FY25_SOO_SCI Study of Abalone Reproductive Biology_16_June_final.pdf

FY25 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

BLACK ABALONE REPRODUCTION INVESTIGATION: FACILITATING CRITICAL

HABITAT EXEMPTION AT SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND FOR ENHANCED FLEET

READINESS AND UNBURDENED TESTING AND TRAINING

N62473-25-2-XXXX

EPR: 31466MAR23_27

April 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE PAGE

A INTRODUCTION 2

B PURPOSE 3

C LOCATION 3

D DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES 4

E PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 4

F MATERIAL AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW 5

G GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 6

H SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS 9

I MEETINGS/COORDINATION 12

J SUBMITTALS & SCHEDULES 12

K DATA & PUBLICATIONS 16

L RELEASE OF INFORMATION 17

M SAFETY 17

N HOLD HARMLESS 18

O INSURANCE 18

P PAYMENTS 19

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION & SUBCONTRACT

Q REPORTING 20

Attachment A INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS 22

Attachment B WAWF INSTRUCTIONS 24

A. INTRODUCTION

Abalone are marine mollusks that were historically abundant in rocky reefs in southern California and its offshore islands and banks. San Clemente Island (SCI) has one of the last remaining populations of black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) in southern California. Beginning in 1981, the mainland black abalone populations experienced large scale mortality events associated with a disease called withering syndrome.

Eventually, populations declined dramatically throughout their range, including those on SCI. Due to the substantial decrease in population size, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed the black abalone as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in January 2009 (74 FR 1937). Additionally, NMFS designated critical habitat for black abalone and identified the principal threats to black abalone as withering syndrome and associated conditions that may promote the spread of the disease (e.g., suboptimal water temperatures and introduction of infected animals into previously unaffected areas).

However, SCI received a critical habitat exclusion based on determinations that the Navy’s SCI Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP) provides benefits to black abalone.

Through proactive management efforts, the Navy is able to maintain both sustainable military and fleet readiness and conserve its sensitive marine resources with no net loss to the mission. This is accomplished through annual rocky intertidal and abalone population monitoring conducted by the Navy.

Additionally, the Navy has recently funded the development of the use of non-invasive ultrasonography to assess reproductive state in red abalone (H. rufescens) cultured under ambient ocean conditions as a proxy for endangered black abalone on SCI (Cooperative Agreements N62473-19-2-0023 & N62473-22- 2-0007). However, additional research on changes in reproductive development and larval recruitment are required. Future recovery and eventual de-listing of black abalone would greatly benefit the mission and fleet readiness at SCI. One critical aspect in recovery of black abalone throughout their range is the ability to propagate and outplant new individuals in habitats that are deemed suitable (such as SCI). In order to successfully carry out future captive breeding programs, and propagation and outplanting of black abalone in suitable habitats, it is imperative that abalone reproduction and gonadal development is thoroughly understood. This project will investigate the effects of increased sea surface temperatures and decreased ocean pH on the direct effects of nutritional quality of abalone food sources and how that translates to reproductive development for adult abalone. This project will also evaluate methods necessary for successful spawning and larval recruitment.

The purpose of this agreement is to document changes in abalone gonadal development associated with diet using non-invasive ultrasonography in efforts to advance recovery efforts of endangered black abalone located on SCI and bridge gaps in knowledge summarized in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 2020 Black Abalone Recovery Plan. Several aspects of black abalone biology and life history are unknown or uncertain but important for assessing the status and recovery of the species. In particular, there is little knowledge of the species’ spawning habits (e.g., optimal spawning season, habitat quality, etc.) and larval recruitment dynamics, largely due to the difficulties associated with working in rocky intertidal habitats, the cryptic nature of newly settled larvae and juveniles, and the lack of consistent methods to spawn black abalone in captivity. Filling these key gaps in information will enhance the recovery of these endangered abalone. Specifically, this research project will contribute to Recovery Action Plan 3.2.4, which guides agency stakeholders to establish a successful captive breeding program in order to conduct species specific research and to restock dwindling wild populations.

This project is critical to maintaining at-sea military readiness, testing, and training and enhanced operational efficiency at SCI. This project supports continued exemption from critical habitat designation for black abalone on SCI which allows Commander Pacific Fleet’s mission to remain un-encumbered from federal regulatory restrictions that would be required if SCI were designated as critical habitat for black abalone.

The principal components of this cooperative agreement are to utilize red abalone (H. rufescens) as a surrogate to: (1) compare the effect of various environmental-induced changes and various seaweed diets on red abalone reproduction by monitoring gonadal development using non-invasive ultrasonography and other non-invasive methods, (2) culture red abalone larvae following spawning events to investigate the success and fitness of the cultured larvae, (3) investigate the effects of ocean temperature, pH, and various wrack diets on the fitness and performance of cultured larvae, and (4) assemble research findings in a draft and a final document.

B. PURPOSE

The overall purpose of this cooperative agreement is to investigate the reproductive biology of black abalone (using red abalone as surrogate) to inform management efforts and strategies for the protection of the critically endangered species. All efforts in this agreement support requirements in the NMFS critical habitat exclusion.

This cooperative agreement includes one Base Period, consisting of two (2) Base tasks, and three (3) Option Periods (Option Period 1, Option Period 2, and Option Period 3). The first Base task is to conduct non-invasive experiments on the gonadal development and larval recruitment associated with environmental-driven changes in nutritional quality of diets on red abalone, and to monitor gonadal development using non-invasive ultrasound technology. The second Base task is to develop a report with a summary, results, and discussion.

Option Period 1 is to conduct an additional effort to utilize non-invasive ultrasonography and other non-invasive methods to compare the effect of various environment-induced changes on gonadal development and larval recruitment of red abalone.

Option Period 2 is to conduct an additional effort to culture red abalone larvae post-spawning event and to evaluate larvae success and fitness.

Option Period 3 is to conduct an additional effort to investigate environmental and dietary effects on fitness and performance of cultured abalone larvae and juveniles.

The objectives of this Agreement are to:

Use non-invasive ultrasound technology to evaluate the effect of ambient ocean temperatures from SCI and various seaweed diets on gonad development, using red abalone as surrogate for black abalone, to inform management efforts and strategies for the protection of endangered abalone.

Complete a non-invasive characterization of gonadal development of black abalone using the validated ultrasound methodology.

Establish techniques to induce black abalone spawning, using red abalone as surrogate, and refine the subsequent larval culture.

Assess the success and fitness of cultured red abalone larvae following successful spawning events.

Assess the effects of environmental and dietary changes on the fitness and performance of cultured red abalone larvae.

C. LOCATION

Experiments will support the black abalone conservation and recovery program at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF), San Clemente Island, California. The Recipient shall have access to the equipment (e.g. ultrasound devices) and culture facilities (i.e. laboratories equipped for culturing) required to conduct this study.

D. DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES

1. The Cooperative Agreement Administrator (CAA) is Mr. Christen Gonzales, Contract Specialist, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest, 750 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92132-5190, telephone (619) 705-5529, and email christen.m.gonzales.civ@us.navy.mil.

2. The Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative (CATR) is Ms. Megan Hanna, Natural Resources Specialist, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest, 750 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92132-5190, telephone (619) 705-5578, and email megan.e.hanna3.civ@us.navy.mil.

The CATR is responsible for ensuring that all work is performed per the requirements and specifications outlined in this Cooperative Agreement, and that the work performed, including all written reports and professional services, are of an acceptable technical quality. For this Cooperative Agreement, the CATR shall be the first and primary point of contact for the Recipient and Pacific Fleet Representative (including their respective representatives or staff) regarding any inquiries, questions, concerns, and issues related to the implementation of the requirements and specifications of this Cooperative Agreement. The CATR has no authority to make any changes to this Cooperative Agreement, only the CAA may affect any change to this Cooperative Agreement.

3. The U.S. Commander, Pacific Fleet Representative is Harry (Chip) Johnson, Naval Air Station North Island, P.O. Box 357033, San Diego, CA 92135, telephone: (619) 767-1567, and email harry.d.johnson12.civ@us.navy.mil.

The Pacific Fleet Representative is responsible for providing the CAA, via the CATR, the technical requirements for this Cooperative Agreement’s statement of objectives specifications. The Pacific Fleet Representative has no authority to make any changes to the Cooperative Agreement, only the CAA may affect any change to this Cooperative Agreement. The Pacific Fleet Representative has no authority to direct or change any work identified in this Cooperative Agreement.

Any change in statement of objectives must be issued to the Recipient, in writing, by the Grants Officer to be binding on the government. No government employee has authority to change this Cooperative Agreement by oral or written directives, instructions, commitments and/or acceptances or any other manner.

The Recipient will designate at the time of proposal submission the individual within their organization who is authorized to negotiate with the Cooperative Agreement Administrator. The designation will stipulate the individual’s authority to commit the Recipient.

For the purposes of this Agreement, the term Recipient shall mean - To Be Determined.

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (POP)

The proposed period of performance for the CA consists of one (1) 18-month Base Period, and three (3) 18-month Option Periods. Any Option Period, subject to the availability of funds, may be awarded unilaterally prior to the expiration of the period of performance of the preceding Base Period or Option Period. The end date is the anticipated date that the final report is accepted by the Government. However, the parties may extend the term of the CA by written modification. The exercise of the Option Period is subject to the availability of funds and may be awarded unilaterally.

POP Justification: This project supports ongoing field efforts across the POP period. These efforts include concurrent analysis and eventual final reporting. As an integrated project, these efforts are not severable.

A fifteen (15) day period, starting on date of award, will be used for the Recipient to provide preliminary documents to the CAA and CATR. Documents include, but are not limited to, Insurance documents/certificates, Accident Prevention Plans/Site Health and Safety Plans (as applicable), etc.

Recipient may not begin performance until preliminary documents are submitted and accepted/approved as appropriate.

F. MATERIAL AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW

a. Report of previously conducted Navy funded abalone reproductive studies (from Cooperative Agreements N62473-19-2-0023 & N62473-22-2-0007)

b. NALF SCI – 2013 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP)

c. NMFS Critical Habitat Exclusion (76 FR 66806)

d. Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network (MARINe) reports of previously conducted rocky intertidal surveys on SCI

e. Temperature and environmental data collected at permanent SCI rocky intertidal monitoring sites

f. Ocean Acidification reports from monitoring equipment on SCI

G. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The Recipient shall provide all labor, management, supervision, tools, materials, equipment, transportation, meals, and lodging for him/herself and his/her personnel. All Recipient equipment is subject to inspection and approval by the CATR.

2. The Recipient shall provide all equipment (unless otherwise stated) and analyses necessary to complete the work described within this Agreement. All data (raw and associated files), photographs, and equipment > $5000 per unit in value and supplies > $5,000 in aggregate value purchased with Agreement funds (including computer software) shall become the property of the Department of the Navy at the end of the Agreement. Equipment is defined as “tangible nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year.” Supplies are defined as “All personal property excluding equipment, intangible property, and debt instruments, and inventions of a contractor conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the performance of work under a funding agreement ("subject inventions"), as defined in 37 CFR part 401, "Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements." (DoD Grant and Agreement Regulations, DoD 3210.6-R#)

3. The Recipient shall visit the study/project area as often as necessary and within the time limits stated below to accomplish the purposes of the Agreement as detailed further in this Statement of Objectives. It is the Recipient's responsibility to obtain security and entrance clearances and camera passes for himself/herself and his/her personnel onto the range. The Recipient must comply with all security rules, regulations, requirements, and day-to-day operational changes thereto. Unannounced changes to day-to-day operational procedures may, at times, prohibit the Recipient access to study/project sites. While on the installation, the Recipient shall abide by all applicable rules and regulations issued by the Commanding Officer. The Recipient may be subject to inspections for contraband while on Government property.

4. The Recipient shall manage the total work effort and assure fully adequate and timely completion of services required under this Agreement. Included in this function shall be a full range of management duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, inventory, analysis, quality control, and for meeting professional industry standards for conducting rocky intertidal abalone surveys.

5. Due to the complexity of work, the Recipient shall provide the following key personnel with the following minimum qualifications:

A. Principal Investigator: The Recipient shall designate one person as responsible for ensuring that provisions are in place, project and personnel supervision, quality control and meeting of reporting requirements are met on a daily basis. This person shall have, at the minimum:

i. A PhD in Animal Science/Reproductive Biology or related science.

ii. Experience evaluating the effects of environmental stressors on aquatic animal reproduction.

iii. At least 10 years of experience in the domain of marine invertebrate reproduction and culture methodology.

B. Postdoctoral Researcher: The Recipient shall designate one person as responsible for abalone culture and data collection. This person shall have, at minimum:

i. A PhD in aquaculture, marine biology, animal science, or a closely related field.

ii. Expert knowledge in domain of marine shellfish aquaculture methodology, preferentially expertise in gastropod reproductive biology.

iii. Ability to work efficiently in the field or at offsite facilities as well as independently and within research teams.

6. The Recipient shall provide the CAA (via the CATR) the names of persons and copies of their resumes being considered for work under this Agreement. The Recipient shall not replace or substitute any staff member without prior written approval by the CAA.

7. The Recipient shall work closely with the CATR in planning and carrying out all field activities.

8. All work conducted in support of this Agreement shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws.

9. If there is an incident which the Recipient believes may involve “take” of an endangered species and involves an activity permitted under the endangered species permit, the Recipient shall follow the procedures in the permit and notify the CATR immediately.

10. If there is an incident which the Recipient believes may involve “take” of an endangered species that results from an activity not listed on the permit, the CATR shall be contacted immediately.

11. Photography is restricted at SCI. Only planned subtidal images and/or photographs of Agreement-related activities will be permitted. The Recipient shall notify the CATR at least three weeks prior to visiting SCI to be placed on the approved photographer list.

12. The use of SCI by the Recipient is on a “not to interfere” basis.

13. At no additional cost to the Government, the Recipient shall be in possession of all necessary permits necessary to conduct the activities stipulated in this Agreement. All permits will be submitted as part of the proposal.

14. All parties involved in this Agreement agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the provision of safe and respectful workplace and to provide a work environment free of harassment and intimidation for such party’s own employees and third parties.

15. All work conducted in support of this Agreement shall comply with all federal laws including, but not limited to, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

16. Vehicle operators may not use cell phones unless the vehicle is safely stopped or the cell phone employs a "hands free" device. Drivers may not hold, dial, text, or adjust the phone while the vehicle is in motion. Hands free systems such as ear buds, blue tooth, OnStar and other voice activated or speaker phone systems are authorized. Installation Security personnel can issue military motor vehicle citations to operators in violation of this policy. These citations result in a three-point penalty assessed to the violator's driving record and if a driver accumulates twelve points within a twelve-month period or eighteen points within a twenty-four-month period he/she is subject to suspension of Installation driving privileges for one year.

17. All work conducted under this Agreement shall be in accordance with Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island Instructions, including but not limited to HOW TO DO BUSINESS ONBOARD SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND Instruction.

18. Ground transportation. The US Navy shall authorize Recipient personnel to use US Navy-owned vehicles on SCI in direct support of tasks specified under this Agreement. The Recipient shall ensure that any employee operating a US Navy-owned vehicle is properly trained and possesses the appropriate state license required for the vehicle or equipment class. The Recipient shall comply with all Naval Base Coronado (NBC) instructions for operation of vehicles on SCI. Prior to operating any Government Services Administration (GSA)-owned vehicle, the Recipient shall ensure compliance with GSA rules, regulations, and policies regarding the use and operation of such vehicles. US Navy GSA furnished transportation-related equipment and materials shall remain the property of the US Navy upon Agreement completion. Payment accounts must be established with the Comptroller to receive a Job Order Number. The CATR will provide the most current contact information and vehicle rental rates.

19. Air Transportation. The US Navy will provide the Recipient and/or staff with no-cost air transportation between NBC and SCI on a regularly scheduled air carrier. Space on flights is not guaranteed and seats are subject to availability. The Recipient should make flight reservations with CATR as far in advance as possible.

20. Lodging. The Recipient is responsible for making all room reservations. Reservations and payments can be made by calling Navy Lodging. The CATR can provide the current lodging rate, and rates usually increase on an annual basis in October.

21. Identification badges, if required, will be furnished based on the individual installation security procedures. Recipient is responsible for all costs, if any, associated with obtaining proper credentials, including participation in the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) program. The Recipient must immediately report instances of lost or stolen badges to the Contracting Officer.

Failure of Recipient personnel to obtain entry approval will not affect the task order price or time of completion. All Recipient personnel shall become familiar with and obey all Government regulations including fire, traffic, and security regulations. Refer to individual task order or Installation requirements provided at the kick-off meeting. Recipient personnel will not be admitted to the work site without approval. Access requirements will be as identified in station policy for each location.

Some facilities, or areas within some facilities, restrict access to U.S. Citizens only.

22. Prior to entering the field each day, the Recipient shall notify SCI Range Coordination by Navy-provided radio as to the area or areas where work will be accomplished. Upon returning from the field, the Recipient shall check-in with SCI Range Coordination by radio. The appropriate SCI personnel to contact and procedures will be provided to the Recipient by the CATR.

23. Staff working on this Agreement shall carry a functioning two-way radio while conducting fieldwork on SCI, to be provided by the Navy.

24. All personnel must complete Unexploded Ordnance (avoidance) training prior to working on SCI.

This training can be arranged through the CATR with the appropriate on-island staff.

25. Unexploded ordinance may be encountered while conducting fieldwork. Recipient shall not touch or attempt to pick-up any suspected ordnance. Recipient shall place flagging in the general area of the ordinance and notify the SCI Range Coordination personnel and the CATR immediately, of the location of the ordinance.

26. All field notes, field data forms, electronic storage of field data, photographs, etc. collected and produced as part of this Agreement are the property of the Department of the Navy. Legible copies of the field notes, data forms and other information shall be provided to the CATR at the end of the field year.

27. The data obtained during this Agreement shall be scientifically defensible and suitable for publication. All methods of data collection and analyses shall be standardized with previous studies conducted by the Recipient under past Agreements for this type of work, or when appropriate, analyzed using acceptable new or improved methods as determined in current scientific literature(s).

If changes in analyses make results unfit for comparison with previously collected data, the Recipient shall reanalyze all appropriate data sets for comparison. The CAA shall approve (via the CATR), in advance, any changes to previously used experimental designs, methods of data collection and/or analyses, which shall be provided in the Recipient’s required Work Plan.

28. The Recipient shall inform the CATR via e-mail of any unusual activity observed while conducting surveys in the field (e.g. trespassers or persons in unauthorized areas). Information should include (a) location, (b) date, (c) time, and (d) any detailed facts regarding the activity.

29. The Recipient shall inform the CATR via e-mail of any unusual animal species observed while conducting surveys in the field (e.g. species which are federally listed or are State of Species of Special Concern). Information should include (a) location, (b) date, (c) time and (d) any detailed facts about the sighting.

30. Throughout the term of this Agreement the CATR shall be afforded the opportunity by the Recipient to periodically observe the Recipient’s field activities, to review computer or paper files of raw data, prepared data (such as data analyses, summaries, maps, figures, tables, etc.), or any record deemed appropriate by the CAA in establishing the Recipient’s performance in fulfilling the requirements of this Agreement.

31. The Department of the Navy, via the CAA, may request updated data presented on maps, figures and/or tables whenever the Department of the Navy’s need to obtain this information is before the next report required under Section I of this Agreement. The Recipient shall forward the requested data electronically within ten (10) days from the date of request. If the requested data cannot be provided within this time frame, the Recipient shall forward electronically the most updated raw data to the CAA, via the CATR. The Department of the Navy understands that facilitating the requested most updated data may reduce the amount of work that would normally be accomplished during the period of time required to complete the request. The Recipient shall document the amount of efforts and its translated cost estimate that would have been incurred by the Recipient to complete the request for updated data. This document shall be electronically forwarded to the CAA (via CATR) to review so that the Department of the Navy will have a firm understanding on the amount of work displaced that would have normally been accomplished during the period of time required to complete the request.

H. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

The following specific work requirements for this Cooperative Agreement shall be consistent with the requirements of all pertinent federal, state and local laws and regulations. All work shall be coordinated with the CATR.

BASE PERIOD TASKS:

1. Conduct Experiments of the Reproductive Biology of Red Abalone:

The Recipient will conduct a study to compare the effect of various environment-induced changes on red abalone reproduction by monitoring gonadal development using non-invasive ultrasonography techniques and other non-invasive methods. The Recipient shall conduct experiments at various different temperatures and ocean pH conditions mirroring those from monitoring sensors currently existing in the natural habitats of existing black abalone populations at SCI. The Recipient should evaluate the red abalone within these initial experiments as surrogates for (1) body condition and growth, (2) gonadal development in adult males and females throughout the abalone’s annual gametogenic cycle, (3) evaluate nutritional profiles of abalone fed various cultured seaweed under current and projected ocean temperature/pH change scenarios, and (4) evaluating nutritional status of abalone and the impact of nutrition on larval recruitment and survival under current and projected environmental-change scenarios.

2. Draft & Final Report:

An annual draft and final report shall be submitted to include a brief summary of work completed to date.

The draft and final report shall be submitted in accordance with Section J. “Submittals and Schedules.” The report shall be in scientific format and include the following: 1) Title page showing title, date, cooperative agreement number, Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative contact information; 2) Sub-title page showing title, prepared by and for listings, date and recommended citation;

3) Introduction; 4) Methods; 5) Results to date.

OPTION PERIOD TASKS:

Option Period 1 Tasks:

1. Conduct Experiments of the Reproductive Biology of Red Abalone:

The Recipient will conduct a study to compare the effect of various environment-induced changes on red abalone reproduction by monitoring gonadal development using non-invasive ultrasonography and other non-invasive methods. The Recipient shall conduct experiments at various different temperatures and ocean pH conditions mirroring those from monitoring sensors currently existing in the natural habitats of existing black abalone populations at SCI. The Recipient should evaluate the red abalone within these initial experiments as surrogates for (1) body condition and growth, (2) gonadal development in adult males and females throughout the abalone’s annual gametogenic cycle, (3) evaluate nutritional profiles of abalone fed various cultured seaweed under current and projected ocean temperature/pH change scenarios, and (4) evaluating nutritional status of abalone and the impact of nutrition on larval recruitment and survival under current and projected environmental-change scenarios.

2. Draft & Final Report:

An annual draft and final report shall be submitted to include a brief summary of work completed to date.

The draft and final report shall be submitted in accordance with Section J. Submittals and Schedules. The report shall be in scientific format and include the following: 1) Title page showing title, date, cooperative agreement number, Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative contact information; 2) Sub-title page showing title, prepared by and for listings, date and recommended citation;

3) Introduction; 4) Methods; 5) Results to date.

Option Period 2 Tasks:

1. Culture Red Abalone Larvae (Post-Spawning Event) & Evaluate Success & Fitness:

Contingent on productivity, spawning success, and funding, an additional study shall be directed at culturing red abalone larvae in Option Period 2.

During the Base Task or Option Period 1, if male and female adult red abalone possess gonads that are identified as mature and in good condition for successful reproductive performance, then the Recipient shall conduct spawning experiments. If spawning events are successful and larvae are produced, the larvae shall be cultured and raised in a controlled laboratory environment. Cultured larvae shall be evaluated for (1) survival rate, (2) growth rate, and (3) overall fitness.

2. Draft & Final Report:

An annual draft and final report shall be submitted to include a brief summary of work completed to date.

The draft and final report shall be submitted in accordance with Section J. Submittals and Schedules. The report shall be in scientific format and include the following: 1) Title page showing title, date, cooperative agreement number, Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative contact information; 2) Sub-title page showing title, prepared by and for listings, date and recommended citation;

3) Introduction; 4) Methods; 5) Results to date.

Option Period 3 Tasks:

1. Conduct Experiments on the Effects of pH, Water Temperature, or Diet on Juvenile Abalone Recruits:

Contingent on productivity, spawning success, and funding, an additional study shall be directed at raising red abalone juvenile recruits under various environmental conditions and/or fed various cultured seaweed diets in Option Period 3.

During Option Period 2, if culturing efforts are successful and red abalone larvae settle and recruit, then the Recipient shall conduct rearing experiments one juvenile abalone recruits. The Recipient shall conduct rearing experiments on abalone recruits under at least one (or more) of the following environmental conditions, (1) variable pH, (2) variable water temperature, and/or (3) various cultured seaweed diets. The Recipient shall then evaluate juvenile red abalone for (1) survival rate, (2) growth rate, and (3) overall fitness under the various environmental conditions listed above.

2. Draft & Final Report:

An annual draft and final report shall be submitted to include a brief summary of work completed to date.

The draft and final report shall be submitted in accordance with Section J. Submittals and Schedules. The report shall be in scientific format and include the following: 1) Title page showing title, date, cooperative agreement number, Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative contact information; 2) Sub-title page showing title, prepared by and for listings, date and recommended citation;

3) Introduction; 4) Methods; 5) Results to date.

In accordance with the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Cooperative (CESU) and Joint Venture Agreement, Article II. Statement of Work, the CATR agrees to provide substantial involvement to include, but are not limited, the following:

NAVFAC SW CATR is involved in the development of study methodology, data gathering, analysis, and/or report writing.

NAVFAC SW CATR actively participates and collaborates in carrying out the project plan of work and review.

NAVFAC SW CATR incurs in-kind or direct expenditures in carrying out the activities specified in the statement of work.

I. MEETINGS/COORDINATION

1. The Recipient or his/her designee will attend (via telephone) a kick-off meeting with the CATR, the CAA, Pacific Fleet Representatives, and/or other necessary parties to ensure coordination of activities.

The CATR shall arrange the meeting.

2. The Recipient or his/her designee will ensure coordination of all activities with the CATR via email.

3. The Recipient shall be available on an intermittent basis throughout the Agreement period for consultation with the CATR on matters involving data collection, analysis, reporting, or other matters related to this Cooperative Agreement.

J. SUBMITTALS and SCHEDULES

1. Electronic copies of all submittals/schedules/deliverables (examples include, but are not limited to, draft/interim/final reports, progress reports/monthly reports) will be provided to the Cooperative Agreement Administrator for retention in the official agreement file.

Recipient shall adhere to the following schedule, unless otherwise approved by CAA and CATR.

2. Submittals and Deliverable Schedule

a. Permits. A copy of all permits required for the work described in this Agreement shall be provided at the kick-off meeting (if not already submitted).

b. Inspections. On an annual basis the Cooperator shall allow the CATR, or a CATR approved expert in abalone health and safety, access to the laboratory where abalone are being held for inspection.

c. Abalone Health Logs. On a monthly basis the Cooperator shall provide the CATR with monthly monitoring reports on the health and status of the abalone that are being held. Monitoring reports shall include, but are not limited to:

i. Mortality logs

ii. Feeding schedules

iii. Experimental schedule

iv. Water quality reports

v. Tank cleaning schedules

vi. Overall health assessment

Event/Deliverable Due Date Delivery Type/Format

BASE TASKS

Meetings and Safety Plans

Kick-off Meeting Within one month following award Teleconference

Draft/Final Safety Plans Within one month following kick-off meeting Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Conduct Experiments of the Reproductive Biology of Red Abalone

Experiment Outline and Timeline

Within 2-months following kick-off meeting Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Cultured Abalone Collection

Within 3-months following kick-off meeting N/A

Reproductive Experiments on Red Abalone

Within 6-months following kick-off meeting N/A

Draft & Final Report

Draft report 90 calendar days following conclusion of experiments Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Final report No later than 30 days after receipt of Navy comments

Electronic (email)/Microsoft Word (.doc)

OPTION PERIOD 1

Meetings

Kick-off Meeting Within one month following award Teleconference

Conduct Experiments of the Reproductive Biology of Red Abalone

Experiment Outline and Timeline

Within 2-months following kick-off meeting Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Cultured Abalone Collection

Within 3-months following kick-off meeting N/A

Reproductive Experiments on Red Abalone

Within 6-months following kick-off meeting N/A

Draft & Final Report

Draft report 90 calendar days following conclusion of experiments Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Final report No later than 30 days after receipt of Navy comments

Electronic (email)/Microsoft

OPTION PERIOD 2

Meetings

Kick-off Meeting Within one month following award Teleconference

Culture Red Abalone Larvae (Post-Spawning Event) & Evaluate Success & Fitness

Experiment Outline and Timeline

Within 1-month following award Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Culture Red Abalone Larvae

Within 3-months following kick-off meeting N/A

Draft & Final Report

Draft report 90 calendar days following conclusion of experiments Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Final report No later than 30 days after receipt of Navy comments

Electronic (email)/Microsoft

*Exact due dates and format instructions for option work will be provided in the event that options are exercised.

OPTION PERIOD 3

Meetings

Kick-off Meeting Within one month following award Teleconference

Conduct Experiments on the Effects of pH, Water Temperature, or Diet on Juvenile Abalone Recruits

Experiment Outline and Timeline

Within 1-month following award Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Environmental Experiments on Juvenile

Red Abalone Recruits Within 3-months following kick-off meeting N/A

Draft & Final Report

Draft report 90 calendar days following conclusion of experiments Electronic (email)/Microsoft

Word (.doc)

Final report No later than 30 days after receipt of Navy comments

Electronic (email)/Microsoft

*Exact due dates and format instructions for option work will be provided in the event that options are exercised.

3. Deliverable Specifics

a. The government will have a 30 calendar day review period from receipt of the draft reports to comment. The final reports shall be submitted within 30 calendar days of receipt of Government comments. If necessary, the government will have a within 15 calendar day review period from receipt of final reports (with comments incorporated) for government review of documents to ensure comments were adequately addressed. If review and acceptance by government is not completed within the 30-day review period, constructive acceptance will be deemed to have occurred and final deliverables can be submitted. Only the CAA has the authority to make changes to the 30-day review period.

b. The Recipient shall provide all required draft reports as electronic files, either as email attachments, sent to the CATR on CD, or downloadable via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) site that meets Navy security requirements. If applicable, the Recipient shall provide six (6) bound copies of the final deliverables, each with an associated CD containing the report, maps, photographs and any pertinent supplemental information.

c. DoD/ONR have been directed to provide an approach to support increased public access to peer reviewed scholarly publications and digitally formatted scientific data arising from unclassified publicly releasable research and programs funded wholly or in part by the DoD, as directed by OSTP Memorandum: “Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research” PARR), dated 22 February 2013 and the ‘DoD Plan to Establish Public Access to the Results of Federally Funded Research’ dated February 2015. By providing greater public access to DoD funded research, the Department seeks to encourage and accelerate scientific breakthroughs and innovation of potential interest to DoD in carrying out its mission. A robust industrial base and commercialization of DoD technologies will also benefit entrepreneurship, and enhance economic growth and job creation.

d. Any resulting publicly available information (peer-reviewed publication, conference/workshop presentation, etc.) shall be provided to the Navy as a .pdf of the final document at no additional cost.

e. Submittal/Deliverable Standards: All submittals/deliverables are expected to be of the highest professional quality and will be rejected if any of the following exists:

• there are typographical errors, spelling, or grammar mistakes; or

• results and discussion are not tied directly and continually to natural resource management concerns of the installation; or

• the document is not organized in a manner that flows well; or

• the document does not provide appropriate context, background, literature review, and comparison to other relevant studies, locations, and similar species; or

• the appropriate style guide is not adhered to (in most cases this is the JWM or CSE).

f. The draft report shall be a complete document that has been proofread for spelling and grammatical errors and contains all text, figures, graphics, photographs and tables provided for review.

g. Data. All raw data, data sheets and electronic databases (including GIS data) shall be available at the request of the CATR submitted as appendices or supplemental information with the draft Report. If too large to be included with the other draft submittals, the Electronic databases shall be submitted on a labeled CD- ROM. The final versions of these databases will be included on the CD-ROM’s attached to the final reports.

f. Maps

1). All maps created for this Agreement shall be incorporated in the draft and final reports. All maps shall be printed on 8.5 by 11-inch paper or 11 by 17-inch paper folded to match the size of the report(s).

2). All maps shall be printed at an acceptable scale using a State Plane projection, Zone 0405, North American Datum 1983 or USGS. Electronic copies of all maps shall also be provided.

3). All maps created for this Agreement shall contain the following information: (a) title, (b) scale bar, (c) legend, (d) date, (e) north arrow and (f) notation identifying who prepared the map.

4). All GIS data shall comply with the electronic data deliverable specifications provided by the

CATR.

g. Photographs

The Recipient will document and record pertinent aspects of the work using color digital imagery. The Recipient will provide camera and all necessary equipment. Photographs of activities documented shall be included as an appendix on CD ROM. All photographs shall become Department of the Navy property and shall be submitted with the final report. All original photographs shall be appropriately labeled with information to include:

date location (specific place name. LAT/LONG, bearing, and Installation) subject/activity activity documented identification of any people in the picture photographer

K. DATA AND PUBLICATION

1. This Cooperative Agreement is subject to, and Recipient shall comply with, 2 CFR 200.315 concerning “Intangible Property,” which includes use of research data. Any information or data protected by federal law will be identified by the Government prior to being provided to Recipient and the Government will notify the Recipient in advance of applicable limitations on such information.

Except as to information so identified and limited, there are no restrictions on reporting or publishing reports based upon the fundamental research that is the subject of this Cooperative Agreement.

The Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish or otherwise use the data first produced under this Agreement and authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes. The Department of the Navy acknowledges and agrees that the Recipient’s fundamental consideration in performing the research under this Agreement shall be Recipient’s right to publish the results of such research for academic and scientific purposes. The Recipient shall submit, for review and comment, any proposed professional, scientific or non-scientific report, paper or note published or unpublished or be part of any technical or non-technical presentation or be provided to anyone not a party to this Agreement to the Department of the Navy thirty (30) days prior to the submission of the work mentioned above.

2. The acknowledgements for any publications or presentation resulting from this work shall include the following statement: “This research was funded by the U.S. Commander, Pacific Fleet.”

3. Any publications resulting from this work shall be provided at no cost to the Department of the Navy in quantities jointly determined by the Department of the Navy representative and the Recipient at the time of publication.

4. The Recipient shall be responsible for ensuring all personnel participating in activities under this Agreement have read and acknowledged the DATA AND PUBLICATION provisions of this Agreement.

L. RELEASE OF INFORMATION

The Recipient shall not respond to any inquiries about this Cooperative Agreement from the news media or non-governmental organizations or other persons during the term of this Cooperative Agreement unless it has first consulted with the Government and a determination appropriately made by the cognizant Government representative concerning release of information pursuant to the authority (Federal or State) cited by the requester. All inquiries shall be directed to the Public Affairs Officer at U.S. Commander, Pacific Fleet and Public Affairs Officer at NAVFAC SW through the CATR and CAA.

M. SAFETY

The Recipient will be required to develop an Accident Prevention Plan following the format in Appendix A of the EM 385-1-1, US Army Corps of Engineers Safety & Health Requirements Manual, 30 November 2014 or latest edition. The government CATR will contact the Southwest Environmental Safety Office to check if the project may qualify for the Abbreviated Accident Prevention Plan, prior to directing the recipient to prepare an Accident Prevention Plan. Additional specific plan or plans is/are required if the project involves work that is potentially hazardous. List of specific plans is located at section (i) of Appendix A of the EM 385-1-1.

The Recipient shall develop an Activity Hazard Analysis for all tasks reasonably anticipated to be performed as part of this Statement of Objectives. Format and instructions for the Activity Hazard Analysis is in section 1 of the EM 385-1-1. As a minimum, references used to develop the Accident Prevention Plan and Activity Hazard Analysis are: EM 385-1-1 (or latest addition), and Local Activity safety plans and standard operating procedures. The Accident Prevention Plan and Activity Hazard Analysis shall address all sections that are deemed appropriate for performing the work in this Agreement, while ensuring a safe work environment for all personnel involved. The draft Accident Prevention Plan and Activity Hazard Analysis will be reviewed by the Government Designated Authorities (Southwest Environmental Safety Office, CATR) prior to start of field work activities.

The Accident Prevention Plan and Activity Hazard Analysis will provide a safe and healthful environment for all personnel involved as well as personnel working near the sites for the Department of the Navy. The Recipient shall certify to CATR that the final Accident Prevention Plan and Activity Hazard Analysis have been reviewed with each Recipient employee working on this Cooperative Agreement prior to mobilization and start of fieldwork activities.

The final Accident Prevention Plan and Activity Hazard Analysis shall be immediately accessible to the Site Recipient’s Safety and Health Officer and Project Manager at all times during the project, and a copy shall be available in every vehicle utilized for work under this Cooperative Agreement. The Recipient’s Safety and Health Officer is required to have a minimum of the 10-hour OSHA Safety Training.

N. HOLD HARMLESS

1. The Government shall not be responsible for the loss of or damage to property of the Recipient and/or his/her representatives, or for personal injuries to the Recipient and/or his/her representatives arising from or incident to the use of government facilities or equipment. Recipient shall indemnify, hold harmless, defend and save Government harmless and shall pay all costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney’s fees for all trial and appellate levels and post-judgment proceedings in connection with any fines, suits, actions, damages, liability and causes of action of every nature whatsoever arising or growing out of, or in any manner connected with, the occupation or use of Government Premises by Recipient, its employees, servants, agents, guests, invitees, and contractors. This includes, but is not limited to, any fines, claims, demands and causes of action of every nature whatsoever that may be made upon, sustained or incurred by the Government by reason of any breach, violation, omission or non-performance of any term, covenant or condition hereof on the part of the Recipient, its employees, servants, agents, guests, invitees, or contractors. This indemnification also applies to claims arising out of the furnishings of any utilities or services by the Government or any interruption therein or failure thereof, occasioned by the negligence or lack of diligence of Recipient or its respective officers, agents, servants or employees.

However, this indemnity shall not extend to damages due to the sole fault of the Government or its employees, agents, servants, guests, invitees or contractors. This covenant shall survive the termination of this Cooperative Agreement.

2. In the event of damage, including damage by contamination, to any Government property by the Recipient, its officers, agents, servants, employees, or invitees, the Recipient, at the election of the Government, shall promptly repair, replace, or make monetary compensation for the repair or replacement of such…