Statement_of_Work_IWCPS_Ocean_Charter_FY25_1.pdf

DRAFT

NOAA/NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

NORTHWEST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER

Fishery Resource Analysis and Monitoring Division

STATEMENT OF WORK

Integrated West Coast Pelagics Surveys

1.0 GENERAL

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts acoustic trawl surveys of the California

Current Ecosystem (CCE) that address NOAA’s mission to provide critical, fishery-independent data on stock abundances and distributions of Pacific hake (Pacific whiting) and multiple coastal pelagic fish species (CPS). The Integrated Ecosystem and Pacific Hake Acoustic Trawl Survey is conducted jointly with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), extends from Point Conception, California to Dixon Entrance, Alaska, and produces a biomass estimate and age composition data for Pacific hake. The survey also includes euphausiids (a major prey species of Pacific hake) and pelagic rockfishes. The CCE Survey extends from the U.S.-Mexico border to the northern tip of

Vancouver Island, Canada and estimates the biomasses of multiple CPS including Pacific sardine, northern anchovy, Pacific and jack mackerel, and Pacific herring.

1.1 BACKGROUND

NOAA Fisheries is integrating these two surveys, with the inaugural integrated survey set to start in 2025. The Integrated West Coast Pelagics Survey (IWCPS) will maximize use of valuable ship time, integrate knowledge, skills, methods and other resources across NMFS Science

Centers and, with international partners, provide a more holistic understanding of the CCE.

The IWCPS will be conducted on a NOAA Fishery Survey Vessel (FSV) and will be supplemented with an oceanographic charter vessel(s) covering the U.S. portion of the CCE from

Point Conception, California (or the U.S.-Mexico border) to the U.S.-Canada border. The goals of the IWCPS are to: 1) collect active acoustics (including those collected with an Acoustic

Doppler Current Profiler [ADCP] system) and biosampling data for accurate stock assessments to ensure that fisheries for Pacific hake and CPS remain productive and sustainable into the future; and 2) collect environmental sampling data including hydrographic data throughout the water column (e.g., CTD casts for temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) as well as environmental DNA (eDNA), Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) water samples, and zooplankton samples to monitor changing ocean conditions, understand shifts in species distributions and their impacts on fisheries, quantify abundance of focal species with eDNA, and inform forecasting models. The data for element #1 will be collected on the NOAA FSV and the data for element #2 will be collected on an oceanographic charter vessel(s) surveying in tandem with the

NOAA FSV.

1.2 OBJECTIVE

The goal of this contract effort is to secure a charter vessel upon which the Northwest Fisheries

Science Center (NWFSC) and Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) can conduct environmental sampling in coordination with a NOAA FSV for the IWCPS. Data collected from the charter vessel will improve the understanding of the distribution of Pacific hake and CPS relative to oceanographic conditions, and inform critical ecosystem monitoring.

The survey will begin at Point Conception, California (or the U.S.-Mexico border) and will proceed north along the west coast of the United States to the U.S.-Canada border (northwest tip of Washington) (see Figure 1). Environmental sampling on the oceanographic charter vessel will be conducted between the 50-m isobath and either the 1,500-m isobath or a location 35 nm west of the 50-m isobath, whichever is farther offshore.

1.3 SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide an oceanographic charter vessel capable of carrying out environmental sampling in the CCE from the U.S.-Mexico border to the northern tip of

Washington (U.S.-Canada border). The oceanographic charter vessel will work in coordination with the NOAA FSV, which will be conducting acoustic transects, oriented east-west and spaced

10 nm apart, that extend from the 50-m isobath (or as close to that depth as is safely navigable) to either the 1,500-m isobath or to a location 35 nm west of the 50-m isobath, whichever is farther offshore.

The oceanographic charter vessel will conduct conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) carousel deployments along every other acoustic transect at isobaths of 50, 150, 300, 500, and 1,500 m.

Contract cruise operations in 2025–2029 shall require seventy-five (75) to eighty-five (85) days-at-sea (DAS) each year, plus additional days for mobilization and demobilization of scientific equipment. Contingent upon funding, additional DAS may be required each year. On long transects, additional stations may be added every 5 nm west of the 500-m isobath. Maximum

CTD deployment depth will be to 500 m or 10 m off bottom (whichever is shallower). In conjunction with the CTD deployments, Niskin bottle water sample collections will be obtained at various depths from the CTD carousel throughout the water column (up to 500 m depth) to collect eDNA samples.

NWFSC and SWFSC personnel will assist with the mobilization/demobilization, deployment, tending, and recovery of CTD rosette and other sampling equipment (e.g. vertical plankton net or bongo net) aboard the vessel.

Task 1: As many charter trips as needed (65-90 days at sea, total) to conduct oceanographic sampling from the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S.-Canada border.

Task 2: As many as six (6) mobilization and demobilization days and crane rentals (two for each charter vessel) for loading, setup, and unloading of survey equipment.

1.4 OPERATIONS SCHEDULE

Ideally the first period of performance for the survey will be conducted June 2025 through

September 2025 when the IWCPS will be underway on the NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada. The schedule of cruises in future years will be similar to 2025 (approximately June through

September). Even though trips may be impacted by weather, all offerors must be able to complete a span of at least eight (8) DAS (approximately half of the survey days) consecutively, if necessary.

The following reflects subsequent periods of performance:

● Option period 1: 1 June 2026 to 30 September 2026

● Option period 2: 1 June 2027 to 30 September 2027

● Option period 3: 1 June 2028 to 30 September 2028

● Option period 4: 1 June 2029 to 30 September 2029

2.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

The Contractor shall provide charter services of a research vessel for multiple cruises totaling 75

DAS with 10 Optional Days (if funds become available) in CCE waters, with a focus on areas offshore of California, Oregon, and Washington.

The Contractor shall provide vessel charter services to support the following at-sea tasks:

● Conduct total water column CTD profiles with a CTD rosette to measure subsurface water properties and collect water samples at specified depths with casts up to 500 meters deep. The charter vessel is equipped with an EM cable, deck unit, and carousel 'brain' for real-time communication with the CTD and for triggering Niskin samples. Digital readout connected to a computer in an onboard laboratory.

The CTD rosette will be equipped with the following sensor, where number in parentheses indicates optimal # for each type of sensor/component:

○ Temperature sensors (2)

○ Conductivity sensors (2)

○ Dissolved oxygen sensors (2)

○ Fluorometer (1)

○ Altimeter (1)

○ Niskin bottles (8-12, 10L bottles)

● Scientific seawater from a flow-through system to onboard laboratory to support underway and stationary water sample collections.

● Continuous measurements of sea-surface temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a from a hull-mounted thermosalinograph and flow-through fluorometer.

● At-sea sensor data collection and manual data entry (dry lab operations, supported by a marine / survey technician)

● Deploy and retrieve sampling gears as needed (e.g., CTD rosette, vertical net, bongo net,...)

The Contractor shall port in the same location as the NOAA FSV, for embarkation and disembarkation, where science personnel and equipment will on-load/off-load. The Government anticipates one (1) paid loading day for each research cruise each year.

Cruises shall be prepared to depart at high slack tide on the first day of the cruise and return by high slack tide on the last day of the cruise, although the time of departure and return will be at the discretion of the chief scientist for the cruise in coordination with the timing of the NOAA

FSV. The vessel must be available at the port of embarkation at least twelve (12) hours prior to the first day of each cruise for science personnel to on-load equipment and personal gear and to allow twelve (12) hours upon returning for science personnel to off-load equipment and personal gear.

To complete the tasks described above, the following vessel requirements shall be provided:

A. General vessel specifications

1. Overall vessel length must not be less than sixty-five (65) feet.

2. Maximum cruising speed must not be less than nine (9) knots (9-10 knots is preferred).

3. Vessel crew, including United States Coast Guard licensed captain (capable of speaking

English), experienced in at-sea scientific research operations in CCE waters, who shall be responsible for operation and maintenance of all equipment owned, leased, operated, or otherwise under the control of the Vendor.

4. Vessel must have a minimum of 250 cubic feet of storage below deck for equipment.

5. Vessel must have 600 square feet of unobstructed back deck space to accommodate a

CTD rosette, plankton nets, lines, buoys, coolers, and other sampling gear. Power (120 volt AC) is required on the back deck.

6. Vessel must be fully founded. Founded requirement includes, but is not necessarily limited to:

a. Accommodations and personal gear storage space for a minimum of 7 science personnel (up to 12 science personnel), not including crew.

b. Provision of three meals daily plus snacks and drinks for scientific personnel.

c. Liability insurance protection for vessel operations and vessel personnel while conducting gear deployment operations.

d. Docking, harbor, pilot fees, etc.

e. Taxes, duties, etc.

f. All crew expenses.

g. Fuel and oil charges.

h. All expenses associated with maintaining or upgrading the vessel or any other equipment required to comply with these specifications.

7. Climate controlled (72ºF ± 5º) berthing for a minimum of 5 scientific personnel.

8. Vessel documentation/certification.

B. Operational Equipment Requirements

In addition to the primary systems (fully operational surface vessel), certain required items are mission-essential, i.e., necessary to accomplish the scientific objectives of this mission. Either entire replacements or the necessary spare parts should be available onboard the vessel to ensure that repairs can be made on site, as opposed to returning to port to conduct repairs. The following items are mission-essential:

1. Crane: The vessel shall possess a crane (minimum load requirement = 2000 pounds) to load gear, mobilize gear on deck at sea, and aid in gear recovery at sea.

2. Pot-hauler: A hydraulic pot hauler is required for retrieving bottom-deployed gear.

3. Ice machine: The vessel shall have the capacity to provide a daily minimum supply of

500 pounds of ice while at sea during cruise durations.

4. Shipboard data acquisition system: The vessel shall provide a data acquisition system to log and display data (to include ship position, wind speed, air and surface water temperature, and salinity) in ship laboratory spaces. A local wireless network connecting scientific computers and ship computers is required. The vessel shall additionally provide

GPS and seafloor depth data via serial ports in both dry and wet lab areas, as well as real-time viewing for ship position via vessel navigation software.

5. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler instrumentation to measure current speed and direction in waters from 15–120 m in depth.

6. Conductivity, Temperature and Depth instrumentation capable of measuring temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, backscatter, beam transmission, and fluorescence.

C. Laboratory Space – Three hundred (300) square feet of sheltered (dry) laboratory space is required for computers and equipment storage, and one hundred and fifty (150) square feet of onboard laboratory space for water sample processing of environmental DNA (eDNA) and

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) samples. The onboard laboratory must be free / clean from fish to prevent contamination of eDNA samples with biological material and capable of being sanitized for sample processing. It shall also include the following:

● Access to the “Scientific Seawater System” surface sea water line in or near the assigned lab.

● Access to onboard Distilled water source in or near the assigned lab space.

● A sink with fresh and seawater inputs (?)

● Counter space to support a work area where laptop computers, microscopes, and other equipment can be used.

● At least four 110v outlets to plug in laptop computers and other equipment.

● Storage space for materials to be used in the laboratory, as well as eDNA or HAB samples collected (minimum 60 sq ft storage).

● Contain a -20°C freezer (-80°C preferable) for HAB sample storage for chlorophyll samples and particulate domoic acid samples, as well as possible eRNA samples. Freezer may be located in an alternate space on board the charter vessel.

D. Navigational equipment

1. Standard navigational equipment including compass, radar, and global positioning system.

2. Fathometer capable of sounding to a depth of 120 meters and compensated for vessel motion.

E. Communication equipment

1. VHF radio for standard marine communications. Vessel shall be capable of communicating with the US Coast Guard from all research sites.

2. Satellite connections for phone, Internet, and email. 24-hr broadband internet access

(minimum download speed 400 kb / sec) and broadband satellite phone (minimum speed

4 kb / sec) are required.

3. A back-up / secondary satellite communication system is required.

F. Hazardous materials

The Government will be bringing formalin on board to store reproductive samples during each research cruise; formalin is stored in containers with waterproof lids, each held in leak-proof coolers. The Government will also bring a formalin spill kit on each cruise.

3.0 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

Crew requirements:

1. The contractor must provide a Captain, appropriately licensed by the USCG for the gross tonnage of the vessel, for the duration of the charter. The Captain shall be competent in the use of navigation and safety equipment. The Captain shall have experience launching and recovering oceanography gear, navigating unmarked channels, and operating in the near-shore environment. The Captain must have the ability to compute and monitor the vessel’s trim and stability to make certain the vessel always remains within trim and stability guidelines. It is desired, but not required, that the Captain have experience conducting scientific operations in the CCE. Additional consideration may be given during technical evaluation for quotes offering this experience.

2. The contractor must provide adequate crew to meet USCG safe manning levels and provide appropriate crew to safely conduct the required operations. The contractor must provide skilled individuals on the vessel capable of crane operations and line handling for launch and recovery of all sampling gear and cargo. Additional tasks shall not interfere with mandatory rest periods as stipulated in 46 CFR 15.705.

3. Captain and crew must have all required and necessary qualifications, licenses, and certifications appropriate to their position. The contractor will provide the COR with the captain and crew qualifications for those individuals who will be sailing on the charter at the pre-charter meeting or no less than 14 days prior to departure.

4. It is highly preferred that one of the crew be a certified medical professional.

3.1 QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel to perform all requirements specified in this

SOW.

3.2 CONTINUITY OF SUPPORT

The Contractor shall ensure that the contractually required level of support for this requirement is maintained at all times. The Contractor shall ensure that all contract support personnel are present for all hours of the workday. If for any reason the Contractor staffing levels are not maintained due to vacation, leave, appointments, etc., and replacement personnel will not be provided, the Contractor shall provide e-mail notification to the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR) prior to employee absence. Otherwise, the Contractor shall provide a fully qualified replacement.

3.3 GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

1. The Government personnel may consist of Government employees and/or employees of corporations, academic institutions, contractors, or other entities.

2. The COR is the primary point of contact for contract management issues, including contract performance and invoicing. On each charter, one of the Government’s personnel will be designated Chief Scientist. The Chief Scientist will be on board and responsible for implementation of the Project Instructions, reporting compliance of vessel and crew with the contract terms, all scientific operations, and the conduct and performance of

Government personnel aboard the vessel for the duration of the charter. The Chief

Scientist and the Captain shall work together to achieve the goals of the Project

Instructions in a safe and cost-effective manner, including working in coordination with the NOAA FSV. Any problems that cannot be resolved by the Chief Scientist and the

Captain shall be referred to the COR, who will consult with and advise the Contracting

Officer to determine a resolution.

3. Government personnel will not be involved in responsibilities typical of the vessel’s crew, such as standing watch, cooking meals, cleaning, or operating mechanical or non-

Government equipment.

3.4 POST AWARD CONFERENCE

The Contractor shall attend a Post Award Conference with the Contracting Officer and the COR no later than 20 business days after the date of award. The purpose of the Post Award

Conference, which will be chaired by the Contracting Officer, is to discuss technical and contracting objectives of this contract and review the Contractor's draft project plan. The Post

Award Conference will be held via teleconference.

3.5 PROGRESS MEETINGS

The Project Manager shall be available to meet with the COR upon request to present deliverables, discuss progress, exchange information and resolve emergent technical problems and issues. These meetings shall take place via teleconference.

3.6 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

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

3.7 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Contractor shall furnish all facilities, materials, equipment and services necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

4.0 ATTACHMENTS

Attachment No. 1 – Map of Sampling Locations Attachment No. 2 – Vessel Characteristics

Attachment No. 3 – Master/Crew Work Experience

Attachment No. 4 – Vessel's Commercial Fishing History (if applicable) Attachment No. 5 –

Code of Conduct

Attachment No. 6 – Past Performance Questionnaire

Attachment No. 7 – Referenced US Government electronic Code of Federal Regulations

---End Statement of Work--

Language below is from another contract that may be incorporated into the language above…

I. Required Knowledge and Experience:

This is a highly technical survey operation, and therefore the vessel must be able to meet handling requirements as stipulated in requirements sections below, and also in the Vessel

Characteristics Form (supplied separately). Successful demonstration of prior performance in this area of research is also highly desirable.

Technical requirements:

● Vessel must have a current Coast Guard safety inspection and Ocean Route Certification.

● Vessel shall be a commercial passenger vessel or research vessel; the length of the vessel shall be between 65 and 100 ft., the beam width greater than 18 ft., the ability to cruise at 8 knots or higher, and carry fuel and provisions for at least nine (9) days.

● Vessel shall be equipped with a winch that accommodates 100 m of 3/8 in. stainless steel cable, and a port- or starboard-facing A-frame to deploy the cable over the side.

● Vessel shall have a davit capable of lifting a 650 lb. ROV over the side to effectively conduct all described work.

● Required electronic equipment include a primary and backup GPS, plotter, and two radars in addition to a computer for accessing satellite weather information, satellite phone, VHF and SSB radio, multiple fish finders at separate frequencies, sonar, depth sensor, and water temperature sensor.

● A work area and table inside the vessel where laptop computers can be used is required. At least four 110v outlets must be provided to charge batteries and plug in personal laptop computers.

● A dedicated 50-A, three-phase 208 VAC outlet must be available to power the ROV.

● A minimum of 250 cubic feet of below deck storage for equipment and manuals is required. Deck space to handle the ROV and tether reel must be available (minimum 225 square feet open deck space).

● The vessel must have a through-hull sea chest that will mount a directional transceiver to track the ROV.

● Additional, specific vessel requirements are listed on the Vessel Characteristics Form. Some additional information is provided herein.

Operational requirements:

● The vessel should be located in San Diego County, near the SWFSC, to minimize shipping and travel cost, and to provide quick access to the survey area when weather conditions are optimal.

● Skippers shall have at least 5 years’ experience in conducting ROV surveys. A minimum of 2 crew members shall have at least 3 years’ experience each in launching and recovering an ROV in moderate seas.

● During survey operations, the vessel shall be capable of maintaining course while maneuvering at less than 1.0 knots.

● Vessel is required to have 2 main and 1 auxiliary (generators) engines. The contractor is responsible for providing fuel (reimbursable by Government).

● Access to freshwater on deck is required.

Berthing requirements:

● The vessel shall be capable of accommodating at least seven (7) fishery scientists/observers in addition to a minimum crew of four (4; including 2 captains) needed to deploy and retrieve the

ROV, and conduct all piloting operations during a 24 h day.

● The vessel shall have a marine head (toilet) and shower facilities that are clean and sanitary. Bunks, linens and blankets, shall be provided to scientists. Sleeping quarters, work spaces, and galley shall be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke.

● Vessel shall be capable of carrying provisions for at least eight (8) days at sea for all personnel.

● The charter is required to provide three (3) meals, water and non-alcoholic drinks, and a light snack each day for all personnel.

II. Survey Areas

Figure 1: Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) survey areas around San Clemente Island.

Transect surveys will be conducted between 30 and 60 m depth (blue shaded areas on the W side of the island).

Figure 2: Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) survey areas at Tanner and Cortes Banks. Transect surveys will be conducted between 30 and 60 m depth (orange to light green-shaded areas each bank).

III. Survey Procedures

• When surveying at San Clemente Island, operations will be coordinated with the US

Navy's operational schedule at the various survey sites around the island.

• Survey equipment will be provided and installed by the SWFSC at the beginning of the survey period and will remain on board until all surveys have been completed. The

A-frame, davit, and winch will be provided and installed by the survey vessel.

• Cruises will begin with enough lead time to arrive at the sampling locality at dawn of the first survey day.

• Duration of each survey transect will be approximately 1 hours.

• As many as 10 transects may be completed per day during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).

IV. Cost Estimate

A contract period will be up to one year with as many as eight (8) consecutive days at sea for

ROV surveys. The contract will also cover up to six (6) days of mobilization/demobilization time for to load and unload gear using an overhead crane at the beginning and end of the survey. The

SWFSC will deliver ROV equipment to the mobilization site. Bids based on daily expenses to cover fuel, food, and all support gear in addition to the vessel and associated expenses are solicited and will be used to determine the final contract cost estimate.

V. Financial Disbursements

The contractor can invoice after successful completion of one or more days of survey, or after successful completion of the entire survey. Invoices may bill for partial days.