RFQ_Statement_of_Work_Charter_Vessel.docx

NCRMP Dry Tortugas Vessel Contract

Statement of Work Diving Research Cruises for the Southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Caribbean

2018 Tortugas Ecological Reserves Cruise

Cruise duration: July 8, 2018 to July 25, 2018(Up to 13 days total)

NOAA SEFSC point of contact for cruise coordination:

Matthew W. Johnson Coral Reef Ecology Group NOAA/NMFS/Southeast Fisheries Science Center 75 Virginia Beach Dr.

Miami, FL 33149 E-mail: matthew.johnson@noaa.gov Tel: 305-361-4213

Background As part of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Plan (NCRMP), the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) has conducted biannual surveys as part of a multi-agency effort to assess the fishes and corals in and around the Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO). This park is located approximately 70 miles northwest of Key West, FL. The DRTO protects one of the healthiest coral reef systems along the Florida Reef Tract and this area is of great concern from a scientific and management standpoint. The survey is extremely labor intensive with divers conducting approximately 860 dives per leg of this survey. At the DRTO, there is only minimal infrastructure present in this area, mostly related to National Park Service operations. There is no berthing or supplies available to vessels in the Dry Tortugas area.

Objectives To provide a live-aboard vessel to complete the biannual Reef Fish Visual Census in the Dry Tortugas area, located approximately 70 miles northwest of Key West, Florida, for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s (SEFSC) Coral Reef Ecology team and associated partners.

Data from this cruise will be incorporated into the database for the National Coral Reef Monitoring program and other state and federal resource monitoring programs.

Scope This is a research cruise to collect environmental monitoring data and reef fish visual census data. To complete the biannual Reef Fish Visual Census in the Dry Tortugas area the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s (SEFSC) Coral Reef Ecology team needs a diving support vessel that can accommodate at least 20 nitrox divers (36% O2) for up to 7 consecutive diving days.

Tasks

1. Berthing and boarding at least 20 divers for at least 13 consecutive days. This includes at least 3 meals per day where at least two are “hot” meals prepared on site. Additional snacks (fruit, chips, etc.) must also be available to the divers throughout the day and night.

2. Each diver must be provided with a bunk in a designated berthing area with a covering that limits visibility within the bunk.

3. Vegetarian meals must be provided, if requested at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the mission.

4. As all diving operations must conform to the NOAA diving standards, the vessel(s) must provide an experienced, NOAA certified Divemaster or allow NOAA personnel on the vessel operational control of all diving operations.

5. Vessel personnel are required to work with the individuals from NOAA to facilitate all dive operations and ensure that they are completed in a manner that conforms to industry standards or NOAA standards. Any concerns in safety by the vessel crew are required to be reported to the NOAA Chief Scientist, Divemaster, or Deck Boss immediately.

6. Provide NITROX air for SCUBA tank fills continuously throughout the diving day without the divers having to separate diving gear from their tank. Dive fills will be completed when a whip is available by the vessel crew when a diver removes their 1st stage from the tank and notifies the crew member.

7. The NITROX mix should be 36±2% at least 95% of the time.

8. Air/NITROX used to fill the SCUBA tanks must meet NOAA standards as identified in the most recent Diving Safety Manual. If requested, provide NOAA’s Unit Diving Supervisor for the SEFSC a copy of air quality testing for all the compressors or NITROX systems to be used during the mission. Current air quality must have been tested within the previous 6 months. Current standards are as follows:

9. Vessel crew will have experience working with “live-boat” operations as no anchoring will be allowed during diving activities, emergencies excluded. Anchoring may be permitted within designated areas or outside the DRTO when no dive operations are underway.

10. The vessel must be on location at the first dive location of the day and available for dive operations from 0730 to 1800.

11. The vessel will provide an experienced Divemaster on-site for the entirety of the cruise familiar with the vessel operations and emergency plans.

12. Must provide all standard dive-safety equipment required for chartered dive operations as per US Coast Guard.

13. Must provide at least a single 100ft2 deck space to accommodate required NOAA provided safety equipment.

14. Vessel(s) must have 120V AC power and provide an area to accommodate the set-up of a vessel-wide wireless network system for the duration of the mission. All divers must be able access the wireless network at any time dive operations are not occurring.

Delivery

1. The contractor will make the vessel available to loading at least 4 hours before departure.

2. Weather permitting; departure will be on time with a tentative departure time/date of 1200 on July 10, 2018.

3. Weather dependent, at least 90% of meals should be provide within one hour of the following times: Breakfast- 0630, Lunch- 1200, Dinner-1900.

4. Vessel must be ready each day for diving operations within 30 minutes of the daily agree upon start time. This will be approximately 0730; however, it will be dependent on the sampling schedule for the day.

Security There are no security requirements for this contract.

Travel The vessel will be required to travel from its berthing location in Ft. Meyers, FL to the first station in the DRTO departing at 1200 on the first day of charter.

Other Requirements Vessel must provide a copy of a current and appropriate USCG Inspection for the vessel, proof of non-diving, passenger liability insurance, and a copy of the tentative captains' (2) USCG licenses. If the Captain (s) are changed prior to the cruise, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) must be informed and must verify that the captain(s)s have the appropriate license and experience operating under a "live-boat" scenario.

Place of Performance All tasks will be performed either at the berthing location in Ft. Meyers, FL, along the route from the berthing location to the DRTO, or in the waters near or around the DRTO.

Period of Performance The period for performance for this contract is July 8 – July 25, 2018. These dates are weather dependent and may shift slightly. Tentative cruise date is July 10 - 21, 2018.

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