Statement_of_Work_final_04.25.2018.docx

DOCX document 32 KB Posted Apr 25, 2018

Attached to: Vessel Charter Coastal Northern California
Solicitation number: SWFSC-18-017
Issued by: Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

View the file

Other files

File	Type	Posted
VESSEL_CHARACTERICS_FORM.pdf	PDF	Apr 25, 2018
Wage_Determinations.docx	DOCX document	Apr 25, 2018
Statement_of_Work.docx	DOCX document	Apr 25, 2018
COAST_GUARD_REQUIREMENTS_FOR_COMMERCIAL_FISHING_VESSELS.docx	DOCX document	Apr 25, 2018
SWFSC_18_017_VESSEL_CHARTER.doc	DOC document	Apr 25, 2018

On GovTribe

Work with this file

Download the original file
Contacts named in this file
Similar government files
Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Try for free Login

Text version

The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.

PART III

STATEMENT of WORK Ship Operations in support of Ocean Observing and Fisheries Oceanography Off Northern California

A. BACKGROUND

The Fisheries Ecology Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) is continuing its program of ocean observation activities focused on the coastal ocean off Northern California (Cape Mendocino to the California-Oregon border). We will be conducting oceanographic surveys to collect data at specified stations along the Trinidad Head Line (41.05° N, 124.2 – 126°W). Operations include sampling plankton with a variety of nets and measuring ocean conditions such as temperature, salinity, chlorophyll fluorescence, dissolved oxygen, and pH using a CTD and attached sensors, collecting water samples for assays of chlorophyll concentration, nutrient concentrations, and carbonate chemistry, and collecting observations along the sampling transect, such as continuous sampling of near-surface temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll (fluorescence), and spatially integrated samples of nearshore plankton derived from, e.g., a Continuous Underway Fish Egg Sampler (CUFES), and visual surveys of seabirds and marine mammals. We will also conduct recovery/deployment cruises in support of glider operations along the THL.

B. OBJECTIVE

The goal of this project is to collect information that contributes to our understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological state of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem, and specifically of coastal waters off northern California. Information collected through this project will critically enrich products (e.g., the California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment) that provide critical ecosystem context for resource managers, and support research on critical questions of ecosystem responses to a dynamic and changing environment.

C. SCOPE OF WORK

NMFS expects work under this contract to support ongoing ocean observations along the Trinidad Head Line off northern California. Specifically, the scope of work for this project encompasses vessel support for safe and timely execution of monthly ocean-observing cruises, as well as less frequent cruises to accomplish deployment and recovery of autonomous oceanographic sampling platforms (e.g., gliders or moorings) that augment ship-based surveys along the Trinidad Head Line.

D. TASKS

· Safe and timely execution of ocean observing cruises at approximately monthly intervals, to include support for consistent, safe conduct of scientific operations at designated stations along the Trinidad Head Line.

· Safe and timely execution of cruises at approximately four- to six-month intervals to deploy and recover autonomous oceanographic sampling platforms (e.g., gliders or moorings) in support of ocean observing along the Trinidad Head Line.

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The Base Period of performance of this contract is:

5/7/18 – 8/31/18 with 2 option years

The option periods that may be exercised are as follows:

Period

Start date

End date

Option Year 1

9/1/2018

8/31/2019

Option Year 2

9/1/2019

8/31/2020

F. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The following table lays out the anticipated cruise schedule for Base Period 5/1/2018 – 08/31/2018 only. Specific cruise dates will be determined by the Cruise Leader and vessel Captain in the context of weather conditions and other vessel operations. If options are exercised in additional years, schedules will be made available at the pre-cruise meeting for that option year.

Month

day

weekday

Port

Survey leg

Charter Day

Comments

May

Tue

Eureka

12-hour cruise

June

Tue

Eureka

12-hour cruise

July

Tue

Eureka

12-hour cruise

August

Wed

Eureka

12-hour cruise

G. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

1.	Minimum overall vessel length of 70 feet and minimum main engine continuous horsepower of at least 550-600.
2.	Vessel must be able to maintain a cruising speed of at least 8 kts. in moderate sea states.
3.	A winch and davit/boom/A-frame/J-frame is required to deploy plankton nets off the port side of the vessel. This system must be located near an unobstructed rail and must: a) have a minimum clear height beneath a hanging block of 5 ft throughout its entire range of motion; b) be capable of extending that block at least 3 ft over the side; c) be capable of towing a 1,000 lb load while underway at speeds up to 2 knots. The winch controls must allow the operator to measure the amount of wire deployed, to ‘zero-out’ this measure to account for slippage during operations, and to measure the rate at which wire is being paid out or retrieved.
4.	A winch fitted with slip-rings and conducting wire and davit/boom/A-frame/J-frame with appropriate block is required to deploy the CTD to allow real-time observation of hydrographic data and to control collection of water samples for adaptive sampling of the water column. The winch controls must allow the operator to measure the amount of wire deployed, to ‘zero-out’ this measure to account for slippage during operations, and to measure the rate at which wire is being paid out or retrieved.
5.	A winch and davit/boom/A-frame/J-frame with appropriate block is required to deploy plankton nets for oblique (retrieved from depth while the ship is underway) and vertical tows (while the ship holds station). The winch controls must allow the operator to measure the amount of wire deployed, to ‘zero-out’ this measure to account for slippage during operations, and to measure the rate at which wire is being paid out or retrieved. Winch controls should be in proximity to engine controls or equipped to allow close communication with wheelhouse to ensure consistency of towing operations.

6. A winch and A-frame with appropriate block is required to deploy plankton and mid-water trawl nets of modest size off the vessel stern. When required for operations with mid-water trawl, the winch must be capable of accepting a minimum of 500 meters of 5/16” stainless steel wire (Note: NMFS will supply the wire if necessary). The winch controls must allow the operator to measure the amount of wire deployed, to ‘zero-out’ this measure to account for slippage during operations, and to measure the rate at which wire is being paid out or retrieved.

7.	A workspace with sink and seawater drain is required for concentrating and preserving plankton samples. This workspace must provide space for safe accommodation of sample fixatives (e.g., formalin, ethanol). NMFS will provide appropriate containers and secondary containment for these chemicals.
8.	A continuous, low-pressure supply of seawater to the deck is required. Seawater is to be collected from a point as close to the vessel bow as possible, and must be minimally affected by vessel equipment (i.e., not be affected by passage through or over cooling systems or heat exchangers for any machinery). Ideally, the collection system will allow a temperature sensor to be inserted into the flow of seawater in close proximity to the intake and upstream of any pumps. Seawater supply must allow for (a) convenient placement of an instrument box on the deck or in a lab space from which data/power wires can be run without undue obstruction of deck, work areas, hatches, or passageways, and (b) convenient placement of a seawater filtering system (supplied by NMFS) in the area where plankton samples will be processed.
9.	Vessel must provide deck access to high-volume flow of sea water collected continuously from beneath the hull and suitable for near-surface plankton sampling. Vessels equipped with suitable continuous plankton sampling equipment (e.g., a Continuous Underway Fish Egg Sampler [CUFES] or equivalent) will be preferred.
10.	Vessel must provide a clean, flush deck area for sampling equipment including an area (minimum 8 ft x 10 ft) directly below the stern A-frame, and an area (minimum 8 ft x 10 ft) directly adjacent to the port-side davit/boom/A-frame/J-frame. On-deck work areas must be clear of running gear, equipment, vertical obstructions, and stowage.
11.	Vessel must provide a convenient NMEA connection to vessel GPS for use by the scientific crew.
12.	Vessel must provide dry storage area (at least 36 ft2) for holding scientific supplies and toolboxes, with easy access to the deck.
13.	Vessel must provide high-pressure seawater deck-hose to wash down the sorting area and for rinsing down plankton nets.
14.	Vessel must have a crane capable of lifting and handling loads in excess of 1,500 pounds to assist with loading and off-loading of scientific gear.
15.	Vessel must provide access to a chart table or navigation software in or adjacent to the wheelhouse.
16.	Vessel must provide suitable dedicated dry and protected counter space with nearby 110/120v power outlets for installation of Government-supplied personal computers and other electronic devices (typically, enough room to accommodate three laptop computers).
17.	Vessel must provide approximately 10 ft3 of freezer storage (exclusive of space for ship's stores) for samples. NMFS will supply a freezer if needed (access to 110/120 power outlet required).
18.	Vessel must carry potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use for crew and scientists for up to 5 days.
19.	Vessel must provide clean and appropriate head and galley facilities for vessel and scientific crew.
20.	Vessel must provide clean, comfortable bunks for vessel and scientific crew. Scientific crew will supply their own sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels.
21.	Vessel must be designed, construction and maintained for sea-kindliness and safety.
22.	Vessel shall meet all U.S. Coast Guard marine debris disposal requirements.
23.	Preferred vessel will hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Letter of Designation as an Oceanographic Research Vessel.

H. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

1.	Minimum communications requirements: two VHF radio sets with battery backup in the event of loss of normal power.
2.	GPS, radar, and navigational software.
3.	Depth sounder (color display to 100 fm or more)

I. GOVERNMENT PROVIDED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

1.	All scientific sampling equipment and supplies.
2.	Plankton nets (Bongo, Pairovet, Manta).
3.	CTD and attached sensors.
4.	Multiple-net, opening/closing Tucker trawl, attachment gear, messengers, and (if necessary) 500m of 5/16" stainless wire.
5.	Seawater filtration system.

J. CREW REQUIREMENTS

1.	The Vessel shall be responsible for providing sufficient crew to support vessel operations described in this document, including a sufficient number of experienced individuals to operate winches, A-frames, and other vessel equipment as needed to support scientific operations in concert with scientific crew.
2.	The Captain shall have a demonstrated experience as master of a comparable vessel; experience in the conduct of research surveys is strongly preferred.

K. SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL

1.	The scientific party shall consist of a minimum of 4 and not more than 8 persons, and may include individuals of any gender.
2.	Scientific crew will consist of contractors (under separate contract) and undergraduate or graduate student volunteers (per policies of Humboldt State University) to include a designated Scientific Crew Leader.
3.	One government employee (Cruise Leader) will be responsible for coordination with the vessel captain and crew, implementation of the Scientific Operation Plan in coordination with the Scientific Crew Leader, and compliance to the charter terms.

L. OPERATING PROCEDURES

1.	The Cruise Leader in consultation with the Captain and scientific crew leader will determine the arrangement of scientific watches and duties. The Captain will determine the arrangement of vessel crew watches and duties. Scientific operations will be initiated upon arrival at the first station and continue until completion of the last station, conditional on prevailing weather conditions and the Cruise Plan. The Cruise Leader has the final authority with respect to revision of scientific operations except in matters relating to safety of the vessel and vessel personnel.
2.	The Cruise Leader, Captain, and Scientific Crew Leader will meet as needed during the cruise and at least once at the end of scientific operations, to resolve any problems that arise, and identify changes to be made for future cruises.
3.	The vessel crew, as directed by the Captain or his designee, shall provide appropriate support to scientific operations, particularly with respect to control of vessel equipment (e.g., manning winches during deployment and recovery of scientific equipment).
4.	In the event that scientific equipment or ship equipment associated with sampling gear (e.g., wire rope, attachments, winches, blocks, etc.) is damaged during the cruise, the vessel crew will assist the scientific party in necessary and reasonable repairs to allow the resumption of operations.
5.	All fish or other organisms taken in the trawl remain the property of the Government. The Cruise Leader is responsible for their disposition. NOAA policy prohibits retaining any portion of the catch for personal use or commercial purposes.
6.	The Captain and crew shall exercise due caution and follow safety procedures as directed by the Cruise Leader to help prevent damage or loss of Government equipment. Specific procedures for deploying sampling gear and instruments will be presented in writing to the Captain before the start of the cruise. If loss of or damage to Government equipment is the result of negligent disregard of such instructions and procedures, including negligence associated with the state of repair of vessel equipment, repair or replacement costs may be deducted from charter payments.
7.	The Contractor shall provide for all routine operating expenses of the vessel incurred during charter days.

M. SAFETY

1.	The Contractor shall adhere to the safety requirements set forth in 46 CFR Part 28, for vessels of her style and length.
2.	The Captain is responsible for all matters relating to safety of persons, the vessel, and equipment operation. The 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. He/she shall review safety procedures, drills, alarms, and equipment with the scientific party at the beginning of the cruise.
3.	The vessel must have adequate personal flotation devices and life rafts to accommodate all persons aboard.
4.	The vessel will provide adequate and effective communications between the bridge and working areas during scientific operations, and the Captain will ensure that all vessel crew carry and use necessary communications equipment as required.
5.	The contractor shall provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved survival suits for all vessel crew members and scientific personnel. Adequate dry, top-side storage for all survival suits shall be provided.
6.	Preferred vessel shall have a Stability Letter for its current configuration, signed by a qualified naval architect. A copy of the Stability Letter, if available, should be included along with the other requested materials in the vessel’s bid package (see section N).
7.	A fully-tested EPIRB must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

8. At least one vessel crew member will have received formal fire-fighting training; a vessel crew member with First Aid or EMT certificate is desired but not essential.

N. TIME AND ACTIVITY PLAN

The cruise will start and end at a suitable wharf in Eureka, California. The vessel will be available the day prior to expected departure for loading, configuration, and stowing of scientific gear. If NMFS is supplying the 5/16” wire rope, crew will be available to spool the wire onto the appropriate winch. Departure times will be determined by the Captain in consultation with the Cruise Leader. Scientific operations will be conducted continuously, commencing immediately upon arrival at the first station and continuing through completion of data and sample acquisition at the final station.

A detailed cruise plan will be submitted to the Captain at least two weeks before the departure date. The cruise plan will include a daily list of sampling stations (waypoints) with coordinates and an activity plan for each station. Reference to cruise plans on file will be accepted in the absence of major changes to operations.

O. FOUL WEATHER DAYS

If, in the judgement of the vessel Captain or Cruise Leader, inclement weather or sea state preclude safe operations, operations will be suspended until favorable conditions return. There will be no reimbursement for days when the vessel remains at or returns to the pier or anchor and is unable to conduct sampling operations due to stress of weather. However, days lost due to weather may be added at the end of the cruise, upon the mutual agreement of the Owner and the Cruise Leader. Given the typical short duration of cruises (12 h) and expectations of close communications between the vessel Captain and the Cruise Leader during final planning for each cruise, departure from the dock will be considered as indicating a day of operations, even when a truncated sampling plan is implemented.

P. VESSEL BREAKDOWN

If the vessel’s mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, navigational, or other critical operating systems malfunctions during the cruise and causes loss of sampling days, the Contractor will not be reimbursed for time when the vessel remains idle and/or undergoing repairs. However, days lost due to breakdown may be added at the end of the cruise, upon the mutual agreement of the Owner and the Cruise Leader.

File details come from the government source that posted it.