2s_-_statement_of_need_-_for_vendors.pdf

STATEMENT OF NEED

Requirement:

Before NOAA ships can operate in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, they must adhere to Monument regulations (pasted below) that require the vessel’s hull to be free of marine growth. This ensures invasive species are not inadvertently introduced into the pristine environment of the Monument. Each time a NOAA ship will work in the Monument, their hull must be inspected. If excessive marine growth is found, the hull must be cleaned.

From the monument regulations:

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is one of the last places on earth with minimal aquatic invasive species. Regulations for entry is 100% inspection of all underwater portions of vessel before entry into Monument. Cleaning is required for any non-established species present on hull, propulsion systems, survey equipment and ancillary gear by in water cleaning or drydocking. This will be followed up by a second inspection or proof of cleaning depending on level of fouling.

All vessels must have at a minimum a Rodent Free Inspection, Hull Inspection, and Ballast Water Record Inspection no more than 14 days prior to departure for the Monument. If any small boat operations are proposed to occur within the Monument, then a Tender Vessel Fouling Inspection must occur in this time frame as well. If any gear will be placed or used in the water or on land, you must schedule an inspection of these items before departing for the Monument.

NOTE: Results of inspections may require cleaning operations such as rodent eradication, hull cleaning, or ballast water maintenance at your own cost before departing for the Monument. If proposed gear or materials are found to be contaminated with alien species you may be required to conduct specific cleaning measures or complete replacement of contaminated items at your own cost before departing for the Monument. Re-inspection may be required.

Many threats to the ecosystems of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) are posed by human activities. In the past, a number of scientific, military, and commercial activities have threatened the NWHI. Current uses are limited primarily to management activities by jurisdictional agencies, research, education, Native Hawaiian practices, and a small number of recreational trips and visits to historical sites at Midway Atoll.

The Monument is working to reduce threats through an ecosystem approach to management.

This includes the development of an effective regulatory framework and permitting process, education and outreach, preventative measures to minimize risk, and response and restoration to damaged or degraded natural resources.

Current Practice:

NOAA divers, armed with putty knives and other small scraping tools, conduct multiple dives on the ship’s hull and manually scrape off the marine growth. This is tedious and very time-consuming. The alternative is to hire commercial divers that can cost upwards of $3 to $4k per day to clean a hull.

Need:

The Marine Operations Center – Pacific Islands requests to purchase a mechanical hull cleaning device that is small, portable and easy for the divers to operate.

General particulars of the hull scrubbing machine:

• Diver operated on/off switch.

• Adjustable speed control.

• Lightweight in air (50lbs or less).

• Neutrally buoyant in water.

• Cleaning diameter 12 to 24 inches.

• Ability for hull scrubber to adhere itself to the hull, typically through suction.

• Left or right hand use.

• Optional cleaning brushes (would use mostly stiff nylon brushes) but have the ability to remove small barnacles.

• Power pack (gasoline preferred) to run the hull scrubber.

• Propeller polisher attachment

• 300 feet of Hose

• Ensure all accessories are included to ensure unit is ready to use without the need to order additional initial items.