technical quote shall be no more than 60 pages, including all tables and graphics but excluding resumes, index/appendices and past performance references. Picture submissions shall not exceed 20 pages and video submissions should be no more than 10 minutes in duration. There is no size limitation for business/price quotes.

(3) The offeror shall submit:

a. Technical Quote: One (1) copy, electronic required.

b. Business/Price Quote: One (1) copy, electronic required.

Each part shall be clearly marked by title. There is no page limitation for the price quote.

(4) The Government will evaluate quotes in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section and with the evaluation criteria stated below.

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(5) The Offerors shall identify and explain any exceptions or deviations taken to any part of the solicitation or conditional assumptions made with respect to the technical requirements of the solicitation.

Offerors should note that taking exceptions to the Government’s requirements may indicate an unwillingness or inability to perform the contract, and the quote may be evaluated as such.

(b) Technical Quote

Vendors shall submit the following in their technical quote:

(1) Technical Capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement: The quote shall demonstrate the offeror´s ability to successfully execute the requirements of the Statement of Work including demonstration of:

Offerors shall submit the following attachments (or equivalent documentation covering all required information)as well as any additional information needed such as the Structural Inspection Verification and Stability Letter to determine the vessel and crew’s ability to conduct the survey efficiently and safely.

● Factor 1: Vessel Charter Characteristics; and

Vessel Configuration Attachment # 2, Vessel’s Commercial History Attachment #3;

● Factor 2: Crew Qualifications see Attachment #4: Master/Crew Work Experience Form

● Factor 3: COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols

In the technical quote, offerors shall provide information and documentation in sufficient detail to clearly identify qualifications. The information should be provided as shown on the attached forms, including manufacturer’s names and model numbers where applicable. A complete explanation shall be provided where information is unavailable or not applicable. If an offeror proposes to supply equipment for the contract that they do not currently have, they must provide the specifics of the equipment such as the make, model and expected delivery time of the item, in order for the equipment to be considered in the evaluation of their proposal. Images or video showing deck and house layouts are also requested and encouraged, but not required.

Offerors proposing more than one vessel must submit a separate proposal for each vessel.

Pictures or videotapes will also be considered in the evaluation as well as any additional supplements to the attachments listed above.

Reference Section E below for details regarding how the Government will evaluate this factor.

(2) Factor 4: Past Performance

● Attachment #5 – Past Performance Form

The Government will conduct a past performance assessment based on the quality of the past performance of the contractor on similar contracts as it relates to the probability of successful accomplishment of the required effort. The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation. Information utilized will be obtained from the references listed in the quote, other customers known to the Government, and others who may have useful and relevant information. Information will also be considered regarding any significant subcontractors and key personnel, who may be referenced on Attachment # 5

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Offerors shall provide a listing of customers to which Past Performance Questionnaire forms were distributed. The list must contain the firms’ names, the representative to whom the form was provided, a telephone number of the contact and an email address. Your customers are requested to complete the Past Performance form and submit the form by email directly to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer noted below.

If an offeror does not have a history of similar or relevant past performance, or if it is not available, it should be noted as such in the quote.

NOTE: Upon completion of the form, the customer shall return it to:

DOC, NOAA, Western Acquisition Division by email to:

Contracting Officer – Carina Topasna, carina.topasna@noaa.gov

Please Note: Any Exceptional, Marginal or Unsatisfactory rating assessed by the customer on individual elements or overall rating assigned on the past performance questionnaire, shall include an explanatory narrative to be provided in the remarks block. These narratives need not be lengthy, just adequately detailed to support evidence of the specific ratings noted above. Failure to provide information supporting the assigned rating may result in a lower rating being designated than that assigned by the customer.

Offerors shall make every effort to ensure that forms are received no later than the submission date stated in the solicitation for the quote in order to be considered for evaluation of this factor. Questionnaires submitted directly by the offeror rather than by the customer may not be considered.

If an offeror does not have a history of relevant past performance, or if past performance information is not available, the offeror will receive a neutral past performance rating.

(c) Business/Price Quote Instructions

Business/Price quotes must adhere to the pricing structure established in the Price Schedule.

The quote must include a price for all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs). Pricing for CLINs shall be inclusive of operational costs.

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Any acceptance period entered on the quote form by the offeror shall not be less than forty-five days, which shall apply if no other period is offered.

The person signing the offer must have the authority to commit the offeror to all of the provisions of the quote, fully recognizing that the Government has the right, by terms of the Solicitation, to make an award without discussion if it so elects.

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. Quotes shall be fully executed and returned on the Standard Form (SF) 18 and any acknowledgements of solicitation amendments on the SF 30.

2. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation. Email quotes are required and should be sent to Carina Topasna, carina.topasna@noaa.gov.

Electronic/email quotes should be compatible with Microsoft Suite or Adobe. Due to size limitations placed on the NOAA email system, volumes of quotations may have to be sent in separate emails.

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3. At a minimum the contractor shall provide the following information:

a) Point of contact name, telephone, facsimile and E-mail address.

b) Unique Entity Identifier Number

c) Acknowledgement of registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database

d) Identification of Authorized Negotiators, including name, telephone, facsimile and E-mail address

e) Certification that Representations and Certifications have been executed by an individual authorized to legally bind the offering firm.

Offerors are responsible for submitting quotations, and any revisions, so as to reach the office identified in Block 9 of the SF-18 by the time specified in the solicitation. The Government will not be responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the electronic information, including the missing of any deadlines that may be established by the process. It is the offeror’s responsibility to confirm receipt of any transmitted information. Upon written request to the Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer, offerors may be granted access to the Department of Commerce’s Kiteworks secure file transfer site for secure transmission of quotes. The offeror is responsible for requesting access in a timely manner to ensure on-time receipt of quotes. The Government is not responsible for quotes received late through the secure file transfer site.

PLEASE NOTE: Offeror(s) MUST submit pricing for each blank line item in the schedule. Failure to offer in this manner may result in the quotation’s rejection. Pricing must reflect costs associated with the offer of one (1) vessel, per quotation submission. Offerors wishing to propose more than one vessel must submit separate offer packages for each vessel. Daily charter pricing shall be inclusive of all costs (including transit to starting port and from ending port) associated with the charter.

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FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

FAR: https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far CAR: https://www.acquisition.gov/car

(End of provision)

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

FAR 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

FAR 52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING (AUG

2020)

FAR 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JULY 1990)

CAR 1352.242-70 POST AWARD CONFERENCE (APR 2010)

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT:

FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products or Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

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(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It □ will, □ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

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(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand;

model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that…