StatementOfWork_HICEAS_tagging_2017.doc

STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATION

I. BACKGROUND

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requires assistance in the collection of cetacean occurrence and distribution for the assessment of population structure in the central Pacific. In the summer and fall of 2017, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center will undertake the Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS)- a large-scale survey within the Hawaiian Archipelago. NMFS is requesting support in two forms for the conduct of this survey effort: 1. Preparation and delivery of satellite tagging darts, arrows, and tags for use during the survey, and 2. Work as a visual observer and satellite tagger aboard HICEAS. Cruise dates are tentatively July 6 to October 10, 2017. This contract includes base and option tasks.

II. PURPOSE

There are 3 tasks covered by this request:

Task 1 is for the preparation and delivery of sterilized titanium darts for use in attaching satellite tags to cetaceans. PIFSC will require no fewer than 50 prepared and sterilized darts to support deployment of 12 tags during HICEAS. The contractor must provide documentation that darts were sterilized according to surgical instrument preparation requirements for a veterinary hospital. Darts must be delivered in sterilized packaging with indicator of sterile status evident for each dart package. Darts must also be delivered with tethers for attachment to tag deployment arrows.

Task 2 is for deployment of 12 satellite tags during HICEAS. The contractor will provide one experienced cetacean observer to assist PIFSC with this project from 1 July to 11 October 2017. The contractor must have previous experience conducting cetacean surveys from NOAA ships following PIFSC survey protocols, as well as experience with collecting location data, providing group size estimates, and collecting behavioral observations of cetaceans. In addition, the contractor must have prior experience in the collection of tissue samples from cetaceans using a crossbow, knowledge of and experience with proper sample handling protocols, and the skills and expertise to assemble, maintain, and deploy LIMPET satellite tags onto medium and large-sized cetaceans

An optional additional task (Task 3) would extend the deployment period of Task 2 to include an additional month in the field (until 11 November 2017).

Personnel requirements for tasks 2 and 3: One skilled cetacean observer is required for this contract. The observer must have the following qualifications:

· at least three years of cumulative field experience, including from ships and small boats

· able to identify all common tropical cetaceans to species in the field

· able to accurately estimate group size

· able to evaluate cetacean behavior

· experience taking high-quality identification photographs with digital SLR cameras

· experience collecting and processing biopsy samples.

· experience programming and deploying LIMPET satellite tags onto medium and large-sized cetaceans

· experience driving small vessels around cetaceans for successful photo-ID and biopsy sample collection and deployment of satellite tags

III. CONTRACT TASKS

A. Tasks Task 1-

The contractor will deliver no fewer than 50 sterilized Wildlife Computers 3cm and 6cm titanium darts fully prepared for attachment to LIMPET satellite tags. Darts must fulfill the following requirements:

· Have spectra line tied to each dart to ensure connection between the dart, tag, and deployment arrow prior to deployment.

· Be individually sterilized in a veterinary facility

· Be delivered in individual packages showing proof of sterility and no tampering or opening of the packages.

Task 2- The Contractor will provide one marine mammal observer to collect distribution and abundance on all cetacean species encountered, fulfilling the following requirements:

· Must be medically cleared to sail aboard NOAA vessels per OMAO requirements

· Must be on Oahu, Hawaii by July 5, 2017 for training in advance of R/V Oscar Elton Sette departure on July 6, 2017.

· While at sea, must stand watch on the flying bridge with two other observers for pre-scheduled 2 hour shifts, rotating with another team of three observers. Flying bridge observations include use 25x150 big eye binoculars to scan for marine mammals.

· Must be capable of clear verbal communication with the Chief Scientist, other observers, and other shipboard personnel about sightings of cetacean groups of interest.

· Must be able to identify all tropical cetaceans to species-level

· Must be comfortable and capable of spending a full 8-hr day in a small boat.

· Depending on sighting opportunities and animal behavior, may deploy up to 12 LIMPET satellite tags onto cetaceans, assist with collecting biopsy samples using a crossbow from the bow of the ship or small boat, and collecting photo-identification data for species confirmation

Task 3- Option

The requirements are the same as Task 2, but with extended field deployment to continue on the R/V Reuben Lasker until 11 November 2017.

B. Deliverables

Task 1-

· Up to 50 3cm and 6cm Wildlife OCMputers titanium darts prepared for deployment and sterilized in a veterinary facility.

Task 2 and Task 3-

· Contribute to photo data set, including proper file naming scheme, addition of IPTC fields and geospatial data per PIFSC-provided protocol

· Completed and verified sighting data, photo, biopsy, and tag deployment information entered into provided database format

· Biopsy samples processed and properly stored in frozen state for later transport to PIFSC

· Assist with project reporting, including formulation of text, tables, and figures as needed.

IV. GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED AND CONTRACTOR-PROVIDED PROPERTY

Task 1-

The Government will provide unsterilized darts to the contractor for the contracted tasks.

Tasks 2 and 3-

The Government will provide the Contractor lodging aboard NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette beginning July 5, 2017 (or one day prior to the ship’s departure from Oahu) while at sea and during in-ports between survey legs until the ship arrives back to Oahu on October 10, 2017. If optional task 3 is exercised, lodging will continue to be provided aboard NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker until November 10, 2017. Meals will not be provided on the ship during inports. The Contractor will provide personal clothes, and personal effects that might be desired while aboard the ship or in port. If not based on Oahu, the Contractor will obtain air travel into and out of Oahu to take part in the survey. If optional task 3 is exercised, the Contractor will end work in Hilo, Hawaii and will obtain air travel from Hawaii Island at the end of the survey.

V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES:

All Tasks- The Contractor shall be required to complete and submit all data and samples collected, including a dataset log from the marine mammal surveys throughout operations of the field season. The Contractor will be instructed by the PIFSC on the sampling protocol, on the format of the dataset logs, and also on the schedule for delivering the data and samples.

VI. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The contract shall begin on or before June 26, 2017 and end one year later, on June 25, 2018 in case of survey delay. Dates and locations below are subject to change. Such changes may be beyond the control of the Contracting Officer.

Task 1-

1 July 2017- Prepared and sterilized darts delivered to PIFSC

Task 2-

5 July 2017 Contractor available on Oahu to assist with survey setup

6 July – 10 October (3 survey legs, 5 day in-ports in between)- At-sea on R/V Oscar Elton Sette

11 October 2017- Assist with survey gear tear-down on Oahu.

Task 3- Option

11 October 2017- Transfer to R/V Reuben Lasker 16 October – 9 November 2017- At-sea on R/V Reuben Lasker

10 November 2017- Survey complete.

VII. MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS OR NON-PERFORMANCE OF VESSEL

Mechanical breakdown periods in excess of three (3) consecutive days or nine (9) accumulative days may be grounds for termination of this contract by the Government. Reasonable demobilization and travel costs incurrent by the contractor due to mechanical breakdown, not to exceed the cost of the total contract award, will be reimbursed.

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