Statement_of_Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

INTRODUCTION:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Western Ecological Research Center is in need of a boat charter in the spring of 2025 and in the fall of 2025. The research involves the long-term monitoring of the near shore ecosystem in the waters around San Nicolas Island, California (SNI). The work consists of a six-day boat charter in support of USGS research at SNI to be scheduled in April, May or June 2025 and another identical boat charter during late September to early November 2025. Scheduling of the trips will be worked out between the vessel operator and chief scientist.

WORK REQUIREMENTS:

The trip will depart early morning on the first day of the charter from the vessel’s port so that arrival will be by 0900 that day at SNI. While at the island several long-term monitoring sites will be visited where USGS scientists will conduct survey work using scuba equipment. The scientists will also be using air or battery powered drills to install marking hardware on the sea floor at depths of approximately 50’. Navigation to GPS coordinates for the sites is required. Setting anchor in close proximity to the GPS coordinates is required. A scuba compressor is required to be on board the vessel, with scuba tanks filled as needed.

Departure from SNI area is scheduled for afternoon of the sixth day, to return to the vessel’s port but may occur earlier if work is completed.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Pacific Ocean off the southern California Coast between the mainland and San Nicolas Island, CA.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

A six-day period that will take place during April-June 2025, and an option for another six-day period, boat charter in fall 2025 with the same work requirements and specifications.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY:

None

VESSEL OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS TO BE PROVIDED TO USGS:

Information shall be provided with quote:

1. Name and detailed description of the vessel to be used under this contract.

2. Name, proof of U.S Coast Guard license, and description of experience of the Captain.

3. Safety documentation supporting successful completion of Vessel Safety Exam conducted by the

U.S. Coast Guard.

Proof of insurance shall be provided after contract award:

Contract vessel shall have marine and general public liability insurance with limits of liability for:

1. Bodily Injury of not less than $100,000 for each person and $500,000 for each occurrence.

2. Property damage of not less than $100,000 for each incident and $500,000 in aggregate.

CHARTER VESSEL MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

1. The vessel shall be fully licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as required by law and shall have passed all appropriate U.S Coast Guard requirements for safety and seaworthiness.

2. The vessel shall be equipped with radar, depth sounder, EPIRB, VHF radios, safety equipment, first aid kit, oxygen kit, current nautical charts, and GPS navigation.

3. Any mechanical breakdowns in excess of 24 hours that cause rescheduling of the USGS operational schedule shall require the contractor to deduct operational costs (daily contract rate) for that period of time from their final invoice.

4. The vessel must be capable of operating up to 90 miles offshore.

5. The vessel must provide adequate berthing quarters for 10 biologists.

6. Berthing area(s) shall be separate from the galley, wheelhouse, and deck areas.

7. Three meals per day shall be provided for the biologists. The intended work will require some flexibility in meal times and provision of snack food throughout the day. Breakfast and lunch may be either hot or cold meals, but dinner must be a hot meal. Meals must be well balanced, nutritious, palatable and varied. If special dietary needs (e.g., low-sodium, vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) are required, USGS will notify the contractor at least 7 days prior to scheduled departure of the nature and number of special dietary requirements.

8. The vessel must be capable of providing occasional hot showers for each science crew member.

9. The vessel shall carry enough fuel, potable water, and food sufficient for up to 6 days at sea without a port call.

10. The vessel must have an air compressor in good working order appropriate for filling scuba cylinders with air. Membrane produced Nitrox preferred but not required.

11. The vessel must provide 12 cylinders, 100 cubic foot cylinders preferred but not required. If the vessel’s compressor cannot accommodate filling cylinders within the surface interval between dives, more cylinders will be required.

12. Staffing, including a Captain, possessing a U.S. Coast Guard License appropriate to the size of vessel.

BACKGROUND:

The Department of the Interior has been monitoring several permanent subtidal sites around SNI since 1980.

Currently USGS regularly monitors four sites and opportunistically sample the “legacy site” (See map). The sites are in depths of about 35–50 feet a quarter mile or more from shore. They are being sampled with the permission and cooperation of the US Navy.

Sites are located by dropping a buoy on GPS coordinates and diving in the vicinity to locate marker bolts.

After locating the site, divers run meter tapes from fixed points to count benthic kelp and invertebrates, count bottom and mid-water fish, measure cover of sessile invertebrates and macroalgae, and measure samples of sea urchins. Some replacement of marker bolts by means of small power drills and marine epoxy may occur if time and conditions permit.

It can take one to two days to sample each of the four regular sites (four dives plus surface intervals) and half that to do the legacy site.