NFFM73202202246 SON.pdf

Statement of Need Charter Vessel for Animal (Turtle) Ecology Research Survey

NF-FM7320-22-02246

1.0 GENERAL

The leatherback sea turtle is listed as endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA Fisheries and the US Fish and Wildlife Service share jurisdiction of all sea turtles listed under the ESA. NOAA Fisheries leads the conservation and recovery efforts for sea turtles in the marine environment by conducting various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of leatherback sea turtles. Research results are used to evaluate population trends, inform conservation management strategies, and to assess progress toward recovery for this imperiled species. NOAA’s work includes studying behavior through various types of tagging, satellite tracking, chemical analysis, and vessel and aerial surveys.

The NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Protected Species Branch (PSB) is seeking a charter vessel to survey for leatherback sea turtles and support small boat operations, including launching and recovering one or two small work boats. When turtles are located, the work boat(s) will be deployed with science personnel, if weather permits.

Oceanographic sampling may be done from the charter vessel.

A majority of the cruise is expected to be in the area directly south of Nantucket, but may extend further, depending on conditions at the time of the cruise. Survey Operation areas are shown in the figure below.

Primary Survey Operation Area is shown with a thick red box outline. We expect that all or a majority of survey time will be spent within the primary survey operation area; however, it could be necessary to consider a possible extended area (shown in a thinner red outline). Marine protected areas are shown in yellow.

2.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Cruise Operations

Prior to the commencement of the cruise, the vessel shall be made available to NEFSC scientific staff, on mutually-agreed upon date(s), to inspect the vessel, potentially train the crew for the deployments & retrievals, and to meet with the Master and/or owners. Any software, gear, and/or equipment installed on the vessel by the PSB for the purpose of conducting the research cruise will be removed at the end of the cruise.

The vessel shall 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 contracted 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. The bid shall specify whether the vessel’s crew will be capable of independently launching and recovering the work boat(s) or whether scientists will be needed to handle lines. Any damage to the vessel and its gear which occurs during the cruise is the responsibility of the vessel.

Charter vessels shall be able to accommodate scientific crew of 7-12, and strong preference will be given to vessels that can accommodate at the higher end of this range. Scientific staff may include federal or contracted employees, volunteers, as well as academic, conservation, or industry partners.

Ideally the charter vessel shall have an open flybridge which is safely accessible to science crew. At least three science crew may be on the fly bridge at any time during the day. (Note:

if there is an option other than a fly bridge, that gives observers 180 degree view forward, that can be considered). It is preferred that the fly bridge be outfitted with a windshield to protect observers using hand held binoculars from wind.

Charter vessel shall be outfitted with a crane which is capable of lifting, launching, and recovering a 6,650 lb. 20 foot aluminum hulled work boat with foam collar. The crane shall be man-rated unless the freeboard of the ship allows one step down to launch the work boat.

NEFSC shall provide one or two work boats and cradle(s) for work boats to sit on the aft deck. Charter vessels will provide and carry at least 150 gallons of gasoline, preferably in USCG approved mobile fuel caddies, which will be made available for work boat operations. When the work boat is aboard the charter vessel, the charter vessel crew is responsible for making it secure during all seas. NEFSC shall provide a man-rated lifting harness for work boat launch and recovery. Charter vessels shall provide a crane operator and at least one deck hand for deployment. Ideally, the charter vessel crew will be capable of independently launching and recovering the work boat(s), but if this is not the case

NEFSC can explore bringing science staff to handle lines during launch and recovery. The quote shall specify if scientists are needed to handle lines during launch and recovery.

It is preferred that the charter vessel will be equipped with a .322 conducting wire cable and winch for deploying and retrieving oceanographic sampling equipment.

Daily Operations The starting location for each day will be discussed the previous evening.

A major responsibility of the contract vessel will be to support work boat operations in support of the science mission. The contract vessel will launch and later recover 1 or 2 research work boat(s), as weather permits. The contract vessel must have experience launching and recovering small boats. Detailed protocols (of how small boats with scientists were successfully launched and recovered in the past) must be provided and will be used to evaluate launch and recovering capabilities. It is preferred but not mandatory for the contract vessel to supply a deployable small boat which would be available to be operated by the science party as a second or spare work boat. At times, the contract vessel may also serve as the mothership for a 23’ research vessel, which may tie up to the contract vessel. Personnel from the 23’ research vessel may come aboard the contract vessel as members of the science party, but the 23’ research vessel would not be brought aboard (retrieved or deployed from) the contract vessel.

The charter vessel will stand by during small boat operations, possibly doing oceanographic sampling. Science crews may deploy sUAS (drone) from charter vessels, and may collect water samples for eDNA analysis or do other oceanographic sampling. These decisions will be made case by case.

The science party will work most daylight hours unless the weather is limiting. If weather does not allow work from the flybridge, observers may stand watch from the wheelhouse.

Research operations are not expected to routinely occur at night.

An Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit, issued by the Office of Protected Resources will be 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. Sea surface temperature is of interest to the science party.

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.

Optional Item 0003 - High Speed Internet Service and Connectivity Internet connectivity is needed for weather forecasting and reporting at a minimum. It is strongly preferred that the chief scientist have reliable and appropriately fast access to the internet for detailed weather forecasts, satellite data products, tracking deployed satellite tags, and reporting as necessary. Access to the internet for science crew is also preferable. If the government exercises this option, the contract vessel will be responsible for monitoring the selected Internet system for the duration of the cruise so that the science party has daily internet access. The period of performance for this option is concurrent with the cruise.

Optional Item 0004 - Launch and Recovery Training Up to 3 additional vessel days (beyond the scope of the cruise) shall be required for NOAA provided small boat launch and recovery training for vessel crew and scientific staff. This would require the vessel to be available for training of ships crew and scientific staff regarding the deployment and retrieval of small boats. We anticipate that the location would be in the Woods Hole, MA and nearby water bodies, but other nearby locations could be identified based on agreement with the contracted vessel. The max amount of time the vessel shall be away from the dock, shall not be more than 6 hours per training day. No overnight voyage shall be required for training. The total number of days shall not be less than 1 and not more than 3 days. The ideal period of performance, for this option, shall be preceding the cruise. If exercised, the day(s) and location will be agreed upon by both the vendor and the Government.

2.2 Period of Performance

The period of performance shall be 7/15/2022 - 3/14/2023. The cruise shall be for approximately 12 consecutive days at sea, with an option for up to 3 additional days if needed, for launch and recovery training. The cruise shall start on or around August 23, 2022 (lasting until about September 3, 2022), departing from Woods Hole, MA. Note that there is a large community event on August 21, 2022 which is expected to severely restrict vehicle and possibly vessel traffic to the village of Woods Hole. The Option Year (3/15/2023 - 3/14/2024) will be for a base cruise of 8 sea days, with an option for additional sea days. It will also include the option for up to 3 additional days for launch and recovery training.

The timing of the cruise shall be coordinated with an aircraft which is currently scheduled to fly for this project from August 22 to September 2. Weather permitting, the cruise will be carried out with consecutive days in one time period. Except for emergencies, there shall not be any crew changes in the course of the cruise.

A sea day is defined as any part of a calendar day spent steaming to and from the port of departure for the purpose of conducting the research, and the days actually spent conducting the sea turtle 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 at least one day prior to the start of a research cruise prepared with the necessary fuel, food and crew to conduct and support the mission objectives. On the day prior to the cruise, the vessel and crew will be made available to NEFSC scientific staff, for the purpose of loading cruise supplies and reviewing (and practicing) procedures for small boat launch and recovery.

A vessel shall be placed off-hire in the event of loss of time due to any contractor and vessel-related operational deficiencies. Any underway days lost by the vessel during the currency of the contract due to excusable delays as defined in FAR 52.212-4f shall be added to the cruise period per contract modification (See FAR 52.212-4c and FAR 52.212-4f).

2.3 Provisions

Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel chief steward for the scientists. Protein shall be included at each meal. Lunch and dinner should also have two vegetables and fruit. Milk (dairy and plant-based), coffee, tea, water, cold juice, and snacks shall be available at all times. We anticipate the scientific staff will have diet restrictions or preferences (such as allergies; gluten free and dairy free; and perhaps vegetarian or vegan), so enough food options shall be offered so that all staff are sufficiently fortified.

Meals shall be prepared during each day of vessel operation under this contract.

2.4 Emergency Medical Care, Safety and Health

a. Medical Services. The Contractor shall 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 at least one hazardous material (denatured alcohol) will be brought on board. Arrangements will be made with the Master to accommodate the above requirements. Additional safety requirements such as an emergency eye wash station will also need to be arranged. These arrangements will be made in cooperation with the Master.

2.5 Living and Working Conditions for Scientific Personnel

a. Liquor or Illegal Drugs. During the cruise period, the possession or use of intoxicating liquor and or illegal drugs by any person aboard the vessels is not permitted, and may be grounds for termination of the Contract by the Government.

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

c. Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited in all interior spaces occupied by or utilized by the Scientific Field Party. Smoking on deck shall be in designated areas only so that the smoking does not interfere with science operations.

d. 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.

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

f. 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.

2.6 Passengers

The Contractor shall not permit any passengers (who are not part of the science party) 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.

2.7 Security

The vessel shall provide a security watch while in port to ensure that unauthorized personnel are not permitted to board the vessels from shore or via the harbor. Emergency phone numbers for local port officials and law enforcement shall be available to the person on watch. Best marine practices shall be in place while underway to ensure that unauthorized personnel or craft are not permitted to approach the vessel. The Master of the vessel shall take all additional customary and reasonable precautions to ensure that no harm befalls the vessel while in port and at sea.

3.0. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Minimum Vessel Specifications

1) Capable of safe operation throughout the “primary area of operation” and “possible extended area”, though we acknowledge that within our primary area of operation there are shallow areas within which we do not expect the contract vessel to be able to navigate.

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 or sea turtles.

3) Sufficient deck space for one at least one research work boat and cradle. If the charter vessel is not providing a work boat for optional science use, then there must be sufficient desk space for 2 research work boats, cradles, and additional gear. Our primary work boat is 20’ from bow to transom, but it has significant extensions (bow pulpit, engine guards, and an attached 12' inflatable raft) that bring its overall length to 36'.

4) Crane or davit with minimum SWL = 6,650lbs, for launching and recovering the work boats.

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.

9) Indoor storage space and table for scientific equipment and supplies, or provide a container on deck.

10) Freezer space will be available to the scientists for storing 6 to 10 one-liter bottles, each measuring 10” inches tall with a diameter of 3.5”.

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

3.3 Crew requirements

1) The Captain shall have a minimum of three years of experience as Master of a comparable- sized vessel in north Atlantic waters.

2) The Captain shall be competent in the use of modern navigational equipment.

3) At least two 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 appropriately sized groups of 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 Technical 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 are 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.

Survival suits for the ship’s crew must be provided by the Contractor; the scientific party can provide their own survival suits if requested. 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.

4.0. DELIVERABLES

Following is a schedule of administrative deliverables required during the period of performance of this contract:

Ite m

Description Quantity Due Date Delive ry to

Reference

Structural Inspection Verification

1 EA

With Quote

COR

SOW, Para 3.6

Additional $5 million Insurance Rider for period of at-sea work

Prior to Cruise

Section

II.9

Data Waiver

2.2

Stability Letter, if applicable

3.5

5.0 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be:

Protected Species Staff Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543

6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government shall provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor.

The Contractor shall be accountable for, and have stewardship of, the property in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with provisions of the “Government Property” clause included in this contract.

Item No. Description Delivery Date

1 ESA Research Permit Prior to Cruise

2 Scientific Sampling and Recording Equipment

Prior to Cruise

3 Work boat(s) with man-rated lifting harness(es)

Prior to Cruise

4 Cradle(s) for work boats Prior to Cruise

5 Capture Nets and 12’ inflatable raft for holding captured turtles.

Prior to Cruise