SOW.doc

Statement of Work Vessel Charter for Oceanographic Sampling in lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay Alaska

1. Overall Description The Kasitsna Bay Laboratory (KBL) is a federal marine science research facility located in south central Alaska, approximately 200 miles southwest of Anchorage, near the city of Seldovia on the south side of Kachemak Bay and across from the city of Homer. KBL is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the U.S. Department of Commerce, and within the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) of NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS). KBL conducts coastal ecosystem research to support Alaska natural resource and coastal management. KBL researchers monitor oceanographic conditions in Kachemak Bay and lower Cook Inlet and require vessel charter services to support these efforts.

Oceanography survey support requirement. NCCOS KBL has a requirement to routinely collect seasonal oceanographic, plankton, seabird and marine mammal information in lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay, Alaska (see map in Attachment 1 and the station locations in the table in Attachment 2 for transect and station locations). Vessel support is required primarily for sampling across the Cook Inlet entrance, but sampling at other stations within the study area may also be conducted. The oceanography surveys are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska long-term ecosystem monitoring program. The surveys include deployment of oceanographic instruments to collect measurements from the surface to near bottom, zooplankton net tows, and surface phytoplankton sampling.

To conduct the oceanographic sampling NCCOS KBL seeks the supply of a vessel, captain and crew to be available to conduct oceanographic surveys and deploy current meter moorings, for estimated time periods provided below.

2. Overall Requirements KBL requires vessel support services for five days of oceanographic sampling in lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay, Alaska in 2020-2021.

Oceanography surveys. The oceanography surveys are anticipated to be conducted in lower Cook Inlet in September 2020 (2 days), February 2021 and April 2021 (2 days). A survey plan will be developed in consultation between KBL staff and the ship captain, taking into account weather conditions, staff schedules and ship availability. The vessel may conduct 24 hour operations or anchor in safe locations or in port for crew rest during the survey, as determined in the survey plan. The preference is for the survey to be conducted with day and night operations, without returning to port, but sampling may be conducted on non-consecutive days if needed to accommodate weather conditions. Loading and off-loading of Government equipment for oceanographic surveys and current meter deployments shall occur prior to and after the actual charter period. The proposed oceanographic sampling dates may need to change, due to mission requirements, inclement weather, and/or equipment problems. The NOAA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will work with KBL staff and the Contractor to reach agreement on any proposed changes.

Prior to commencement of operations, a kick-off meeting between the selected vessel Captain and NOAA will be held via teleconference or in person at NOAA’s Homer, Alaska office. Meeting location is to be determined after award by mutual agreement of the contracting parties.

3. Oceanographic Survey Support Requirements

3.1 Provide vessel services to assist KBL in oceanographic sampling in lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay Alaska for five days of up to 24 hour working operations each day. The sampling will include deployment of oceanographic instruments and plankton nets at multiple stations along transects. The Cook Inlet entrance will be the primary sampling area, but other stations in lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay Alaska may also be sampled (see locations on map in Attachment 1). The Contractor vessel and crew must be capable of day and night operations, with the capability to safely conduct oceanographic sampling in up to five foot seas.

3.2 KBL will provide all oceanographic instruments and a science crew of up to five people to conduct oceanographic sampling. Oceanographic instruments to be deployed at stations along each sampling transect include: 1) a Seabird 19Plus conductivity-temperature-vs-depth (CTD) profiler in a steel cage with a suspended weight (approximately 50 lbs dry weight) with a small Niskin water sampling bottle that can collect water samples at depth: and 2) a “bongo” zooplankton net with two, 2-ft diameter attached nets. Surface water samples will also be collected with buckets at each station for phytoplankton and ocean acidification sampling. A seabird and marine mammal observer may make observations from the vessel’s bridge during all daylight hours.

3.3 The vessel must have equipment capability and personnel experience to deploy and retrieve the CTD profiler, Niskin bottle and zooplankton net vertically with a hydraulic or electric winch on cable or line to depths of up to 190 meters (625 feet). A cable or line size of approximately 5/16” diameter is preferred since it will allow deployment of the Niskin bottle on the same line as the CTD profiler, but other cable/line sizes may be acceptable if the vessel has a capability to deploy both the CTD profiler and Niskin bottle. The vessel must have the capability to measure the amount of cable/line deployed (e.g. by line counter on the winch) in order to safely deploy the CTD close to the seafloor without hitting the bottom.

3.4 The vessel must provide room for a seabird and marine mammal observer to make observations during daylight hours from the bridge or other location with an unobstructed 180 degree view from bow to stern. The Contractor will provide an electrical outlet to charge a laptop computer while making observations.

3.5 The vessel captain must have experience operating in and demonstrate knowledge of the study areas in lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. The vessel captain or crew shall have experience in navigating to stations and deploying oceanographic, or similar, instruments.

3.6 The vessel will have working GPS and depth sounding (fathometer) equipment and GPS location and water depth information will be provided by the vessel crew to Government science crew at each sampling station.

3.7 The Contractor will provide accommodations for up to five NOAA science personnel on board the vessel, including: working head, berthing, and food (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

3.8 Prior to the surveys, the survey plan will be reviewed and updated by the ship Captain and KBL staff to adjust the plan as necessary for weather and tide conditions.

4. Vessel Requirements

4.1. Minimum overall length of 65 feet capable of operating in offshore and coastal waters of lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. 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).

4.2. Vessel shall be equipped with appropriate modern electronic navigational and communication equipment, including but not limited to:

• Acoustic echo (depth) sounder. Preference may be given for vessels with two depth sounders.

• Minimum of two VHF marine radios for communication;

• Two all-weather radars (minimum 36 mile or 67 km range);

• GPS plotter with navigation program and the ability to upload and create user waypoints;

All communication equipment shall be tested and tuned before the charter begins. The vessel shall also be equipped with appropriate charts for operating in the survey area.

4.3. The vessel shall also have the following:

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

• Seawater supply through deck hoses to assist with zooplankton net sampling and freshwater supply on deck to clean gear .

• Fresh drinking water supply adequate for the entire NOAA crew and vessel crew and for the duration of each trip.

• A minimum of 1 anchor. Preference may be given to vessels that carry a spare anchor.

• The Contractor’s vessel shall be equipped with a winch, capstan, crab pot hauler or other device with the capability to haul 5/16” spectra line, or with a length of at least three times the depth at the deployment locations, and at least 230 m, for taking conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) readings with government furnished instruments. All measurements are taken in one instrument “cast”. A cast involves lowering the instrument to just below the water for 60 seconds, continue lowering the instrument toward the seabed (to within 3 m of the seabed without hitting bottom), and then raising it back to the water surface.

• The Contractor’s vessel shall be able to load and offload equipment to a pier with a height above Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) of up to 30 feet, or will need to make arrangements for use of Homer harbor cranes if pier loading is necessary.

• A covered, heated work area with a surface that will accommodate laptop computers and work space for at least two people, including access to AC power.

• Space on the bridge for one NOAA work station, including room for at least one laptop and access to AC power.

4.4. The vessel shall carry at the least one emergency trauma first-aid kit.

4.5. The vessel shall be United States Coast Guard (USCG) safety inspected, provide the name of the USCG inspector, and the captain shall provide proof of USCG licensure.

4.6. The vessel shall have at least two emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) assigned to it.

5. Vessel Crew Requirements

5.1. Minimum crew responsibilities of vessel shall consist of Captain, engineer-mate, winch operator, cook and deck hand. These duties can be combined and handled by a minimum crew of two, so long as they can be handled within the stated safety requirements.

• The Captain shall have a minimum of five years’ experience as a master of a vessel comparable in size to the vessel offered. The Captain shall possess and demonstrate knowledge of the study areas and deployment and recovery operations and shall be U.S. Coast Guard Certified for the vessel to be used. Preference may be given for Captains with more than five years’ experience operating in coastal waters of Cook Inlet and for Captains who have previous experience with NOAA oceanographic surveys or current meter mooring deployment and recovery operations.

• The engineer-mate shall be qualified for independently taking over operations of the vessel in the event the Captain is absent or becomes incapacitated.

• At least one crew member shall be trained in the operation of the crane and winch on board the vessel, and can operate them while underway when necessary.

5.2. At least one crew member shall be trained in CPR and emergency first aid.

5.3. At least one crew member shall be formally trained in survival and firefighting at a level equivalent to that offered by the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owner's Association.

6. NOAA Science Personnel

6.1. The NOAA party will consist of up to five members and may include both men and women.

6.2. One member of the NOAA party will be designated as Cruise Leader. 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.

7. Accommodation Requirements

7.1. Accommodations provided for the NOAA science party should be separate from that provided for the vessel’s crew. Accommodations shall be provided for up to five NOAA personnel. Temporary, fold-down, or undersized bunks are not acceptable for the science party. The Contractor shall provide clean mattresses. Preference may be given for provision of separate berthing space for men and women members of the NOAA science party. Berthing spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke, excessive engine noise and fumes.

7.2. Suitable sanitary accommodations, including head separated from the living quarters and within the vessel, shall be available.

7.3. Meals shall be provided by the Contractor and shall include three balanced, nutritious meals (including fresh fruits and vegetables) per day. Vegetarian meals may be required for some members of the party. Water, juice, coffee, soft drinks, and fruit should be available throughout the day. Due to the nature of the operation, meal hours must be flexible. The Captain and Cruise Leader will set meal hours that are mutually agreeable.

8. Operating Procedures

8.1 The Cruise Leader in consultation with the Captain will determine the daily operations plan. The Cruise Leader 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.

8.2. The Cruise Leader and Captain will work together to resolve all problems that may arise during the charter. In the event the Cruise Leader and Captain are unable to resolve any problem which has the potential for invalidating the study or threatening the safety of the field party, the Cruise Leader 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 shall be considered off charter if required to return to port and shall remain off charter until the problem has been resolved.

8.3. The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow all safety procedures as directed by the Cruise Leader to help prevent damage or loss of Government gear and equipment. 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. Safety

9.1. The vessel Captain shall be responsible for all matters relating to safety of personnel, the vessel, and equipment operation. The Captain shall adhere at all times to Navigational Rules and Rules of the Road while towing, running, drifting, or when at anchor. The Captain shall review safety procedures and equipment with the science party at the beginning of each cruise.

9.2. The Contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all embarked personnel and survival suits for vessel crew. It is preferable that the Contractor provide survival suits for the Government, however in the event that the contractor does not provide these suits, the Government will provide survival suits for science personnel. Adequate dry, topside storage for all survival suits shall be provided. The Government will provide personal foul weather gear for all members of the science field party.

10. Period of Performance September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021 The captain, crew and vessel shall be available for operations during the period of the contract commencing on September 1, 2020, with the first oceanographic survey expected to be conducted that month. The oceanographic sampling dates may be changed due to mission requirements, inclement weather or equipment problems, and any changes will be mutually agreed on by the Contractor and NOAA.

Attachments:

(1) Map with locations of oceanographic survey stations (2) Oceanographic Station Location Table