SOW_North Atlantic Right Whale Charter-Summer-Fall 2021.pdf

Statement of Work

Charter Vessel for Right Whale Research Cruise – Summer/Fall 2021

1.0 GENERAL

North Atlantic right whales (NARW) are critically endangered, and therefore protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is required to assess the status of marine mammal populations found in U.S. waters.

Monitoring the population status of NARW is a top priority for the Protected Species Branch (PSB) at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). Studies include photographic identification of individuals, biopsy sampling for genetic analysis, aerial imagery for health assessment and size estimates, and plankton sampling to investigate feeding ecology.

The PSB is seeking a charter vessel to survey for North Atlantic right whales and support a small Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). When whales are located, the RHIB will be deployed with about 4 science personnel, if weather permits. Scientists will also use the charter vessel as a platform to deploy and retrieve a small Unoccupied Aerial System (sUAS). Oceanographic sampling will be done from the charter vessel.

The survey area in U.S. waters is expected to include the Great South Channel, south of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, north to George’s bank or Gulf of Maine and south to the New York bight and continental shelf break. The survey area during this time of year is also expected to extend in to Canadian waters with likelihood of Brown’s Bank and Scotian shelf and possibility of the Gulf of St.

Lawrence or Bay of Fundy.

The desired timing and length of cruise is approximately 21 consecutive days between July 15, 2021 and September 25, 2021.

2.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Period of Performance

The planned period of performance is for at least 21 days at sea, with the desired period of performance within timeframe of July 15 – Sept. 25, 2021. This time period may be broken into two legs, depending on staffing and needs of the charter vessel. If the vessel requires returning to port, no crew or scientist will break the Covid-19 “bubble”.

A sea day is defined as any part of a calendar day spent steaming to and from the port of departure for the purpose of conducting the research, and the days actually spent conducting the NARW research. Calendar days of less than 24 hours will be prorated at an hourly rate based on the daily rate agreed upon for the contract period. The vessel shall be available at the port of Woods Hole, MA one day prior to the start of a research cruise prepared with the necessary fuel, food and crew to conduct and support the mission objectives. We will provide a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 10 scientific staff.

A vessel shall be placed off-hire in the event of loss of time due to any contractor and vessel-related operational deficiencies. Any underway days lost by the vessel during the currency of the contract due to excusable delays as defined in FAR 52.212-4f shall be added to the cruise period per contract modification (See FAR 52.212-4c and FAR 52.212-4f).

NARW General Survey Operation Area in U.S. waters

NARW General Survey Operation Area in Canadian waters

2.2 Cruise Operations

As is possible, prior to the commencement of the cruise, the vessel will be made available to NEFSC scientific staff, on mutually-agreed upon date(s), to inspect the vessel, potentially train the crew for the deployments & retrievals, and to meet with the Master and/or owners. Any software, gear, and/or equipment installed on the vessel by the NEFSC/PSB for the purpose of conducting the research cruise will be removed at the end of the cruise.

The vessel must have a minimum of four crew, covering the role of Master, mate, engineer and chief steward, to operate the vessel and to support scientific operations. The Master and at least one other member of the ship’s crew must be fluent in English. While at sea, the Master is responsible for the operation of the vessel to insure the safety of the scientific staff and all crew members. The vessel’s crew is responsible for the safe operation of any crane, davit, or winch. Any damage to the vessel and its gear which occurs during the cruise is the responsibility of the vessel.

The cruise will take place within the above specified time window. Weather permitting it will be carried out with consecutive days in one time period.

Charter vessel will be able to accommodate scientific crew of 7-10. Three meals per day will be provided for science crew.

Charter vessel will have an open fly bridge which is safely accessible to science crew. At least three science crew will be on the fly bridge at any one time during the day. Prior to the commencement of the cruise, vessel crew will install the ‘big eye’ binocular stands on the fly bridge. See images in Appendix 1. The chief scientist will be consulted regarding placement prior to installation(Note: if there is an option other than a fly bridge, that gives observers 180 degree view forward, that can be considered). On the day of staging, ship’s crew will facilitate getting the big eye binoculars to the fly bridge. The fly bridge will be outfitted with a wind shield to protect observers from wind. The windshield should at least run across the front of the fly bridge and extend down the sides to be lateral with big eye stands. Windscreens are around 4.5’ tall, leaving clearance for big eye binoculars, if necessary. Windscreens should include extension at the top, on the outboard side, which deflects wind from coming directly over the windscreen. See images in Appendix 1.

Charter vessel will be outfitted with a crane which is capable of lifting and launching a 2,500 lb.

(vessel, propulsion, fuel, gear, and, 4 persons), 18’ RHIB over the side. The crane will be man-rated unless the freeboard of the ship allows one step down to launched vessel. NEFSC will provide the RHIB, cradle, and gasoline (unless the charter vessel is equipped with a gasoline tank for small boat operations). Charter vessel will be responsible for fastening the RHIB cradle to the deck in order to withstand seas. NEFSC will provide a man-rated lifting harness for deployment. Charter vessel will provide crane operator and at least one deck hand for deployment. There will be scientific crew available to tend lines for deployment and retrieval of the RHIB.

Charter vessel will be equipped with a .322 conducting wire cable and winch for deploying and retrieving oceanographic sampling equipment.

During the cruise operations, the chief scientist may survey at night using sonobuoys (listening devices deployed from the ship, but not retrieved) in order to locate NARW.

Charter vessel will have a designated cabin/infirmary or a plan in place to vacate and designate a cabin for isolation should anyone present with Covid-19 symptoms.

Daily Operations Observers will be on watch on the fly bridge by early morning. Track lines will be determined the previous evening, unless locations of aggregations of right whales are known. When right whales are sighted, the RHIB will be deployed if weather permits. The charter vessel will stand by while RHIB is working, possibly sampling for plankton in the area of whales. Science crew may deploy sUAS (drone) from charter vessel while RHIB is deployed. These decisions will be made case by case. Observers will work most daylight hours unless weather is limiting. If weather does not allow work from the fly bridge, observers may stand watch from the wheel house.

Research operations will be during daylight hours only, with the exception of opportunistic sonobuoy deployment (no crew required).

A Scientific Research Permit from the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Administrator will be obtained by the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) and maintained onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey. The vessel will be considered a NOAA research vessel under this contract.

The vessel shall utilize and maintain nautical charts, deck log and/or computer software(s) 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 scientific personnel access to GPS location data, and other available operations data as needed. The chief scientist will have access to the internet for weather forecasting and reporting as necessary. It is preferable that all science crew have at least intermittent internet access.

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 operation of the vessel and its navigation.

2.3 Provisions

Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel chief steward for the scientists. Meats shall be included at each lunch and dinner along with two vegetables and dessert or fruit. Milk, coffee, tea, water, cold juice and soft drinks shall be available at all times. Meals shall be prepared during each day of vessel operation under this contract.

2.4 COVID-19 Prevention and Response Plan

All ship’s crew and scientists will be required to shelter in place (SIP) for 7 days prior to embarkation date. Ship’s crew will SIP locally at ship’s origination location. Contract vessel will be responsible for providing COVID -19 testing for its crew. Scientists will SIP locally near Woods Hole, MA. The NEFSC will be responsible for providing COVID-19 testing for scientists. Both groups will receive COVID testing on the 4th day of SIP. Testing prior to this day will not be accepted to establish clearance to board the ship.

Shelter in place means to stay at home or your current place of residence (hotel) leaving only for essential activities related to urgent or emergency medical issues, food, and outdoor exercise. The SIP residence must be close enough to the ship’s disembarkation location to safely drive to and from that location with no stops on the day of COVID-19 testing and the day of embarkation. Do not visit restaurants, bars, hair salons, barber shops, gyms or indoor religious services. Do not participate in public gatherings or social functions. Do not host events or entertain people in your home. If you are living with other people, then those people must also comply with SIP criteria. Prepare food at home or use a restaurant’s curbside or home delivery service. Maintain safe personal and environmental hygiene by frequently washing hands and disinfecting surfaces and objects that you touch often.

Maintain 6 feet social distancing and wear a face mask (surgical or two layered cloth, bandanas are not acceptable) over your nose and mouth when outside the place of residence. Wash your hands immediately when you return to your residence.

Once crew and scientist are cleared to sail and are aboard, everyone will be required to wear a surgical or two layered cloth mask (bandanas are not acceptable) over their nose and mouth when in common spaces (except for dining) or working within 6 feet of another crew member.

A designated symptom screener aboard will:

1. Perform daily COVID-19 symptom screenings of all scientists and crew that have moved aboard the ship. Document all COVID-19 symptom assessments on a COVID-19 Daily Screening Log.

2. Instruct anyone with symptoms to self-isolate, then initiate a COVID-19 Isolation Surveillance Form.

Assess the individual’s self-care ability to determine assistance the individual will need to maintain isolation.

3. Inform ship command and chief scientist that someone has reported symptoms.

2.5 Emergency Medical Care, Safety and Health

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

b. 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.

c. 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. The confidentiality of these records shall be protected in accordance with the Privacy Act at 5 USC 552a.

d. Hazardous Materials. The contractor shall follow all applicable regulations and standards pertaining to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation contained in 49 CFR.B.1. 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 Chief Scientist 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 Chief Scientist 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 anticipated at this time that two hazardous materials will be brought on board, that is denatured alcohol and formalin. Arrangements will be made with the Master to accommodate the above requirements. Additional safety requirements such as an emergency eye wash station will also need to be arranged. These arrangements will be made in cooperation with the Master.

2.6 Living and Working Conditions for Scientific Personnel

a. Liquor or Illegal Drugs. During the cruise 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.

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

c. Smoking. Smoking 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.

d. At no time during the vessel charter period which includes staging and destaging in-port times, shall any member of the scientific party or crew be subjected to or take part in, any acts of discrimination based on sex, disability, race, color, ethic nationality or gender identification. This includes discriminatory comments, jokes, propaganda, harassment or biasness, whether directly or indirectly involving a member of the scientific party or crew member.

e. Pornographic Material: All pornographic material, such as magazines, movies, calendars, etc. will be removed from all public/common areas on board the vessel during the duration of the vessel charter period.

f. Water intended for personal use and consumption that is taken, produced, or stored aboard the vessel shall be handled in accordance with applicable regulations. Evidence of bacteriological and chemical testing of shipboard potable water taken from the vessel’s storage tanks via the vessel’s distribution system by a certified laboratory within three months of the charter period shall be provided. Potable water shall be tested and treated to maintain a pH of 6.8 to 7.8 and a residual halogen content of 0.2 ppm to 2.0 ppm free available chlorine (or equivalent) weekly. Water should be free of tastes, odors, and turbidity that would be objectionable to the majority of those on board.

2.7 Passengers

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

2.8 Security

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

3.0. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

3.1a. Minimum Vessel Specifications

1) Capable of safe operation across Georges Bank and the NY Bight and out to the continental shelf break.

2) The vessel shall have been actively used for collecting scientific data within the past 12 months and/or a track record of prior work with protected species, including marine mammals and sea turtles.

3) Sufficient deck space for one RHIB (minimum 19’ LOA with cradle), and oceanographic sampling gear.

4) Crane or davit with minimum SWL = 2,500lbs, for deploying and retrieving RHIB overboard.

5) Clean, sanitary, and sufficiently ventilated berths with mattresses for 7-10 scientists. Bunk areas shall contain at least one drawer or closet per occupant for storage of clothing and personal gear.

6) A minimum of two heads, one shower and sink with hot water that is available to scientific crew.

7) Sufficient potable water for all crew and scientists for the duration of the cruise.

8) Galley facilities for concurrent seating of at least 5 people

3.2 Electronic and Communication Equipment Requirements

1) Radios:

a. VHF (minimum 2)

b. Single side-band

2) Radar (2 units with minimum range 40 nm)

3) GPS (minimum 2 units)

4) Plotters with capability of plotting input from GPS desirable

5) Depth sounder

6) Internet connectivity for weather forecasting and reporting at a minimum. Access to the internet for science crew preferable. weather FAX machine desirable but not required

3.3 Crew requirements

1) The Captain shall have a minimum of three years experience as Master of a comparable-sized vessel in north Atlantic waters.

2) The Captain shall be competent in the use of modern navigational equipment.

3) At least two other members of the crew shall have a minimum of three years of sea-going experience.

4) The designated cook should have adequate experience in the planning and preparation of three daily meals at sea for groups of 5 or more people.

5) Bidders shall include documentation indicating pertinent employment experience for each crew member indicating the requisite experience. Similar documentation will be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative for approval of all replacement personnel proposed for hire during the charter.

3.4 Safety

The Contractor shall provide documentation that a USCG Fishing Vessel Safety Inspection has been passed within one year of the start of the cruise. 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 (lift rafts) 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.

There shall be two identified escape routes from all general areas.

A navigational watch shall be maintained at all times while the vessel is at sea. No crew member shall be required to work continuously in excess of 12 hours at any given time on any given day. Under normal operating scenarios, all crew members shall be provided at least two rest periods per 24 hour period, one of which must be at least six continuous hours in duration. Aboard vessels employing a one-person bridge watch, a tamper resistant audible watch or bridge alarm in the wheelhouse is required with an activation cycle not to exceed 15 minute intervals during the charter.

All vessels must have an emergency source of electrical power, independent of the main source of electrical power, to provide power to emergency loads in accordance with USCG or SOLAS requirements for a vessel of its size, type, and service. At a minimum, chartered vessels shall have a means to provide emergency power to the following equipment: emergency lighting, navigation equipment, navigation lights, general alarm systems (where fitted), and emergency communication systems and equipment. The emergency source of electrical power must be capable of supplying connected emergency loads continuously for at least three hours and must be located in a space or locker other than the main machinery space. Batteries of sufficient size and capacity may serve as an adequate source of emergency power.

Survival suits for the ship’s crew must be provided by the Contractor; the scientific party will provide their own survival suits. 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 research cruise. A thorough pre-cruise orientation aboard each vessel shall be conducted for the scientists and crew regarding the vessel’s safety, firefighting and lifesaving capabilities assigned responsibilities and procedures.

3.5. Stability

The vessel shall be of design and shall be operated and maintained in a condition that warrants it seaworthy and stable in accordance with the American Bureau of Shipping’s Guide for Building and

Classing Fishing Vessels and the 46 CFR, Part 28, Subchapter E as applicable, taking into consideration itinerant loads identified herein.

All vessels chartered by NOAA shall have stability information and instructions derived based on tests and calculations, in a format required by regulation applicable to the vessel’s size, type, and service.

Vessels 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. Vessels 79 feet or less, for which regulatory stability evaluation criteria is not available or applicable, may provide evidence that stability has been evaluated by a qualified individual using best available data in lieu of an official Stability Letter required by regulation.

All vessels chartered by NOAA shall have and shall maintain stability information aboard the vessel.

All vessels chartered by NOAA shall be operated in accordance with the vessel’s stability instructions and guidance.

3.6. Material Condition, Structural and Watertight Integrity

The Contractor shall provide one or more of the following, reflecting the vessel’s 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 years prior to the initiation of the cruise; or proof of satisfactorily passing an inspection completed by the Contractors marine insurance carrier within one 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 cruises.

3.7. 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 including a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility” meeting requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard for vessels over 400 tons. Vessels must not have any current operator or vessel permit sanctions.

4.0. DELIVERABLES

Following is a schedule of administrative deliverables required during the period of performance of this contract:

Item Description Quantity Due Date Delivery to Reference

Structural Inspection Verification 1 EA

With Quote COR/CO SOW, Para 3.6

Additional $5 million Insurance Rider for period of at-sea work 1 EA

Prior to Cruise COR Section II.9

0003 Data Waiver 1 EA With Quote CO SOW, Para 2.2

Stability Letter, if applicable 1 EA

With Quote CO SOW, Para 3.5

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

(a) Michelle Hophan is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

The COR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the Contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at:

NMFS/Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Michelle.Hophan@noaa.gov

The POC for this contract is Lisa Conger (Lisa Conger@noaa.gov).

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

(1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the Contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the

Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any Contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the Contractor

INVOICES

(a) Payment will be based on receipt of a proper invoice and satisfactory contract performance and guidelines in FAR 32.9, Prompt Payment.

(1) Original invoices shall be mailed (via U.S. Postal Service) to the designated billing office as follows:

NOAA/NEFSC

Purchasing Department 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 mailto:Kelly.Taranto@noaa.gov

(2) A copy of all invoices shall be mailed to the contract administration office as follows:

NOAA Eastern Regional Acquisition Division Attn: Roberta H. Smith 200 Granby St.

Norfolk, VA 23510 e-mail: Roberta.H.Smith@noaa.gov

(3) The designated payment office for this contract is:

DOC/NOAA Financial Office 20020 Century Boulevard Germantown, MD 20874

(b) The Government will return invoices that do not comply with these requirements.

(End of clause)

PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be:

Protected Species Staff Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543

(End of clause)

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

mailto:Kelly.Taranto@noaa.gov mailto:Roberta.H.Smith@noaa.gov

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property listed in Attachment A to the Contractor. The Contractor shall be accountable for, and have stewardship of, the property in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with provisions of the “Government Property” clause included in this contract.

Item No. Description Delivery Date 1 Research Permits Prior to Cruise 2 Scientific Sampling and Recording

Equipment Prior to Cruise

3 18’ rhib w/ man-rated lifting harness Prior to Cruise

4 Wooden cradle for rhib Prior to Cruise

5 Big eye stands (2) - installed Prior to Cruise

6 Big eye binoculars Prior to Cruise

APPENDIX 1.

windscreen and big eye binoculars - R/V Connecticut

Close-up of temporary bracket holding top portion of windscreen, angled out to prevent wind directly over the top of screen. R/V Connecticut.

Big eye binocular stand, mounted to deck. Big eye binoculars mounted to stand. windscreen. R/V Connecticut.

windscreen and big eye binoculars - NOAA ship Delaware II

Windscreen and big eye binoculars - NOAA ship Gordon Gunter.