NEFSC Scallop Dredge Survey DRAFT SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Northeast Fisheries Science Center Sea Scallop Dredge Research Survey

1.0 OVERVIEW

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), Ecosystem Surveys Branch is seeking a vessel platform to participate in an ecosystem survey of the Atlantic sea scallop resource along the continental shelf from Virginia through Massachusetts including the U.S waters of Georges Bank. The survey will be conducted during spring/summer (May and July, optimally in June) of 2024 with option years through 2028 survey season. Each awarded contract will have a one year base period with four one year option periods (5 years in total).

2.0 ORGANIZATION

2.1 Organization: The DOC, NOAA, NMFS, NEFSC, is a Government agency charged with conducting ecosystem-based research and assessments of living marine resources, with a focus on the Northeast Shelf, to promote the recovery and long-term sustainability of these resources, and to generate social and economic opportunities and benefits from their use.

2.2 Background and Objective: The NEFSC, Ecosystem Surveys Branch, collects data during standardized surveys on research cruises from Cape Hatteras to the Canadian Scotian Shelf.

These surveys are conducted on selected survey vessels and additionally provide platforms for other programs that collect oceanographic and plankton data for monitoring the health and status of marine resources and their habitat.

The Ecosystem Surveys Branch, gathers data on abundance, distribution, feeding ecology, size and age composition of stocks of economically and ecologically important species. The data is vital for assessment, management, and a wide variety of research programs.

Additionally, they design, build, and test much of the sampling gear, and evaluate advanced acoustic and optical sensing systems, as well as, conduct vessel and gear standardization studies to ensure the comparability of survey indices over time and to perform statistical evaluations of sampling adequacy.

3.0 GENERAL

3.1 A single vessel will be selected for conducting resource surveys (and associated experiments) up to 20 sea days in total. There are a total of 15 base days and 5 optional days. Staging, survey activity, and de-staging is expected to occur during a period in May - July with one or more day’s dockside between each survey leg.

3.2 Sea Sampling Equipment: During research operations, the vessel may deploy multiple forms of sea scallop and oceanographic sampling equipment of which the government is providing unless otherwise noted:

1.) 8’ standardized New Bedford style scallop dredge with liner (survey dredge) with additional rock chains in select stratum, this is the primary gear type;

2.) 8’ standardized New Bedford style unlined scallop dredge (survey dredge) with additional rock chains in select stratum, this is the optional NEFSC gear type that may be deployed based on specific cruise instructions;

3.) 13-15’ New Bedford style commercial scallop dredge (commercial dredge) with additional rock chains in select stratum, this is an optional gear type that may be deployed based on specific cruise instructions;

4.) A Long-range autonomous underwater vehicle (LRAUV) being developed by the ESB Advanced Technology group and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Scibotics Laboratory, this is an optional NEFSC gear type that may be deployed based on specific cruise instructions.

5.) Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) instrumentation, this is an optional gear type that may be deployed based on specific cruise instructions

The dredge shall be deployed from the starboard or port winches of the vessel. The dredge will be deployed with an appropriate three strand metal towing cable. Cable systems must be installed onto permanent winch systems of the vessel.

The winch system must output wire out readings, winch tension and winch speeds to a scientific electronic logging system . The LRAUV’s may be deployed during at sea operations on the scallop dredge survey. These vehicles are untethered to the vessel but will need to be deployed and retrieved safely from the deck of the ship. The vessel will likely conduct operations nearby (ie 1 day steam).

Specimens collected by the dredge hauls will be selected for scientific data collection and will be moved to a scientific van (modified 8’ X 20’ ISO container) installed onto the deck of the vessel where biological data will be collected including lengths, shell height and meat weight data, and other biological data as required. If an ISO van is not an option on a vessel then appropriate work stations will be set up in the vessels shucking house areas. Additional vessel related data including GPS location, vessel speed, seafloor depth, wire length deployed and wire tension will be recorded by the Scientific Party into an electronic recording database.

4.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 Project Description: The survey will typically be distributed over multiple survey legs, with the first being roughly 10 days each plus in-port days between legs and for the vessel to return to its home port (Woods Hole, MA). Adjustments to survey schedules and sea days due to COVID- 19 or other pandemic restrictions or safety protocols may occur by mutual agreement and will be communicated between the vessel and NEFSC prior to implementation (see section 4.5

COVID/Other Pandemics). The Government anticipates requiring the vessel to be available for staging for two (2) days prior to the start of each annual survey and one (1) day destaging for each annual survey. If extra staging or destaging days are necessary then appropriate charges to the government will incur for those days. NEFSC intends to port between legs in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and to refuel, replenish provisions and exchange crew. NEFSC intends to return to port in Woods Hole and disembark staff and equipment on the second to last day of the survey.

The planned area of operation will cover the normal distributional range of sea scallops along the continental shelf from Virginia through Massachusetts including Georges Bank. Survey regions may extend to areas in the Gulf of Maine as the scallop resource recovers and populations increase.

A staging day is defined as the vessel being made available for the installation and removal of scientific equipment, fishing gear and personal gear onto or off of the vessel. During staging days the vessel shall be moored at a pre-agreed docking facility with adequate access for trucks and cranes. The vessel shall be accessible for 12 hours daily from 0700 to 1900 (local time) with vessel crew available upon prior arrangement to assist the staging/de-staging operations and dockside testing of systems and equipment.

A sea day is defined as the vessel being at sea away from its planned departure port, transiting to or from planned areas of operation, conducting scientific operations or laying to due to inclement weather or scientific equipment failures. Counting of sea days will be suspended if scientific operations are suspended due to vessel equipment failure or the inability of the vessel and/or crew to carry out operations.

4.2 Cruise Operations: Prior to the commencement of the cruise, the vessel shall be made available for two (2) staging days to NEFSC and cooperating partners on a mutually agreed date and location to inspect the vessel, install scientific equipment, and to meet with the vessel Master.

Any computers, software, shellfish gear, and/or equipment installed on the vessel for the purpose of conducting the research cruise shall be removed at the conclusion of the cruise.

The vessel must provide sufficient crew to support safe, 24-hour operations including at least two

(2) licensed operators, two (2) engineers, a cook and vessel crew qualified to both conduct dredging and scientific operations. While at sea, the Master is responsible for operation of the vessel and the safety of the scientific staff and crew. The crew is responsible for operation of the vessel, fishing operations and assisting with processing of the catch. The NEFSC Chief Scientist will be in charge of the cruise track and directing scientific operations.

The vessel will conduct a standardized 15 minute scallop dredge tow at predetermined locations contained in a cruise plan to be provided by the NEFSC in advance of the survey using a standardized 8’ New Bedford style scallop dredge provided by NEFSC. The location, speed (3.8 knots), direction, and distance of each tow will be precisely defined by the scientific party in order to complete the scientific objectives of the cruise. The order of station occupation will be determined by the Chief Scientist in conjunction with the vessel’s master to maximize efficiency and minimize steaming distance while taking other factors including weather, vessel traffic and other operational constraints into account. At the completion of the dredge tow, the catch will be deposited on the vessel’s deck or sorting table (if available) and made available to personnel for data collection purposes. The research vessel may also be deploying the LRAUV HabCam vehicle in the vicinity of dredge station locations. The LRAUV is an autonomous vehicle and is not tethered to the vessel. The vessel must be capable of deploying and retrieving the AUV in a safe manner. The vessel crew will be responsible for deployment and retrieval of the vehicle, but the scientific party will be responsible for flying the vehicle during the deployment, vehicle maintenance, and pre and post vehicle testing. Operational protocols are still being developed for the LRAUV but will include deployment and retrieval of the vehicle and allowing for the vessel to conduct dredge operations while the AUV collects data remotely. The vessel will remain within a 1 day steam from the LRAUV vehicle in case it needs to be recovered.

The LRAUV has capacity for multiple days of operations without strict vessel oversight. The scientific party will be responsible for programming the vehicle during the deployment, vehicle tracking, vehicle maintenance and charging, and pre and post vehicle testing.

Retention and/or sale of catch from survey tows will not be permitted. Scientific samples may be retained by the NEFSC and its cooperating scientific partners. Cruise Instructions and a Scientific Research Permit from the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Administrator will be obtained by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and maintained onboard the vessel during the duration of the survey. Commercial fishing regulations will not apply to the vessel during the duration of survey activities and the vessel will be treated as a NOAA research vessel during the contract period. As a contracted vessel, it is not subject to restrictions of state versus federal waters for sampling. Appropriate permits will be made available to the Master of the vessel by NOAA Fisheries.

Vessels chartered by NOAA shall have as a minimum one of each chart that covers the vessels’ area of operation corrected through the most current Notice to Mariners. Vessels shall also carry copies of the U.S. Coast Pilot, local tide and tidal current tables in covered areas, and Inland Navigation Rules and International Rules of the Road. Vessels may choose to use USCG approved, up-to-date, electronic charts and publications in lieu of paper charts. If relying on electronic charts, the vessel shall have on board a set of paper charts necessary to navigate safely to a port near the vessel’s area of operation. In addition the vessel shall utilize and maintain a deck log and/or computer software 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 access to scientific personnel of GPS location data, vessel speed, RPM and other available operational data during scientific operations, either by recording or electronically logging these data. At the time of contract award, the vessel owner shall provide a signed waiver agreeing to the release of all data collected during the cruise.

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 control of the vessel and its navigation.

4.3 Provisions Three (3) meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel cook for 12 - 13 scientists plus the vessel crew. Meats shall be included at each meal along with vegetables, dessert and/or fruit. Milk, coffee, tea, water, cold juice, soft drinks and snacks shall be available at all times. Meals, in unregulated quantities, shall be prepared for all members of the scientific crew during each day of vessel operations under this contract.

4.4 Emergency Medical Care, Safety and Health

Medical Services. The Contractor shall provide a qualified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) holding current National certification (preferred) or at least two (2) crew members 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 crewmembers 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.

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.

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. All Federal and State privacy mandates, including but not limited to, the Privacy Act of 1974 as amended by the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

Hazardous Materials. 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 Field Party Chief 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 Field Party Chief 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 not anticipated at this time that any hazardous materials will be brought on board. However, if this changes, arrangements will be made with the Master to accommodate the above requirements. Additional safety requirements such as a portable emergency eye wash station will be provided by the government. These arrangements will be made in cooperation with the Master

4.5 Living and Working Conditions for Scientific Personnel

Accommodations. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall be outfitted with accommodations for NOAA-authorized personnel at least equivalent to that which is minimally required for crew members and in keeping with good marine practice. In the case for the scallop survey, NOAA requires berthing for at least thirteen scientists in order to operate two (2) full watches of six (6) scientists for twenty-four hour operations. For overnight cruises, as a minimum, an individual bunk and locker shall be provided for each NOAA-authorized person unless mutually agreed upon arrangements are made between NOAA-authorized personnel and the vessel operator.

An adequate number of staterooms, heads and showers shall be provided to accommodate gender differences and total number of persons aboard to the extent possible. All living and working spaces, including galleys, mess rooms, heads, showers, berthing spaces, passageways, lounges, recreation areas, store rooms, and laboratory spaces, shall be free of pests and vermin and shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition for the duration of the charter.

The vessel shall have ship service electrical, potable water, ventilation, heating or cooling, marine sanitation, and pollution control equipment of sufficient capacity to support NOAA-authorized personnel and mission-related equipment and activities. All ship service systems, ship equipment, and vital systems, shall be operational and maintained in good working order for the duration of the charter.

Liquor or Illegal Drugs. During the charter 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. The Contractor shall comply with the requirements to maintain a Drug Free Workplace contained in FAR 52.233-6. The Contractor shall comply with all the requirements of 46 CFR Part 16 for chemical Tests for dangerous drugs and alcohol.

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

Smoking. Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, 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.

Professional Work and Living Environment. The vessel crew and participating scientists shall jointly promote a professional work and living environment free of sexism, racism, bigotry, pornography and other activities normally not tolerated in a professional work environment.

COVID/Other Pandemics. During the COVID-19 and other pandemics, agreed upon prevention procedures for sheltering-in-place and testing before boarding the vessel, vessel operations, survey operations, and handling emergent or suspected COVID infections shall be communicated and followed at the start of and during each survey leg. Interested contractors shall submit their COVID-19 or other pandemic Safety Protocols with bid package and will be included as part of the review process.

4.6 Passengers

The Contractor shall not permit any passengers to be transported aboard either vessel for any reason without specific approval of the COR. This restriction applies to Government employees, Contractor’s employees who are not crewmembers, Scientific Field Party personnel not assigned and the general public.

4.7 Security

The vessels 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 each vessel shall take all additional customary and reasonable precautions to ensure that no harm befalls the vessel while in port and at sea.

VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Minimum Vessel and Gear Specifications

The vessel and gear must be capable of safely conducting scallop dredge tows, Habcam deployments (towed and AUV configurations) along the continental shelf in waters ranging for 15 to 80 fathoms. In other words, the vessel is required to be able to deploy 3.5 fathoms of towing line for each fathom of depth. The vessel crew must be knowledgeable and experienced with fishing for sea scallops in the region described and with conditions in the target sampling area. The vessel must be capable of carrying concurrently an 8’ scallop dredge and a stereo-optic towed vehicle consecutively as described in section 1.0 General.

The vessel must have:

● Sufficient berth space and lavatory facilities (hot water shower, sink and toilet) for crew members and 13 scientific personnel;

● Mess facilities for concurrent seating of six (6) scientists

● Fuel and potable water capacity to operate continuously for 10 sea days;

● Adequate deck space to accommodate a scientific van (analogous in size to a 8’ X 20’ ISO container) containing scientific equipment

● Equipment to monitor vessel speed, direction, bearing and water depth including o Two (2)operational conventional and/or electronic compasses o An echo-sounder capable of accurately determining the water depth throughout the survey area (each sounder must have a data output cable available for NOAA –Fisheries data collection) o Sensors should be service and calibrated prior to the survey

● Navigation equipment to include:

o Two (2) satellite navigation systems (DGPS) (each GPS must have a data ouput cable from the sensor for NOAA Fisheries data collection) o at least two radar units

● Communications Equipment to include:

o A VHF radio o A UHF radio o Cellular phone o Email capability to a distance of 100 nm offshore.

● Freezer storage for the exclusive use for storage of scientific samples (minimum 20 cubic feet; not collocated with frozen food stores)

● Safety equipment to include:

o A minimum of two EPIRBs o Survival suits for each of the vessel’s crew, scientists and master o Life rafts sufficient to accommodate both the vessel’s crew and embarked scientists

● Fishing equipment capabilities o Equipment to safely deploy scallop dredges, stereo-optic towed body or autonomous vehicles o Powered spooling winches for deployment of gear o Sorting table to hold the catch in order for the scientific party to sort at a reasonable height to avoid medical issues with bending over catches.

o Technical ability to terminate fiber optic cable for the habcam vehicle and maintain functioning data transfer via fiber optics

• Desirable equipment includes:

o Printer o Fax machine

5.2 Safety

All U.S. flag vessels chartered by NOAA shall have and shall maintain for the duration of the charter a current Certificate of Inspection, valid for the vessel’s intended service, or a fishing vessel safety decal issued by the USCG as applicable. 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 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. Survival suits for the ship’s crew and scientific party must be provided by the Contractor. 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 charter.

A pre-cruise orientation meeting aboard each vessel shall be conducted for the scientists and crew regarding the vessel’s safety, firefighting and lifesaving capabilities assigned responsibilities and procedures.

Means of escape. Aboard all vessels chartered by NOAA there shall be two (2) identified escape routes from all general areas. At least one (1) of these two (2) means shall be independent of watertight hatches and doors, except for quick acting watertight hatches and doors giving final access to weather decks.

Fire protection. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall have in place fully functional fire protection systems and equipment, such as portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers, fire pumps, fire mains, fixed gas extinguishing systems, and fire detection and alarm systems in accordance with USCG or SOLAS requirements.

If vessels under charter to NOAA experience a significant event during a cruise that may affect the safety of the vessel (e.g. a breach of watertight integrity, fire or significant equipment failure), or a significant safety related condition is noted, a re-inspection will be conducted at the earliest opportunity. If repairs are necessary, the re-inspection will be conducted after repairs have been completed but prior to proceeding with the cruise. The local USCG Marine Safety Office will be requested to conduct the re-inspection under the Memorandum of Understanding between NOAA and the USCG. Costs associated with repairs and the re-inspection shall be responsibility of the vessel owner and may not be added to the cost of the vessel charter.

5.3 Stability

The vessel 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. The vessel shall be operated in accordance with the conditions identified in the Stability Letter.

5.4 Material Condition, Structural and Watertight Integrity

The contractor shall provide one (1) or more of the following, reflecting the vessels 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 (2) years prior to the initiation of the cruise; or proof of satisfactorily passing an inspection completed by the contractors marine insurance carrier within one (1) 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 charter.

5.5 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. Vessel must not have any current operator or vessel permit sanctions.

5.6 IT Requirements

This will not require assignment of a user account and access to the DOC data systems. This contractor will not have access to and use Government hardware, application software, system software or sensitive data as needed.

This service will not be performed on federal government property. IT security consideration and controls will be put in place before commencement of service.

6.0 POST-AWARD AND POST-SURVEY MEETINGS

6.1 Upon award of contract and prior to the start of the charter, a post-award meeting will be held by telephone/teleconference to discuss issues relating to the charter and survey. The vessel manager and all vessel Captains participating in the charter are required to attend the meeting.

The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) following award of the contract at a time mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

6.2 Following completion of each annual survey, a post-survey debriefing meeting will be held at telephone/teleconference. The purpose of the debriefing is to provide the charter operator an evaluation of the performance of the vessel and crew during the charter. At a minimum, the vessel manager is required to attend the debriefing. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the COR upon completion of the survey at a time mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.