Ice Seal Charter SOW DRAFT.pdf

DRAFT

STATEMENT OF WORK

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS)

MARINE MAMMAL LABORATORY (MML)

VESSEL CHARTER FOR AN ICE SEAL EXPEDITION IN THE BERING SEA

Background The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) has conducted research in the Bering Sea of Alaska since the early 2000’s to obtain information on ice-associated seal ecology including seasonal movements, timing of haul-out, vital rates, habitat, foraging behavior, health and body condition. There are four species of ice-associated seals that are found in the Bering Sea - ribbon, spotted, bearded and ringed seals. All species are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and two of these species - ringed seals and bearded seals - are listed as threatened for part of their range under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA is mandated to monitor and manage these seal populations. As such, the MML will conduct a research expedition to the southern edge of the Bering Sea sea ice in the spring of 2024 to sample and tag ice-associated seals.

Objectives

The primary project objectives are to capture seals, attach satellite tags for tracking their seasonal movements and behaviors, and to collect tissue samples and morphological measurements. Seals on ice floes will be approached using inflatable boats (owned and operated by MML) launched from the ship, and then captured on the ice in hand-held nets. Seals may be given tracking tags that will provide data on movements, diving behavior, and haul-out timing (crucial for abundance and trend monitoring) for several months to several years following the conclusion of the project. Samples of skin, blood, hair, and whiskers will be collected, along with swabs for disease assays. Feces and urine will be collected occasionally when they are available. Seals will also be photographed using a small uncrewed aerial system (UAS). The UAS will be launched from either an ice floe, a small boat, or from the deck of the vessel and operated by NOAA-certified pilots who will take images of seals hauled out on sea ice to document their body condition.

Scope One (1) commercial vessel with an experienced crew is needed to assist with a research survey to capture, tag and sample ice-associated seals in the Bering Sea, AK. The vessel must be able to berth a minimum of nine (9) and up to twelve (12) personnel; and have sufficient storage space for equipment. The vessel and crew must have experience working near and among sea ice in the Bering Sea. The vessel must be able to move along and within the edge of the pack ice while the scientific crew scouts from the vessel’s bridge for seals hauled-out on the pack ice . The vessel must have sufficient deck space to store and secure four (4) inflatable boats (e.g., fully-inflated, Zodiac Mark-IIIs (each with outboard engines), and the capability to quickly and easily launch and recover those inflatable boats while near the sea ice. The vessel crew should be experienced and skilled in launching and recovering inflatable boats from the vessel in calm to moderate weather, and they must be responsible for all fueling operations for the small boats. The vessel must have a safe and secure way to store and transfer gasoline at sea (e.g., jettisonable, purpose-built tank [approx. 300 gal.] or rack for six 55 gal. drums) The vessel must have sufficient space to store all of the scientific gear, some of which can be stored outside on deck and some of which must be stored in dry, covered areas. The vessel must have sufficient heated, interior work space with tables/benches that can be dedicated to use as a laboratory area and sufficient freezer space to store biological samples collected. See Section A. Vessel Requirements 8-12.

Base Year Task 1: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The length of the charter shall be ~6 weeks (or up to 42 days). This includes the time from the vessel’s departure from the embarkation port to its return to the end port. This does not include time when the vessel will be expected to load gear before the science crew boards the vessel at the embarkation point.

Preferred dates for the base year charter are approximately 21 April - 1 June, 2024. The anticipated location of our study area will be west of St. Matthew Island.

2. Exact dates and length of the trip duration are yet to be determined and will be finalized upon receipt of funds and award of the contract with the contractor. The dates and duration will then be determined by NMFS in coordination with the contractor.

3. There shall be an option of 1 to 2 ‘stand-by’ days for the ‘stand-by’ rate at the beginning of the charter while the vessel is in port in the event that the trip start date can be postponed due to weather or scientific crew flight delays arriving at the embarkation port. Flexibility with the start date is necessary, and special consideration will be given to ‘stand-by’ operations and rates. If the ‘stand-by’ days are exercised due to weather delays, the charter will allow the scientific crew to stay on the vessel at port but will not need to provide meals. In the event that stand-by days must be used (to be decided by the trip start date), this may not mean the end date of the charter will be extended.

4. The survey period will be divided into two legs of approximately equal duration with an in-port day for exchange of scientific personnel and any provisions needed on or about May 11, 2024, at St. Paul Island, AK or Dutch Harbor. The location of the in-port day will depend on weather and sea ice conditions at that time.

5. The study area will be the eastern Bering Sea and daily operations will depend on where the ice edge has formed and the weather and sea ice conditions. The study area is expected to range from north of St. Paul Island to St. Matthew Island (northern extent), but may extend as far north as Nome, AK depending on sea ice conditions. Operations are usually as far west as conditions allow, but will always remain east of the International Date Line.

6. The Government will deliver all scientific gear and equipment to a port in Alaska, and the contractor will load the gear onto the vessel before the charter begins. If the scientific gear is delivered to a port other than the embarkation port, the contractor will load the gear onto the vessel and transport it to the embarkation port to arrive before the start date of the charter. At the end of the charter, the contractor will assist with unloading gear from the vessel and with transporting it to the company that will deliver the gear back to Seattle. See Task 7: MOBILIZATION, DEMOBILIZATION, TRANSIT AND

TRANSPORT OF GOVERNMENT GEAR AND EQUIPMENT.

Task 2: CRUISE OPERATION REQUIREMENTS The vessel needs to have at least one fully licensed captain and an engineer/mate must be licensed to independently operate the vessel. The scientific party will be U.S. government employees, UW/CICOES employees, contractors, and/or volunteers. The scientific party will conduct a variety of research activities focused on the primary objective to capture ice seals on ice floes. When seals are located from the vessel’s bridge, the small inflatable boats will be launched and the science team will search for seals to capture. After seals are captured, we will attach satellite transmitters, take a variety of measurements, collect biological samples, and conduct UAS flights over the seals if possible. These research activities require considerable time in inflatable boats, moving among ice floes searching for and capturing seals from the boats, and processing seals on ice floes. During small boat operations, the small boats will be in regular (minimum hourly) contact with the vessel by radio, and the vessel will track the small boats and follow as close as practical while remaining in safe conditions for the vessel.

Boat operations around marine mammals on ice floes and in the water shall be directed by the Chief Scientists in order to adhere to marine mammal permit regulations. Permits to conduct all phases of this research are obtained and held by the Chief Scientist. UAS flights will be conducted to search for seals in the ice and to obtain imagery for body condition analysis; the flights could be launched from the small boats, ice floes, or the vessel. Sonobuoys may be launched from the vessel to conduct opportunistic, passive acoustic monitoring for marine mammals; they are deployed by launching them over the side of the vessel.

One member of the scientific party will be designated as Chief Scientist. That person will be responsible for implementation of the Cruise Plan, compliance to the charter terms, and the conduct and performance of Government personnel aboard the vessel. The Chief Scientist will have final authority over all matters (i.e., approaching and operating procedure near ice seals) except those relating to safety of the skiff and vessel personnel.

Daily meetings are required each day to discuss operations and weather. Frequent communication between the Captain and Chief Scientist is required to ensure the success of the research. The Captain shall be responsible for checking weather conditions each morning and discussing this with the Chief Scientist. In this way, the overall success of the mission will be enhanced (i.e., best route to take to avoid aversive sea conditions and maximize data collection). The Chief Scientist or designated alternate has final authority except for work stoppage resulting from uncontrollable situations such as unsafe weather and sea state conditions and other safety-of-life-at-sea considerations as determined by the vessel Captain. Scientific operations will be conducted during daylight hours.

The vessel Captain shall provide safe, efficient working conditions and accommodations to the government personnel working on board. While conducting research, researchers will spend a considerable amount of time in the wheelhouse. The Contractor, its agents, subcontractors, and employees, including the Captain and crew of the vessel, shall not harass, assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, interfere with, or make unwelcome advances toward any member of the government scientific party. Violation of the Contractor's obligations under this Special Provision may result in termination of the contract, at the discretion of the government, and in consequent liability of the Contractor to the government for any costs incurred. Violation of the Contractor's obligations under this Special Provision may result in the criminal and/or civil prosecution of the person involved by either the government or affected government personnel, as provided by applicable law.

Daily operating procedures

1. The Chief Scientist in consultation with the Captain will determine the daily operations plan. The Chief

Scientist will have final authority over all matters except those relating to safety of the vessel and vessel personnel. The captain has the final authority on matters of safety during the charter.

2. During charter operations:

Bridge operations:

i. The scientific crew will conduct observations from the bridge to look for seals that could be captured with the small boats. These observations will require the vessel to move slowly along the edge of the ice front, close enough to the ice to be able to spot seals and decide whether the small boats should be launched for a capture attempt.

Small boat operations:

ii. The scientific crew will go out in the small boats when they have decided to attempt to capture seals that were observed. When this is decided, the vessel will move to within 2 miles of the seal and find a safe location to deploy the small boats. The vessel crew will be responsible for launching the small boats and will use the crane to launch the boats over the side. The scientific crew will climb down a ladder over the side of the vessel to get into the boats.

iii. The small boats will establish radio communication with the vessel and the other small boats before leaving to search for and capture seals in the pack ice, and the small boats will be in regular contact with the vessel with hourly check-ins at the minimum.

iv. When the small boats are working in the pack ice, at least two boats will always be working together and within sight of each other.

v. While the small boats are out working in the pack ice, the vessel will stay out of the pack ice in safe conditions and will transit along the ice front to stay as close to the small boats as is safe and practical. The small boats may be out of visual contact with the vessel for periods of time depending on ice conditions, but they will always maintain radio communication. If the vessel determines that conditions are unsafe, or for any other reason requires that the scientific crew returns to the vessel, the small boats will immediately return to the ship.

vi. When the small boats return to the ship after working in the pack ice, the vessel crew will conduct the process to load the scientific crew and small boats back on board.

UAS operations:

vii. The scientific crew may launch a UAS to collect images of a seal, to look for seals to capture, or to photograph sea ice habitat. The UAS will likely be launched from an ice floe or small boat while the researchers are out capturing seals, but there are times when it would be effective to launch from the vessel. If launching from the vessel, the vessel would come to a full stop and maintain direction while the UAS is launched, flown and retrieved.

Sonobuoy operations:

viii. Sonobuoys will be used to collect passive acoustic data to monitor marine mammals.

Members of the vessel and scientific crew will deploy sonobuoys by hand over the side of the vessel. Sonobuoys will be deployed approximately twice daily (or when possible) to obtain an even cross-survey of marine mammal presence.

3. The Government scientific party has agreements with coastal communities to not operate within 12 nautical miles of any coastline, as well as within 30 nautical miles of any community that is hunting. See figure A.

4. The crew, when not required by the Captain for vessel operations, shall assist the Government scientific party during all survey activities, including but not limited to: launching and retrieving the inflatable boats and scientific crew and monitoring the location of the inflatable boats when away from the vessel.

5. Workday length will be determined each day by the Chief Scientist, in consultation with the Captain. The decision will be based on the type of activity as well as prevailing situations regarding weather, sea state, work schedule, and work progress. No night time operations will occur, but the vessel may be required to move to a new starting location overnight. The Chief Scientist has final authority on working hours, except for work stoppage resulting from uncontrollable situations such as unsafe weather and sea state conditions and other safety-of-life-at-sea considerations as determined by the Captain.

6. The Chief Scientist and Captain shall meet a minimum of twice a day to discuss survey operations and resolve any problems that occur. A meeting should occur at the start of the day (before survey operations begin) to discuss the planned activities for the day, and at the end of the day to review the work completed that day, any problems which occurred, and plans for the next day’s operations.

7. The Chief Scientist and Captain will work together to resolve all problems that may arise during the charter. In the event the Chief Scientist and Captain are unable to resolve any problem that has the potential for invalidating the survey or threatens the safety of the field party, the Chief Scientist will attempt to reach the CO (contracting officer) to discuss and attempt to resolve the problems. If this is unsuccessful, the Chief Scientist will direct the vessel to return to port where an acceptable solution will be arranged between the Government and the contractor or the charter may be terminated. The vessel will be considered off charter if required to return to port and will remain off charter until the problem has been resolved.

8. The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow all safety procedures as directed by the Chief

Scientist to help prevent damage or loss of Government gear and equipment. The Chief Scientist may present specific safety procedures in writing to the Captain. If loss of or damage to Government equipment is the result of negligent disregard of such instructions and procedures, repair or replacement costs may be deducted from charter payments.

9. All equipment and gear specified in the Government's statement of work and that which is not specified but is necessary for the safe and continued operation of the vessel shall be operational at the beginning of the charter and be maintained in working order throughout the duration of the charter.

10. Passengers are not permitted to be transported aboard NOAA chartered vessels for any reason without review and approval from the Contracting Officer in consultation with the chief scientist. No individuals shall be aboard the vessel without NOAA’s authorization. Exceptions to this requirement are permitted for the purposes of rescuing and saving life at sea.

Task 3: VESSEL REQUIREMENTS NOTE: Minimum Qualifications for the vessel are listed below; vessels not meeting the minimum qualifications will not be considered for award.

1. Minimum overall length of vessel of 100 feet (30.5m), capable of operating in offshore waters at the edge of the pack ice in the Bering Sea. Single engine/single screw configurations are acceptable. Additional consideration may be given to vessels with two engines or to single engine vessels with an auxiliary propulsion unit (e.g., hydraulic powered by a generator).

2. Minimum fuel efficient cruising speed 9 knots (17 km/hr) maintained in average sea conditions within the operating area. Preference may be given for vessels with faster fuel-efficient cruising speeds.

3. Minimum vessel operating endurance (e.g., fuel and water storage/making capacity) of 28 days, based on average times of cruising for 7 hours per day at 9 knots (or most fuel efficient speed) and stopped during science operations for 17 hours per day at 0 knots.

4. Vessel must be USCG designated as Oceanographic Research Vessels and fully licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as required by law.

5. Vessel shall be equipped with appropriate modern electronic navigational and communication equipment in compliance with industry safety standards. All communication equipment shall be tested and tuned before the charter begins. Minimum requirements are:

i. High-speed internet access with Wi-Fi connectivity, or a Starlink system.

ii. Two (2) all-weather radars (36 mile or 67 km minimum range).

iii. At least two (2) portable VHF marine radios for communication

iv. At least one satellite phone available for the scientific crew to use to communicate.

v. At least one (1) VHF radio with a fixed installation.

vi. At least two (2) portable VHF marine radios for communication

vii. At least one satellite phone available for the scientific crew to use to communicate.

viii. At least one (1) synthesized 1-18 MHz SSB radio.

ix. Two (2) GPS navigational equipment.

x. A system for switching to backup power (e.g., battery) for radio operation in the event of interruption of the normal power supply.

xi. The vessel also must be equipped with appropriate charts for operating in the eastern Bering Sea.

6. Bridge or wheelhouse protected from the weather and heated with enough space for 1-2 science personnel to conduct visual observations inside while underway during daylight hours.

7. Capability of loading and off-loading up to 4 inflatable boats, each 14-16 feet (4.3-4.9 m) long, using lifting bridles supplied by the Government, in a safe and efficient manner in moderate weather.

i. Loading and off-loading of boats shall be with a crane extendable to at least 10 feet (3 m) past the side of the vessel and capable of lifting at least 1 ton (2000 pounds).

ii. Science personnel will not be in boats during loading or off-loading operations and shall have a separate means for safely embarking and disembarking inflatable boats (e.g., pilot ladder).

8. A clean, uncovered, flush deck area of at least 600 sq. ft. (55.7 sq. m) for securing, storing and launching of up to 4 inflatable boats, each 14-16 feet (4.3-4.9 m) long by 6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 m) wide (supplied by the Government). On deck work area(s) should be relatively clear of running gear, equipment, and stowage.

Preference may be given to vessels with larger open deck areas.

9. Minimum of 100 sq. ft. (4.6 sq. m.) of fully enclosed heated and lighted interior space with table/ benches and 110/220 AC electrical service, which can be dedicated to use as a wet/dry laboratory. Workspace shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke, excessive engine noise and fumes. Preference may be given for vessels with larger fully-enclosed heated interior workspaces available to use as a dry laboratory.

10. Dry storage areas, readily accessible while underway, of not less than 500 cubic feet (14 cubic m) for excess science supplies and equipment and for field gear that goes in the boats each day. Preference may be given for vessels that have a dry storage area with access to the deck with the small boats.

i. The area should have space to store field clothing and gear that is used in the small boats each day but cannot stay outside overnight (e.g., drysuits, float coats, mustang suits, boots, gloves, sensitive equipment, sample cases, radios).

ii. The area should be suitable for science personnel to suit up and prepare for boarding the boats.

11. Outdoor storage area for clamshell containers, engine boxes, and other large cargo pieces shall be provided. Outdoor storage areas shall be readily accessible and protected from extreme exposure to weather and seas.

12. A minimum of 10 cubic feet (0.3 cubic m) of dedicated freezer space, at or below -20 C, for storing biological samples.

13. The vessel must provide appropriate storage for 250-300 gallons of gasoline in a dedicated tank or in jettisonable 55-gallon drums, that are also easily available for daily refueling of four 6-gallon gas cans for small boat operations.

i. The vessel crew will be responsible for refueling the 6-gallon gas cans for the small boats and will provide safe fuel transfer equipment, including proper pumps, hoses, nozzles, and spill response supplies.

14. Seawater and freshwater deck hoses and supply for cleaning gear and clothing.

15. Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use for the duration of the charter.

16. Washer-dryer for personal laundry.

17. The vessel shall carry an up-to-date emergency trauma first aid kit in compliance with industry safety standards. It shall be stocked to provide first aid supplies for up to twelve (12) scientists plus vessel crew.

At a minimum, this kit should be equivalent to the Marine 3000 made by Adventure Medical Kits (https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/marine-3000.html) and supplemented with nitrile gloves, oxygen therapy bottles, and an AED.

18. Vessel shall have a valid stability letter from a certified marine architect/engineer, and be inspected by the USCG under the fishing vessel voluntary inspection program at least five days prior to departure.

19. A Category I 406 MHz EPIRB must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The EPIRB must be up to date on all Coast Guard registration and inspection.

Desired (But Not Required) Vessel Characteristics:

20. The vessel changes its operational clocks back 3 hours (UTC-11) before reaching the ice edge and beginning operations. We will likely work near the western edge of the EEZ and our operations should coincide with the seals’ hauling-out behavior, which is influenced by the sun.

https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/marine-3000.html

Task 4: CREW REQUIREMENTS

1. Minimum crew shall consist of Captain, engineer-mate, cook, and deckhand which shall be fulfilled by a minimum of four crew that may be able to run continuously.

2. The Captain shall have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a master of a vessel comparable in size to the vessel selected, with experience operating in the marginal sea ice zone of the Bering Sea.

3. The engineer-mate must be qualified to independently take over operations of the vessel in the event the captain is absent or becomes incapacitated.

4. The cook must be experienced in preparing meals for 10 or more people including vegetarian meals and/or specific food requirements that will be described in advance of the cruise.

5. The crew shall be familiar with and the vessel shall be capable of safely launching and retrieving up to 4 inflatable boats and the science personnel in moderate seas in open, exposed areas in and near sea ice.

There shall be at least two (2) crew members available on deck for all boat launching and retrieving operations, one to operate the crane and one to assist the scientific party. Preference will be given for crews with demonstrated experience operating in launch/retrieval operations in sea ice in open, exposed marine areas.

6. The crewmember must be experienced in working on vessels and acting as a skiff driver if necessary.

7. At least one crew member must be currently certified in CPR and emergency First Aid.

8. At least one crew member must be formally trained in survival skills and firefighting at a level equivalent to that offered by the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association (http://www.npfvoa.org/index.html).

9. Replacements for Key Personnel must possess qualifications equal to or exceeding the qualifications of the personnel being replaced. Any changes to Key Personnel specified must be approved by the Contracting Officer and the COR.

Task 5: ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS (all costs associated with accommodations and meals for crew and party shall be included in the daily rate)

1. Accommodations provided for the science party should be separate from that provided for the vessel’s crew.

2. Accommodations shall be provided for 9-12 science personnel. Temporary, fold-down, or undersized bunks are not acceptable for the science party. Preference may be given to greater flexibility in berthing arrangements.

3. The science party may include male and female scientists to be accommodated separately.

4. Berthing spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke, excessive engine noise and fumes.

5. Clean mattresses, covers, bedding, and towels shall be provided by the Contractor.

6. Suitable sanitary accommodations, including a minimum of two (2) heads and two (2) showers separated from the living quarters and within the vessel, shall be available to the scientific crew. Hot, fresh water for showers, shall be provided at least every third day for each member of the scientific party. The bathroom areas (including head and shower) and hallways shall be cleaned at least twice a week by the crew.

Preference may be given for a greater head/shower per person ratio.

7. Three balanced, nutritious meals shall be provided by the contractor per day, one of which may be a shore lunch for the scientific party. All meals shall include fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetarian meals may be required for some members of the party. Any food allergy information of prospective scientific party members or other special food requirements will be provided to the contractor at least one (1) week prior to sailing to allow for proper provisioning. Water, juice, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks shall be available throughout the day. Due to the nature of the operation, meal hours must be flexible. The Captain and Chief Scientist will set meal hours that are mutually agreeable on a daily basis. On days that the scientific party is working on small boats, the vendor will provide sack lunches thermoses for the researchers.

Task 6: SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1. The Captain is responsible for all matters relating to the safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Captain shall adhere at all times to Navigational Rules and Rules of the Road whether it be while towing, running, drifting, or when at anchor. He/she shall review safety procedures and equipment with the scientific party at the beginning of each cruise leg.

2. Prior to the first inflatable boat launch, the Captain shall review launch and recovery procedures, and select an operations leader and additional line handlers. These personnel shall be the only people involved in inflatable boat launch and recovery, and all launch and recovery procedures shall be discussed with the operations leader prior to every execution.

3. The contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved Arctic-type immersion suits, which are in compliance with operational safety standards, for all personnel, including scientists. Adequate dry storage space for all immersion suits, including those belonging to government personnel, shall be provided.

4. The Government shall provide exposure clothing (Mustang MSD575 drysuit and liner) and PFDs (Mustang MD3183) for the scientific crew for small boat operations.

5. The contractor shall provide an emergency trauma first aid kit, nitrile gloves, oxygen therapy bottles, and an AED as described in Specification 18 under A. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS.

6. At the time of submission of the proposal, the contractor shall provide the Stability Letter from the vessel's Stability Report as described in Specification 19 under A. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS.

7. All personnel working on or being transported in the inflatable boat shall wear a Coast Guard-approved floatation coat, life jacket, dry suit and/or survival suit. Carrying life jackets in the inflatable boat but not wearing them is unacceptable.

8. Radio contact with the inflatable boats shall be maintained by the vessel crew while they are away from the vessel.

9. The ship’s general alarm must be audible from all sleeping locations.

10. NOAA's issuance of a notice to proceed will depend on the vessel's passing a Coast Guard fire and safety inspection. Unless the Coast Guard's inspection is performed earlier than two weeks before the vessel's scheduled departure and Coast Guard certification obtained no more than one week before scheduled departure, the Government may terminate this contract without any payment to the Contractor of this contract. Furthermore, the Contractor, in the event of such termination, may be liable to the government for excess procurement costs. The cost for bringing a vessel to a passing standard shall be borne by the Contractor. The vessel Captain is required to have a certification of inspection from the USGC within the past 12 months no less than 2 months.

11. COVID 19 protocols: the Contractor will include their current COVID protocols in their bid. Scientists embarking on the vessel will follow established AFSC COVID Fieldwork SOPs. These protocols will be provided to the contractor at the time of awarding. The expectation is that the contractor follows this, or a similar, protocol.

Task 7: MOBILIZATION, DEMOBILIZATION, TRANSIT AND TRANSPORT OF GOVERNMENT GEAR AND EQUIPMENT (All costs, including fuel oil, moorage, and/or transit costs shall be included in the daily rate provided as bids for this contract.)

1. The Government will deliver all scientific gear and equipment for the charter to Dutch Harbor, AK or another port in the Gulf of Alaska. The contractor will load the scientific gear onto the vessel before the charter begins. If the scientific gear is delivered to a port that is different from the embarkation port, the contractor will transport the scientific gear to the embarkation port after loading it onto the vessel. The scientific crew will arrive at the port of embarkation a few days before the start date of the charter to assist with any remaining gear loading and preparation.

a. See Appendix A for the list of gear and equipment with dimensions and weights that will be shipped to Alaska.

b. The Government can deliver gear to the loading port up to 14-days prior to the start of the charter if that is helpful.

2. The cost of gasoline for the outboard engines will be paid by the Government, but the contractor will arrange for receipt of fuel into appropriate storage (e.g., jettisonable, purpose-built tank [approx 300 gal.] or rack for six 55 gal. drums) onboard the vessel.

3. Demobilization will occur at the charter end location, either the day of or day after arrival, at the vessel docks. The contractor will assist with unloading gear from the vessel and with transporting gear to the shipping company that will ship the gear back to Seattle. The vendor is responsible for safely disposing of all remaining gasoline.

Government-Furnished Property, Material, Equipment, or Information (GFP, GFM, GFE, GFI) The Government will provide the following gear and equipment for operations:

1. Six (6) inflatable boats (Mark II or Mark III)

2. Six (6) 4-stroke outboard motors

3. Gasoline for Government-owned outboard motors

4. Spare parts for boats and motors

5. Nets and sampling gear for seal captures and handling

6. Satellite-linked dive recorders for seals

7. Binoculars, inclinometers, and rangefinders for bridge-based transect surveys of seals and other marine mammals

8. Protective clothing, including dry suits for small boat operations

9. Safety and survival supplies for small boat operations (e.g., VHF radios, GPSs, EPIRBs)

10. Additional safety equipment including VHF radios that broadcast GPS coordinates on regular basis

11. All vials, instruments, chemicals, and other supplies required for onboard processing and curation of biological samples.

12. Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for imaging flights.

13. Expendable hand-deployed sonobuoys for monitoring underwater sound related to marine mammals.

Place of Performance The Government will deliver gear to Dutch Harbor, Alaska or another port in the Gulf of Alaska with commercial air service (e.g., Kodiak, Homer) for the vendor to load onto the vessel. The scientific party will embark the vessel beginning the charter. The charter will take place in the eastern Bering Sea, but the specific location(s) will depend on weather and sea ice conditions and shall be coordinated between the Chief Scientist of this project and the vessel Captain. The survey area will likely occur west of St. Matthew Island, but may extend as far north as Nome, AK depending on sea ice conditions. The vessel will always remain east of the International dateline (see figure A).

The trip could end in Dutch Harbor or another nearby location with commercial air service. The exact start and end locations and dates will be decided at the time of award between MML and the vendor.

Figure A. Operating Area

Science operations will be conducted within the green shaded area in the map above. The exact location will depend upon the marginal ice zone (MIZ) at the time of operations. The blue line indicates the median ice extent in April, but recent ice conditions have resulted in a much more northern MIZ. The red hashed buffers on the map indicate areas that are within 12 nmi of the coastline and within 30 nmi of a coastal village. We will not conduct operations in these buffer areas.

Period of Performance

● Base Year: In addition to the time required to load and unload gear and personnel, the charter will be up to

42 days between 10 April-10 June, 2024 (exact dates to be discussed before award).

● Option Year: In addition to the time required to load and unload gear and personnel, the charter will be between 10 April-10 June 2025. Dates and length of research cruise may vary from the 2024 research cruise (e.g., length of the cruise may be 4 weeks instead of 6 weeks).

Option Year All tasks, procedures, requirements and conditions specified for the Base Year apply to Option Year, EXCEPT:

1. Where dates are given, the year should be 2025, not 2024, and

2. The length of the charter shall be ~6 weeks (or up to 42 days) but may be only 4 weeks. Preferred dates for the base year charter are approximately 1 April - 1 June, 2025.

Information required in preparing a quote The Offerors shall provide a quote for a potential trip scenario that includes:

1. Receiving and loading gear and gasoline and embarkation of personnel at Dutch Harbor, Alaska or other port(s) in the Gulf of Alaska with commercial air service prior to the start of the charter.

2. Daily rate for the charter, including all expenses such as fuel oil, mooring, meals and accommodations, etc.

for the charter assuming a 42-day cruise from the embarkation point to the area west of St. Matthew Is.

and returning to the disembarkation point.

a. The charter section should include reference to a 1-2 day in-port at St. Paul Is., AK (or Dutch Harbor, AK depending on conditions) for a transfer of personnel and, if available, for reprovisioning.

3. Offloading gear and disembarkation of personnel at Dutch Harbor, Alaska or other port(s) in the Gulf of Alaska with commercial air service after the completion of the charter.

4. The Offerors shall also provide a “stand-by” daily rate for the potential to stand by 1-2 days option to be exercised due to delays caused by weather and/or flight delays of the crew arriving in Dutch Harbor.

APPENDIX A - LOAD WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES

Volume and Weights of Scientific Equipment

A1. Hazardous gear

A2. Non-hazardous gear

Container Description No

Lengt h (in)

Width (in)

Heigh t (in)

Vol

(ft3) Weight

(lbs) Contents Clamshell Small, white (#13, 17) 2 32 24 29 13 120 Empty fuel cans, EtOH, acetone Engine Box Tall, wood box (30 hp) 2 68 38 29 43 340 Honda 4 stroke, 30 hp

Engine Box Tall, wood box (#2; 25

hp) 1

68 38 29 43 160 Honda 4 stroke, 25 hp

Engine Box Short wood box (#4,7,8) 3 64 38 29 41 480 Honda 4 stroke, 25 hp ActionPacker Green plastic 1 20 14 12 5 10 Glue, fire extinguishers, flares Pelican Medium, Black 1 31 23 12 5 50 PFDs

Crate Crate of sonobuoys 1 48 40 45 50 1300 Sonobuoys: HAZMAT totals 14.4g lithium, 0.768 kg CO2

Total 11 200 2460

Container Description No

Length

(in) Width

(in) Heigh t (in)

Vol.

(ft3)

Weight (lbs) Contents

Clamshell Tall, grey (#1, 2) 2 58 28 36 34 400 Field gear Clamshell Large, grey (#3) 1 48 36 26 26 175 Boating supplies Clamshell Small, grey (#6, 7, 8) 3 39 23 24 12 525 Field gear Clamshell Small, white (#12) 1 32 24 29 13 115 Field gear and clothing Clamshell Small, white (#10) 1 32 24 29 13 150 Field gear Clamshell Small, white (#15) 1 32 24 29 13 150 Field gear Brailer bag Brailer bag of drybags 1 54 44 40 55 300 Field clothing Pelican Large, Black 1 26 26 26 10 50 VetScan machine Pallet Two deflated Zodiacs 1 51 33 28 50 500 Mark II Zodiacs and floorboards Pallet Two deflated Zodiacs 1 56 55 28 40 500 Mark III Zodiacs and floorboards Cylinders Two bipods 2 72 9 9 5 10 Weighing bipods Total 15 271 2875