SOW_kt.doc

Statement of Work

Shark Bait

1. Background/Scope Since 1989 members of the Apex Predators Program, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) have conducted eight Coastal Shark Longline Surveys along the Atlantic coast in April and May. The initial survey was conducted between Tampa Bay, FL and southern New England (Cruise DE II 89-03). Since that survey, the stations have been truncated due to time and bottom conditions with the current cruise track extending from approximately mid-Florida to Delaware. Various vessels have been used during the survey, since the vessel is merely a platform to deploy the gear as per a standard protocol; it is not considered a variable. In 1996, the gear changed to more accurately represent that of the commercial large coastal shark fishery, bait was changed to improve retention rate and soak times were increased to obtain a higher catch. No changes in bait, gear, or fishing methods have been made since that time. Station locations are repeated, though direction of the sets are dependent on wind and current direction. The cruises have remained the same with respect to biological studies of sharks.

2. Requirement/Deliverables

a. Contractor shall provide 9,000 lbs of spiny dogfish for bait required to complete a Large Coastal Shark Survey in the spring 2014.

b. Each spiny dogfish shall be 3+ pounds after conforming to the following specifications:

· Gutted

· Head off

· Pectoral and dorsal fins off

· Tail off

· Anal Fins on

· Skin on

· Belly on

· Individually frozen

c. Contractor shall provide the Government a sample of three (3) fish for inspection and acceptance from the contractor’s first catch. The samples shall conform to the specification requirements of 2b above. The shipping and handling will be paid for separately by the Government.

d. Contractor shall pack the individually frozen fish in boxes of 25-30lbs each.

e. Contractor shall store conforming fish in contractor provided freezer at contractor designated location within a 50 mile radius of New Bedford, MA no later than April 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014.

3. Performance Period The period of performance is from date of award through April 30, 2014.

The 2014 Large Coastal Shark Survey has been scheduled for April 2014, but the exact date has not yet been determined. As a result, all 9,000lbs of fish shall be readily available for government pickup at the contractor provided freezer facility from April 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014. The Government Point of Contact will notify the contractor of the exact date once it has been determined.

4. Contractor Quality Control - Inspection and Acceptance of First Catch To ensure product quality and conformation, a minimum sample of three (3) dogfish shall be provided to the Government from the first catch. Shipping and handling will be paid for separately by the Government. The contractor shall not commence with further fishing until inspection and approval has been provided by the Government Point of Contact.

5. Government Provided Services The Government will be responsible for picking up dogfish bait at contractor identified location within 50 miles from New Bedford, MA from April 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014. The Government will pay for shipping and handling of fish samples in accordance with Section 4 of Statement of Work.

EE133F-13-RQ-0500