SOW 143031240062.docx

Statement of Work National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Fisheries Science Center/Population and Ecology Monitoring Division/Habitat Ecology Branch Queen Conch Population Surveys in Fort Lauderdale, FL (PR Number) (BAS AAP / CBOT Number)

Background:

A team from the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Habitat Ecology Branch (SEFSC HEB) is coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to conduct queen conch population surveys around and offshore from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to compile abundance and distribution data for a biological assessment required under the Endangered Species Act. In order to successfully complete this task, the entire impact area surrounding the port needs to be surveyed for the presence, spatial location, and abundance of individual conch. We plan to conduct these surveys from April 14-17, 2024. To facilitate efficient completion of surveys NMFS requires a live-aboard research vessel measuring at least 80 feet in length and capable of housing up to 12 divers and crew, which will serve as the primary base of operations during the surveys. The primary research vessel must also be capable of daily launching and retrieving of three small skiffs capable of carrying four SCUBA divers plus SCUBA tanks, fins, masks, BCDs, and survey equipment. The primary research vessel must have an inspected and certified air compressor onboard to refill SCUBA tanks each day.

Tasks:

The primary task that shall be completed is to provide and captain one live-aboard research vessel to specified locations offshore of Fort Lauderdale, FL, from April 14-17, 2024. Specific tasks are as follows:

· Task 1: The Contractor shall ensure that the primary research vessel and small skiffs meet USCG and NOAA small boat safety standards.

· Task 2: The Contractor shall provide living arrangements onboard the primary research vessel, to include meals and suitable sleeping accommodations, for up to 12 divers and crew.

· Task 3: The Contractor shall ensure the primary research vessel is fully provisioned for up to 12 divers and crew prior to the requested dates.

· Task 4: The Contractor shall fuel all vessels sufficiently prior to the requested dates and maintain appropriate fuel levels daily.

· Task 5: The Contractor shall captain the primary research vessel to specified locations around Fort Lauderdale, FL, as identified by the Project Lead.

· Task 6: The contractor shall provide a minimum of 24 SCUBA tanks each day during survey activities.

· Task 7: The Contractor shall refill SCUBA tanks with air daily, or on an as needed basis throughout each day of survey activities, from an inspected and certified compressor station located onboard the primary research vessel.

Deliverables:

Task 1: The Contractor shall ensure that the primary research vessel and small skiffs meet USCG and NOAA small boat safety standards.

Deliverables:

A. Email verification that primary research vessel and skiffs meet small boat safety standards to Project Lead upon completion.

Task 2: The Contractor shall provide living arrangements onboard the primary research vessel, to include meals and suitable sleeping accommodations, for up to 12 divers and crew.

Deliverables:

A. Provide lodging accommodations and meals for divers and crew.

B. Email verification of appropriate accommodations to Project Lead upon completion.

Task 3: The Contractor shall ensure the primary research vessel is fully provisioned for up to 12 divers and crew prior to the requested dates.

Deliverables:

A. Provision the primary research vessel with adequate food and beverages for all divers and crew anticipated to be onboard the vessel from April 14-17, 2024.

B. Email verification of completion to Project Lead prior to scheduled boarding date of April 14, 2024.

Task 4: The Contractor shall fuel all vessels sufficiently prior to the requested dates and maintain appropriate fuel levels daily.

Deliverables:

A. Fill all gas tanks for the primary research vessel and small skiffs.

B. Carry sufficient fuel onboard the primary research vessel to maintain fuel levels in small skiffs each day.

C. Email verification of completion to Project Lead prior to scheduled boarding date of April 14, 2024.

Task 5: The Contractor shall captain the primary research vessel to specified locations around Fort Lauderdale, FL, as identified by the Project Lead.

Deliverables:

A. While underway during the research cruise the Captain of the primary research vessel and the Project Lead will meet daily to confirm survey locations and plan movement and anchorage locations to facilitate deployment of small skiffs for dive surveys.

Task 6: The contractor shall provide a minimum of 16 SCUBA tanks each day during survey activities.

Deliverables:

A. Verify that the minimum number of SCUBA tanks are onboard the primary research vessel.

B. Email verification to Project Lead prior to scheduled boarding date of April 14, 2024.

Task 7: The Contractor shall refill SCUBA tanks with air daily, or on an as needed basis throughout each day of survey activities, from an inspected and certified compressor station located onboard the primary research vessel.

Deliverables:

A. Inspect air compressor and filling station.

B. Provide email verification to Project Lead and NOAA Unit Diving Supervisor at least two weeks in advance of scheduled boarding date of April 14, 2024.

1330-52.215-70 SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLEs (2005)

The following is a schedule of all deliverables, including administrative deliverables, required during the period of performance of this contract:

Qualifications:

The proposed vessel(s) and personnel must have the following experience and meet these basic requirements prior to and during the period of performance:

· Vessel Captain must have detailed knowledge and experience operating in the coastal waters of Fort Lauderdale, FL

· Vessel Captain must have appropriate USCG licenses

· Housing accommodations for up to 12 scientific divers and project crew

· Chef onboard the primary vessel

· Three small skiffs for carrying divers to multiple survey locations

· Air compressor and fill station for SCUBA tanks onboard

· A minimum of 16 SCUBA tanks

Performance Requirements Summary:

This contract includes a Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The PRS plays an integral role in the administration of the contract. In addition to any applicable inspection clauses or other related terms and conditions contained in the contract, the PRS shall serve as a primary tool for inspection and acceptance of services as facilitated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance shall be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the PRS, and will be conducted by the COR. The PRS constitutes a material aspect of the contract and will not be changed or otherwise modified without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

Confidentiality and Data Privacy:

This contract may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information. Services contractors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

Government Furnished Resources:

The Government will not furnish any resources to the Contractor in support of this contract.

Place of Performance:

Work will be conducted at other than the government facility (i.e. off-site).

Overtime, Travel, and Training:

Overtime, travel, and training are not authorized under this contract.

Additional information:

What is the assigned risk level and IT Security designation?

There is no assigned risk level and no IT Security designation required for this project.

Is there intellectual property or data rights involved?

No

Period of Performance? Options?

Period of performance: April 1 – April 17, 2024

Do you need a post-conference meeting/kickoff?

No

Are there mandatory Core/’available’ hours?

No