Statement_of_Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)

NOAA FISHERIES,

ALASKA FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER (AFSC)

BIENNIAL BOTTOM TRAWL SURVEY OF ALASKA

GROUNDFISH IN THE GULF OF ALASKA & ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

Requirements are to supply a bottom trawler with an experienced crew to conduct a resource assessment bottom trawl survey of groundfish in the Aleutian Islands in 2028 & 2030 & Gulf of Alaska in the years 2027, 2029, & 2031. The vessel shall be completely rigged for trawling with a stern ramp and gallows or gantry, two net reels, each with capacity for one standard, four-seam Poly Nor'Eastern bottom trawl, and be equipped with modern navigation, fish-finding, and communication electronics. The Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering division will provide the trawls, bridles, and trawl doors and net mensuration gear. The survey areas comprise stations at depths that range from 10 m to 1,000 m (6 fm to 550 fm), requiring the vessel to have split trawl winches with a minimum of 1,463 m (800 fm) of 2.53 cm (1 in) diameter steel core trawl cable in good condition and available for fishing on each drum (not total capacity), but additional consideration may be given for vessels having 1,830 m (1,000 fm) of 2.53 cm (1 in) diameter steel core trawl cable or more available for fishing on each drum (not total capacity) to ensure complete coverage of the deeper sites in the study areas.

An experienced Vessel Captain and a four-member fishing crew will be required to operate the vessel and fishing gear. A Mate shall also be provided if required by applicable law.

The Gulf of Alaska & Aleutian Island surveys each span up to 85 days and will be conducted from as early as mid-May to mid-August in each year where approximately 300 15-minute tows will be conducted by the survey vessel.

Background: The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) conducts regular, comprehensive scientific bottom trawl surveys of marine fish and invertebrate resources in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands using chartered commercial fishing vessels on an alternating biennial schedule. The AFSC Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering (RACE) Division Groundfish Assessment Program conducts these comprehensive bottom trawl surveys and related research, in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as required, to monitor and quantitatively describe trends in abundance and distribution of commercially and ecologically valuable groundfish populations.

Objective: To conduct scientific bottom trawl survey operations for resource assessment mandated by the Magnuson Stevens Act and to deliver quantitative estimates of groundfish biomass, population size and age-structure, and distribution to the Groundfish Plan Teams reporting to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. These fishery-independent data are used in the stock assessment process to estimate Allowable Biological Catch and Total Allowable Catch under the auspices of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq.). All biological, habitat, and related data collected on the surveys are used to improve our ecosystem-based fisheries management, our understanding of life history of fish and invertebrate species. and the ecological and physical factors affecting their distribution and abundance.

This requirement is to provide one bottom trawler, which will be necessary to conduct a section of the Gulf of Alaska & Aleutian Island biennial bottom trawl surveys that covers the established survey design along the continental shelf and slope (see Map of survey area). Additional optional charter days may be used for completion of the full survey and for related research. The Government may exercise up to 30 optional charter days in addition to the 55 base charter days. Related research includes, but is not limited to:

1. Expanded number of trawl survey stations

2. Collection of auxiliary oceanographic, acoustic, or biological samples

3. Experimental gear comparison trials

4. Deployment of additional sampling modalities (e.g., drop camera systems or camera equipped

AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) or ROVs (remotely operated vehicles)) as needed.

1.CHARTER REQUIREMENTS

Aleutian Islands: In 2028 & 2030, the AFSC will be conducting the fifteenth and sixteenth successive standardized biennial bottom trawl survey of the Aleutian Islands and related research on groundfish, crab, and other invertebrates. The Aleutian Islands survey will be conducted by two charter vessels and divided into three or four legs of roughly equal duration and will begin in the Fox Islands region adjacent to Akutan Island (165º W long.) and continue westward to Stalemate Bank (170º E long.) (see survey map area below).

The Aleutian Island surveys are up to 85 days in length (typically 70 to 75 days) and will begin (port-set up) in Dutch Harbor, AK on or about June 1 and end in Dutch Harbor AK (port-off load), on or around August 9th. It is anticipated that fuel and water will be obtained and scientific personnel exchanged at Dutch Harbor after the first leg. The next port call typically occurs at Adak between leg 2 and 3, where air transportation is usually available, but where water, fuel, and other supplies may be difficult to obtain. The survey covers the area from nearshore out to 500 m in depth. Alternate starting dates proposed by quoters between May 23 or as late as June 11 may be considered.

Gulf of Alaska: In 2027, 2029, 2031 the AFSC will be conducting the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth successive standardized biennial bottom trawl survey of the Gulf of Alaska and related research on groundfish, crab, and other invertebrates. The Gulf of Alaska survey will be conducted by two or three charter vessels and divided into four legs of roughly equal duration and will begin at the Islands of Four Mountains (170° W long.) and continue eastward to Dixon Entrance, AK (see maps of survey below). The Gulf of Alaska surveys are up to 85 days in length (typically 75 days) and will begin in Dutch Harbor, AK on or about May 16 and end in Juneau, AK (or another Alaska port mutually agreeable to both parties) on or about July 31. Port calls will likely occur at Sand Point, Kodiak, Seward, and Juneau.

The Surveys consist of a series of standardized bottom trawl operations conducted at predetermined, randomly assigned stations as provided to the Vessel Captain prior to the survey. The survey will use the RACE Division's standardized high opening Poly Nor'Eastern trawls equipped with roller gear to sample stations ranging in depth from 10 m to 700 m (5.5 fm to 383 fm). Possessing available wire for trawling to depths of 1,000 m (547 fm) is preferable. Routine fishing operations consist of tows of 15-min duration 4-6 stations a day (dependent on weather and work progress) at selected locations. Up to 300 tows will be conducted per vessel during each of the surveys in the Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska. The workday length will be determined by the Chief Scientist in consultation with the Vessel Captain and normally requires 12 to 15 hours of work each day by the vessel's crew and Government Scientists. Survey catches generally range from 20 kg to 9,500 kg (45 lbs. to 10.5 T), averaging around 450 kg (0.5 T). At the conclusion of each tow, the catch will be lifted by crane to a table on the back deck to be sorted, counted, weighed, and sampled for length-frequency measurements and biological samples of key groundfish and other organisms.

Large catches will be weighed in aggregate by means of lifting the net attached to a load cell off deck or may be sub-sampled and the catch weight of the remainder estimated by volume in a deck bin. Most of the catch will be discarded overboard by means of chutes available for both the sorting area (table) and deck bin.

Vessel position, temperature, depth, conductivity, and trawl performance data will be collected for each tow by the Chief Scientist during trawling operations. Operations might also include the deployment of a towed underwater camera which will be deployed off the deck and likely will need the crane to secure a video cable over the side. All haul and biological data will be entered on Government provided onboard computer systems by Government Scientists. Acoustic data will be collected continuously throughout the cruise requiring use and calibration of the vessel echosounder equipment and cooperation of the Vessel Captain.

All fishing operations shall conform to the established AFSC standard operating protocols as described in NOAA Protocols for Groundfish Bottom Trawl Surveys of the Nation's Fishery Resources to ensure scientific consistency and statistical continuity in the time series used to monitor and forecast trends in the fish and crab populations.

https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/tm65.pdf

2.VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

1. The vessel shall have a minimum overall length (LOA) of 36.5 m (120 ft.) and the vessel will have been actively used for commercial bottom trawling or research where bottom trawl gear was used in the past 12 months.

2. The vessel shall have sufficient fuel capacity to allow survey trawling operation for up to 30 days without refueling.

3. The vessel shall have a minimum continuous horsepower output from the main engine of 1,000 hp.

4. The vessel shall be able to tow the standard survey bottom trawl, a 27.4/36.5 m (90/120 ft.) Poly Nor'Eastern bottom trawl (see Attachments 5 & 6) with rubber bobbin roller gear at a continuous speed of 5.6 km/hr. (3 kts) under weather conditions considered safe and typical for survey sampling.

5. The vessel shall be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 16.8 km/hr. (9 kts) in low sea states.

6. The Vessel shall be completely rigged for trawling including:

a. A stern ramp and gallows or gantry.

b. Two net reels, each with capacity for one standard Poly Nor'Eastern bottom trawl equipped with roller gear as described above and in Attachments 5 & 6. An aft location of the two net reels that keeps the trawl alley open is preferred.

c. Split trawl winches with a minimum of 1,463 m (800 fm) of 2.5 cm (1 in) diameter steel core trawl cable in good condition and free of signs of excessive wear (frayed, burrs, broken strands, corrosion) and available for fishing on each drum let out to the mark point). Vessels with 1,830 m (1,000 fm) trawl cable available for fishing on each drum (not total capacity) are preferred. At the beginning of the charter, the trawl cable shall be measured using approved methods and the crew shall mark the trawl wire at 45.7 m (25 fm) intervals. The trawl wire and marks may also be measured at the completion of the survey and may be measured during the survey if there are indications that the wire has stretched or if significant differences are found between the wire measurements from both trawl winches.

d. An auto-trawl system with the capability of adjustable winch brakes and measurement of trawl wire deployed. This auto-trawl system shall be annually certified by factory inspectors to be operating as designed and maintained in usable condition throughout the duration of each survey.

e. Trawl cable shall lead directly from the winches to the gallows trawl blocks.

7. The vessel shall have a deck area, clear of obstructions, of at least 55.7 m2 (600 sq. ft.) for sampling equipment supplied by the government including a 1.5 m X 3.0 m (5 ft. X 10 ft.) sampling/sorting table and one 1.2 m X 1.2 m (4 ft. X 4 ft.) sampling table for working on catches and obtaining biological data as well as a 1.2 m X 0.6 m (4 ft. X 2 ft.) table to house a platform scale with electrical power requirements. The work area should allow the sampling table to be positioned so that all four sides of the table can be used to conduct work, there is easy access to the rail or scuppers to discard https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/tm65.pdf catch, and access to deck bins described in Item 2.8. Deck space should also include a 1.2 m X 1.2 m (4 ft. X 4 ft.) area for anchoring a holding tank with raw seawater supplies for keeping fish alive pending tagging. On deck work area(s) shall be clear of running gear, equipment, vertical obstructions (e.g., hatch coamings) and stowage.

8. The vessel shall have a protected (sheltered from wind) and lighted areas on back deck with a combined area of at least 27.9 m2 (300 sq. ft.) where a minimum of two additional work tables can be set up for collection of weights and other biological data from specimens retained from the catch using electronic scales. (In particular, specimen scales need to be protected from wind and spray which can affect scale calibration and the accuracy of weight data).

9. The vessel shall have electric power (110/115 VAC.) outlets (minimum of two) near on-deck work area. This may be a temporary installation, if necessary, but shall be safe to use.

10.The vessel shall have a seawater deck hose for cleaning the sorting table and sampling gear and for supplying fish holding tanks and ample supply of seawater with good water pressure. More than one deck hose will be strongly preferred. On/off switch should be readily available from the working deck.

11.The vessel shall have easy access to fresh water either on deck or from the deckhouse.

12.The vessel shall have a deck bin or trawl alley that can be subdivided with bin boards able to contain large catches up to 10 mt for catch sub-sampling and sorting. Bin boards shall be in good condition;

easy placement and removal is essential. Extra bin boards shall be available to replace any broken during use.

13.The vessel shall have an efficient and effective overboard discard of samples. A system should be in place to service both the sorting table and the deck bins. An overboard discarding system with a discard chute that requires minimum lifting. Two discard chutes are strongly preferred.

14.The vessel shall have a hydraulic crane with the capability to extend out 3 m (10 ft.) beyond the side of the vessel and lifting winches rated for handling fishing gear, sampling gear, and catches weighing as much as 5.4 mt under dynamic load conditions. The crane shall be rated to 10,000 lbs. (4.5 mt) and capable of raising or lowering the codend anywhere along the centerline of the working deck and shall easily reach the sampling table described above. The crane may also be used for underwater camera work, for setting and retrieving the camera and guiding the cable from a portable winch.

15.The vessel shall have a dry storage area of at least 56.6 m2 (2,900 cu ft.) in the hold for fishing gear and accessories. The vessel shall have capacity to store up to seven trawls equipped with roller gear in the hold and/or on deck, along with two spare doors and scientific supplies. Indoor space that is easily accessible (such as empty factory space) for the storage of all scientific gear used during deck operations that need dry storage is preferred.

16.The vessel shall have a dry storage area of at least 5.4 m3 (190 cu ft.) in the main house for holding scientific supplies.

17.The vessel shall have a minimum of 4.2 m3 (150 cu ft.) of freezer storage (exclusive of space for ship's stores) for stowing scientific samples and supplies. Freezer space shall be reasonably and safely accessible from the deck and shall be available at all times to the scientific party.

18.The vessel shall have a suitable dedicated dry counter work space at least 0.6 m X 1.2 m (2 ft. X 4 ft.)

with adjacent 110/ 115 volt power outlets on the bridge for installation of Government-supplied personal computers, printer, GPS and trawl mensuration electronics.

19.The vessel shall have access to and use of a suitable chart table on the bridge.

20.The vessel shall have two 1-inch diameter through-bulkhead access holes to the outside from bridge for the passage of GPS and hydrophone cables to Government computers and trawl mensuration units on the bridge.

21.The vessel shall have an office with a desk area (exclusive of galley and accessible at all times) at least

0.6 m X 1.2 m (2 ft. X 4 ft.) with adjacent 110/115 volt power outlets for data management and analysis. Government-supplied personal computers and printers will be installed here for logging data. The additional space is needed for storing data notebooks and office supplies. The office space shall have an area for charging scientific equipment; within a metal fireproof locker is preferred.

22.The vessel shall have clean and sanitary accommodations for crew and six Government Scientists

(prefer berthing capacity for up to 8 Government Scientists) which may include both male and female scientists. Stateroom and berthing arrangements shall allow for separate rooms for male and female scientists. Bunk areas shall contain at least one drawer or closet per occupant for storage of clothing and personal gear. A Single person stateroom to accommodate all combinations of gender is preferred.

23.The vessel shall have potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use (including showers and laundry) for 11 people for at least 25 days. If a water-maker is not available, then a minimum of 22,000 L (6,000 gal) is required.

24.The vessel shall have clean mattresses preferably with clean fitted covers for all Government Scientists.

25.The vessel shall have a minimum of one head and one shower that shall be available to Government

Scientists. Additional heads/showers available to the Government Scientists are highly preferred.

Facilities shall be separate from the living quarters. Adequate soap, toilet paper, and paper towels shall be provided by the vessel.

26.The vessel shall have workspaces, berthing, and galley spaces that shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke, vaping odors, excessive engine noise, and hydrocarbon or other noxious fumes.

27.The vessel shall have washers and dryers for personal laundry.

28.The vessel is preferred to have a skiff or rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) measuring at least 4.3 m (14 ft.) LOA with an outboard motor (minimum 15 hp). Skiff to be rated at a minimum of 400 kg (880 lbs.) total carrying capacity; shall be stored away from the work area but be accessible so as to be easily deployed. A RHIB type skiff is preferred. Gasoline fuel for the outboard motor shall be stored in Coast Guard approved tanks or containers. This is a preferred item.

29.The vessel shall be ballasted to maintain sea-kindliness during the charter. If crab tanks are used to ballast or trim the vessel, overboard (not on deck) discharge shall be employed. Fuel oil considered as ballast should not be considered in the vessel's fuel-endurance estimation.

30.The vessel shall provide a safe and stable portable gangway for use in boarding and debarking vessel while in port. Gangway shall be easily accessible from vessel with adequate step adjusting for tidal change of vessel height. Gangway shall be wide enough to allow transportation of small equipment and luggage to and from vessel.

31.The vessel captain and crew shall comply with vessel waste-management requirements, intended to reduce marine debris pollution, vessel regulations as described in Section V of the MARPOL Convention. The vessel is required to have a storage facility, with or without a trash compactor, to retain all refuse (except food materials) or a means to incinerate this refuse so that it is not disposed of at sea. Reference Solicitation and Contract Language, paragraph titled “Control of Plastic Discharges.”

32.The vessel fuel is required to be purchased through the Defense Logistic Agency’s Seacard program when a Seacard vendor is available in that port. Fuel purchased through this program will be paid for directly by the Government. If no Seacard vendor is available in the port, the Contractor may be required to purchase fuel and these costs will be reimbursed by the Government.

3.ELECTRONIC & COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. The vessel shall have one or more working hull mounted transducers compatible with the Marport net mensuration system available for data acquisition on government computers during the survey.

2. Radios-:

A. VHF-- a minimum of two working sets.

B. Two working single side-band units with at least one being synthesized in the 2-18 MHz range.

3.The vessel shall have a system for switching to backup power (e.g., battery) for radio operation in the event of interruption of the normal power supply.

4.The vessel shall have a working video plotter with capability of plotting input from GPS.

5.Vessel shall have a minimum of two working GPS (Global Positioning System) units with at least six-channel, sequential capability to track satellites. Vessel shall have a minimum of two working radars with a minimum range of 77.2 km (48 miles).

6.The vessel shall have a minimum of two working depth sounders with a minimum range of 1,100 m (600 fm) and operating in the 38-50 kHz range.

7.The vessel shall have a working Simrad ES60, ES70 or ES80 echo sounder system with a 38-kHz single beam transducer. A split beam transducer is preferred. In addition to the 38-kHz system, a working Simrad ES60, ES70 or ES80 echosounder system simultaneously operating at 120 kHz is preferred. The echo sounder system(s) should be connected to the ship's GPS unit and should be running the most recent version of the Simrad ES60, ES70 or ES80 software. All sources of noise and interference should be eliminated during survey operations. Conventional fisheries sounders of the same or potentially interfering frequencies to the system shall either be synchronized or turned off during data collection. The echo sounder system(s) will be calibrated before and after the survey under the supervision of Government Scientists and assistance and cooperation from vessel personnel.

8.The vessel shall have an electronic charting system that will allow for continuous recording of position and depth by the scientific staff and allow the importation of point and line information. Timezero charting software is preferred. Vessels shall have an email system with capabilities for sending and receiving email messages, a satellite or broadband telephone, and a cellular telephone for use when service is available in the survey area or in port. The Government will reimburse the Contractor for transmission costs of Government messages and calls, or the cost of any necessary increase in system bandwidth to achieve mission communication goals if applicable.

9.Vessel shall have a working TV set in the galley with capability to watch instructional video such as safety instructions (USB connection to hard drive).

4. OPERATING PROCEDURES-VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

1. The contractor shall provide three (3) nutritionally balanced meals and a light snacks between meals each charter day. Meal times shall be coordinated with the Chief Scientist to accommodate both the need to complete sampling work and the time required to prepare meals by the cook. Meals shall be provided by the vessel for the Government Scientists during all charter days including in-port days unless notified by the Chief Scientist that the Government Scientists will not be eating one or more meals aboard the vessel that day. The cook shall accommodate dietary requirements of Government Scientists for health or choice related diets (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose intolerant, food allergies, etc.).

2. The crew, when not required by the Vessel Captain for vessel operations, shall assist the Government

Scientists in sorting the catch and obtaining biological data; the Vessel Captain may be asked to assist Government Scientists with navigational and fishing record keeping.

3. At the end of each haul the contractor is responsible for removing all biological material (fish, including “gilled” fish, invertebrates, seaweed etc.) from the entire trawl net and ensuring the fishing net is prepared for the next haul. This is critical in eliminating contamination of catches from previous hauls and optimizing standard gear performance.

4. When a net is retired and will no longer be used in the survey and at the end of the charter, the

Contractor is responsible for thoroughly cleaning, washing, and baling all nets. This includes removal of all fish, crabs, seaweed, etc. and towing the net behind the vessel until it is free of any biological material. All nets shall be neatly stacked and baled securely with rope. Dandy lines shall be coiled separately and tied at two points on the coil. The Government will provide rope for baling the nets and dandy lines.

5. The Contractor shall provide for all operating expenses of the vessel exclusive of: fishing nets, trawl doors, trawl bridles, net mending supplies, fuel (including outboard motor fuel and oil), and mooring fees incurred during charter days. Communications costs such as use of satellite phone and email, cellular phones, or FAX/Telex costs to conduct official survey business will also be reimbursable.

5.CONTRACTOR CREW REQUIREMENTS

1. The minimum crew shall consist of five (5) personnel: one Vessel Captain and a four-member fishing crew consisting of a lead-fisher, engineer-fisher, general-fisher, and cook or cook-fisher. A Mate shall also be provided if required by applicable law.

2. The Vessel Captain shall have a minimum of three (3) years of bottom trawl fishing experience as master of a comparable sized trawler in Alaska waters and at least five (5) years total fishing experience as a master.

3. The Vessel Captain shall be competent in the use of modern navigational and fish-detecting equipment and be skilled in rigging and repairing bottom trawls.

4. The lead-fisher shall have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in otter trawl fishing and demonstrated experience in building, rigging, repairing, and operating bottom trawls. The lead fisher shall possess demonstrated competence for repairing damaged trawls to their original government specifications.

5. The engineer, general-fisher(s), and cook shall have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in trawl fishing and fishers shall have the necessary net mending skills to assist the lead-fisher in bottom trawl repair.

6. In addition to the required fishing experience, the cook-fisher shall have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the planning and preparation of three daily meals for a group of at least 11 people. The cook shall have experience in providing meals that address dietary restrictions and provide a variety of vegetarian, gluten free or no-dairy options if so required. If the cook is employed solely for food preparation, trawl experience is not necessary.

7. Experience conducting research surveys is highly desirable for the Vessel Captain and lead-fisher, though not required.

8. The contractor shall complete the attached forms indicating pertinent employment experience for each crew member to include the past five (5) years at a minimum. Similar documentation shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for approval of all replacement personnel proposed during the charter.

6.GOVERNMENT/CONTRACTOR OPERATIONAL SURVEY PROTOCOLS

1. The Government Scientists generally consist of six personnel (possibly up to eight) and may include all genders.

2. One Government Scientist will be designated Chief Scientist on each leg of the survey. That person will be responsible for implementation of the Scientific Cruise Plan, Protected Species Mitigation Plan, of catches and the conduct and performance of Government Scientists aboard the vessel.

3. Government Scientists will provide their own bedding, towels, and survival suits. (Except those items specified under Item 2.24 above).

4. The workday length shall be determined by the Chief Scientist in consultation with the Vessel Captain.

The decision will be based on the type of activity expected (in-port preparations, running, fishing, jogging, etc.) as well as on prevailing weather conditions and the Scientific Cruise Plan. A typical workday will last about 12 hours, although some days will run longer (up to 18 hours), beginning as early as 06:00 am. An average of approximately five (5) stations or trawl hauls will be made each day.

The workday for the vessel crew will likely exceed that of the Government Scientists, as they may be required to conduct a wheel/anchor watch at night while the vessel runs to the next station or anchorage after completion of the sampling day, drift, lies at anchor, or runs to the first station early in the morning. The Chief Scientist has the final authority except in matters relating to safety of the vessel and all personnel on board.

5. The Chief Scientist and Vessel Captain shall meet a minimum of twice a day to discuss survey operations and resolve any problems that occur. A meeting will occur at the start of the day before fishing operations begin to discuss the planned activities for the day and at the end of the day to review the work completed that day, any problems which occurred, and plans for the next day's operations.

In the event the Chief Scientist and Vessel Captain are unable to resolve any problem which has the potential for invalidating the survey or threatens the safety of the vessel personnel, the Chief Scientist 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 will be off charter if required to return to port and will remain off charter until the problem has been resolved and the vessel has returned to the survey area.

6. Both the Aleutian Island and the Gulf of Alaska surveys typically begin in Dutch Harbor for loading and survey preparation. The cruise is divided into 3 or 4 legs with in-port days dependent on survey and may include Sand Point, Kodiak, Seward, Ketchikan, or Juneau (Gulf of Alaska survey), or Adak (Aleutian Island survey). Leg durations range between 15 and 30 days (typically 21 days) but unusual conditions may alter this pattern.

7. The in-port days at the onset, end, and at breaks between each leg (approximately 24-48 hours in each instance), are used to load or unload nets and supplies, exchange personnel to obtain fuel, water, groceries, and other necessary supplies and for repair or maintenance of shipboard equipment.

8. A mid-leg break may occur approximately halfway between each leg (at approximately 10-15 days) consisting of a day for resting and taking care of equipment maintenance, restocking supplies, and personal needs. Often this day coincides with a day of poor weather when conditions are not favorable for survey operations. The mid-leg break may or may not be associated with a port-call. The mid-leg break is scheduled at the discretion of the Chief Scientist and the Vessel Captain.

9. All fish and shellfish taken in the trawl remain the property of the Government. The Chief Scientist is responsible for their disposition. NOAA policy specifically prohibits retaining any portion of the catch for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized by the contract or retaining specimens from survey catches for personal use and consumption. However, survey catch can be consumed as food during the survey by vessel and science crew as long as it is not frozen and stored when in port.

Reference Section C Contract Clauses- Incidental Catch Disposal, and Recreational Fishing.

10.Beginning at each leg, the Chief Scientist and Vessel Captain shall review the AFSC Protected Species

Mitigation Plan which complies with federal environmental compliance laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and others. The plan details monitoring for and avoiding protected species during transit and survey operations, reporting, and planning for handling any captured animals by the vessel and scientific crew and for avoiding known shipwreck and historical objects. Vessel crew and Government Scientists are NOT authorized to retain marine mammal or threatened or endangered species whole or parts unless permitted and authorized by Government entities.

8. All equipment and gear specified in the Government's statement of work and that which is not specified but is necessary to the safe and continued operation of the vessel, shall be operational at the beginning of the charter and maintained in working order throughout the duration of the charter.

9. Passengers are not permitted to be transported aboard NOAA chartered vessels for any reason without review and approval from the NOAA Contracting Officer in consultation with the COR, program official, or designee acting on behalf of the program office chartering the vessel. No individuals will be aboard without NOAA authorization. Exception to this requirement is permitted for purposes of rescuing and saving life at sea.

10.All survey personnel including Government Scientists and vessel crew shall follow the AFSC Code of

Conduct (see Attachment- AFSC code of conduct).

7.SAFETY

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

Reference Section C Contract Clauses – Charter Vessel Safety.

2. The Vessel Captain (or designee) shall provide a detailed safety orientation before the vessel leaves the dock at the beginning of each leg. At a minimum, the orientation shall review the purpose, location, and emergency operation of vessel EPIRBS, VHF and single sideband radios, survival suits, life jackets, life rafts, fire-fighting equipment and first aid supplies. In addition, emergency procedures for man overboard and abandon ship shall be reviewed (i.e. safety drills) including the responsibilities of each scientific crew member in case of the occurrence of these events. Any additional safety information that is specific to the vessel shall also be covered at this time. Safety drills shall be conducted before the vessel leaves port at the beginning of each leg. The Vessel Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow safety procedures as directed by the Chief Scientist to help prevent damage or loss of Government gear and equipment, including trawl mensuration equipment. Specific safety procedures may be presented in writing to the Captain by the Chief Scientist. Repair or replacement costs may be deducted from charter payments if loss or damage to Government equipment is the result of negligence or disregard of such instructions and procedures.

3. The Contractor shall adhere to the safety requirements set forth herein which include 46 CFR Part 28.

4. The Contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved Arctic-type survival suits for all vessel personnel. The Government personnel will provide their own suits. Adequate dry, top-side storage for all survival suits shall be provided.

5. The Contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for the vessel crew. The government will supply life jackets for the scientific crew.

6. Periodic and unannounced safety drills shall be conducted during each leg of the survey. At least one unannounced drill shall be held each leg.

7. The Government will provide a first-aid kit, oxygen therapy bottles, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), as well as immersion suites and working Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).

8. All personnel working or being transported in a skiff SHALL WEAR a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or survival suit. Float coats or other substitutions are not acceptable.

9. Radio contact with the skiff shall be maintained while it is away from the vessel. The Government will provide portable VHF radios for this purpose.

10.At least one Category l 406 Mhz EPIRB shall be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

11.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. An additional crewmember with certified first aid or EMT (emergency medical technician) training is preferred and may be given additional consideration in the technical evaluation.

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

13.Quantities of all hazardous materials (e.g., ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde) shall be kept to a minimum and their storage, handling, and use shall be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Hazardous materials needed for the scientific mission shall be handled in accordance with chemical hygiene plans and prudent laboratory practices. Storage containers and storage locations, including labeling of containers and locations, shall meet transportation regulations and USCG or IMO standards for the type and quantity of material being carried. NOAA-authorized personnel will provide to the vessel's captain an inventory of the hazardous materials that will be brought aboard, along with copies of the relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and any special neutralizing agents and personal protective equipment that may be required that cannot reasonably be expected to be provided by the vessel. The Vessel Captain, or the Captain's designee, shall evaluate the risks posed by the materials and shall make all accommodations and take any precautions as may be necessary to protect the vessel and those aboard. Information related to OSHA's Hazard Communication, "Right to Know," Standards shall be maintained and made available to all on board. All hazardous materials brought aboard and hazardous waste generated by NOAA-authorized personnel that remain after completion of the mission shall be removed from the vessel prior to, or upon completion of, the charter unless specific arrangements have been made with the vessel owner and captain to deliver the hazardous material to a port other than the port of contract termination.

14.During infectious disease outbreaks (pandemic), agreed upon prevention procedures for sheltering-in-place and testing before boarding the vessel, vessel operations, survey operations, and handling emergent or suspected infections shall be communicated and followed at the start of and during each survey leg. Interested contractors shall submit their infectious disease Safety Protocols with a bid package and will be included as part of the review process.

8. GOVERNMENT-SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT AND CONSUMABLES FOR USE

DURING CHARTER

The following items will be provided by the Government for the charter:

1. Trawls, dandylines, fishing gear hardware, spare webbing, twine, and floats.

2. Acoustic data storage media.

3. All scientific sampling equipment and supplies.

4. Bedding (except those items specified under Item 2.24 above), towels, and survival suits (with Personal

Locator Beacons).

5. Portable VHF radio(s) for use between the skiff and vessel, or between the deck and bridge.

6. A first-aid kit, oxygen therapy bottles, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a small boat emergency kit.

7. 1.5 m X 3 m (5 ft. X 10 ft.) sorting table, 1.2 m X 2.4 m (4 ft. X 8 ft.) biological specimen table, and 0.6 m X 1.2 m (2 ft. X 4 ft.) platform scale table for working up trawl catches.

8. Trawl doors--two pairs, 1.8 m X 2.7 m (6 ft. X 9 ft.), V-type, 726-908 kg (1,600-2,000 lbs.) each.

9. Materials needed for sampling large catches (for example, cargo nets, etc.).

10.Metal or fiberglass fish holding tanks.

11.Computer equipment for collecting navigational and fishing effort data in the wheelhouse and biological data from the catch, including tablets, computers, monitors and cables

12.NOAA reserves the right to add to this list or alter items listed to updated/improved gear designs.

9.POST-AWARD AND POST-SURVEY MEETINGS

1. Upon award of contract and prior to the start of the charter, a post-award meeting may be held at the

Alaska Fisheries Science Center (Seattle) (or alternatively a virtual meeting) to discuss issues relating to the charter and survey. The vessel manager, and all Vessel Captains participating in the charter, and crew members primarily responsible for the mending and maintenance of the research trawls (typically Lead Fishers) are required to attend the meeting. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) upon award of the contract at a time that is mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

2. After completion of the survey, a post-survey debriefing will be held at the Alaska Fisheries Science

Center (Seattle) (or alternatively a virtual meeting) time that is mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

3. 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 contractor may attend the meeting via phone conference, as necessary. The date and time of the meeting will be scheduled by the COR upon completion of the survey at a time that is mutually agreeable between the Government and the contractor.

10.OPTION FOR SHIPMENT OF GOVERNMENT GEAR AND EQUIPMENT

For each charter period, the quoter is requested to provide a price for the transport or shipment of the Government's gear and equipment from Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK prior to the start of the survey and back to Seattle, WA upon completion of the survey. The quoter can submit pricing for transport or shipment of the gear for only the start or end of the survey or for the round-trip. A list of the gear and equipment to be shipped is included in Attachment 6 Gear list. Shipment can be by the chartered survey vessel or commercial freight carrier. All gear and equipment shall arrive in Dutch Harbor, AK one-week (7 days) prior to the beginning of charter, if not transported via the chartered vessel and shall be returned to Seattle, WA within three (3) weeks after completion of charter.

aps showing an example of the Aleutian Islands surveys (above) and the Gulf of Alaska bottom trawl survey stations (right top & bottom) conducted during a normal survey. These maps are for informational purposes only.

End Statement of Work-