Acquisition of Vessel Charter for Gulf of Alaska Ocean Acidification.
This notice is issued solely for the purpose of conducting market research in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10 and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposal, or Request for Quotations. No solicitation is being issued at this time and the Government makes no assertion that a solicitation will be issued. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract, nor do they affect a potential offeror's ability to respond to any future synopsis/solicitation, which may or may not follow or restrict the U.S. Government's eventual acquisition approach. Additionally, the U.S. Government is not obligated to, and will not provide reimbursement for any information that may be submitted in response to this notice. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) requests information on any potential Contractor which may be able to provide the services described below. Entities that are able to provide the services are encouraged to send vessel information and availability to the contract specialist by the due date.
SERVICES
Gulf of Alaska Vessel Charter
1. Task Description
NOAA PMEL, the Alaska Ocean Observing System, and the Hakai Institute are considering jointly conducting scientific research in the Gulf of Alaska. The primary purpose would be to assess spatial and temporal patterns of biogeochemical variability in this ecosystem, including physical, chemical, and biological measurements. This research would include deployment and recovery of buoys and moorings, and multiple Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) surveys and zooplankton net tows through the southwestern, central, and eastern Gulf of Alaska. The specific objectives of the research would be to continue long-term observations of ocean acidification in the Gulf of Alaska, including but not limited to: recovery and deployment of autonomous sampling equipment that supports sustained autonomous carbon sampling; and oceanographic sampling to determine spatial patterns in carbon system parameters, temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, and zooplankton.
2. Period and Place of Performance
The charter would be intended to begin and end in Seattle, Washington. Scientists would be aboard for twenty (20) to forty (40) days with oceanographic survey work either commencing just outside Seattle waterways or commencing in Kodiak, Alaska. The charter would occur in the months of August and September of 2020. The exact start date would be determined by the Government in consultation with the Contractor. All work including unloading the ship would have to be completed by 30 September 2020.
3. Specifications
3.1 Minimum Vessel Characteristics
3.1.1 One (1) United States Flagged, Vessel with current United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Inspection (COI) inspected as: Freight Vessel (Subchapter I), Offshore Supply Vessel (Subchapter L/I) or Oceanographic Research Vessel (Subchapter U). The vessel's COI must be endorsed for the carriage of 22 (or more) "persons in addition to the crew" or permit the carriage of 22 (or more) scientific personnel,
3.1.2 Minimum overall length of vessel of 150 feet. There is no maximum length of vessel for this potential requirement.
3.1.3 Minimum cruising speed of 8 knots.
3.1.4 Fuel, potable water, and food capacity to operate continuously for up to 40 days.
3.1.5 A well-lit, clean, uncovered, flush deck space suitable for deployment and recovery of: a high-latitude buoy and subsurface mooring; a CTD rosette; and zooplankton nets.
3.1.6 Equipped with winches and equipment (i.e. "A" or "J" frame or shipboard crane, and blocks) and deck space available for the following operations:
a. Deployment and recovery of CTD to be done with a winch with conductive electro-mechanical oceanographic cable or wire rope capable of lifting up to 2,000 pounds and reach depths of 1,000 meters. There must be deck space around the CTD of at least 2 feet.
b. Deployment and recovery of zooplankton nets to be done with a separate winch (separate from CTD use), capable of lifting 500 pounds with at least 500 meters of wire.
c. Deployment and recovery of mooring equipment to be done with equipment capable of lifting the fully assembled high-latitude buoy. Fully assembled, the buoy is 2,600 pounds, 20 feet tall, and 8 feet in diameter. There is a 3,400 pound chain used for the mooring line and a 5000 pound anchor. The anchor would only be deployed and not recovered.
3.1.7 Conductive oceanographic cable or wire rope breaking force must be greater than 9,500 pounds, have 3 or more conductors, and a minimum of 1,500 meters in length. The CTD winch must have a display or method to determine wire out and rate of descent/ascent.
3.1.8 Equipped with electronic navigational and communication equipment in compliance with industry safety standards. All communication equipment to be tested and tuned before the charter cruise begins. Minimum requirements are:
a. Two (2) all-weather radars with at least a 24-mile maximum range.
b. At least one (1) very high frequency (VHF) radio with a fixed installation.
c. At least one (1) synthesized 1-18 megahertz (MHz) single-side band (SSB) radio capable of communicating with AT&T High Seas Marine Operator.
d. A system for switching to backup power (e.g., battery) for radio operation in the event of interruption of the normal power supply.
e. Two (2) Global Positioning System (GPS) units.
f. One (1) fax machine capable of receiving weather information, or equivalent.
3.1.9 Capable of loading and off-loading the scientific party and scientific gear. Crew will operate crane for loading and off-loading scientific gear.
3.1.10 Sufficient deck space or crane-accessible outdoor space for a 10' x 24' scientific van that is easily accessible and other scientific equipment, including moorings, and additional gear (Equipment List and Descriptions). Unless otherwise noted, equipment may be stored in the hold and craned onto the deck as needed for scientific operations. On-deck work area(s) must be clear of ship's running gear, equipment, and stowage.
3.1.11 Dry storage areas, readily accessible, providing a minimum of 1,200 cubic feet for stowage of scientific supplies and other Government equipment.
3.1.12 Freshwater and seawater (non-fire hose) deck hose for washing down plankton nets and cleaning gear. On/off switches shall be readily accessible. A pressure washer shall be available for washing of oceanographic equipment.
3.1.13 Installed continuously flowing uncontaminated surface seawater system for scientists to easily sample.
3.1.14 An enclosed, weather-proof, temperature-controlled area where at least four (4) lab benches (three must be 3 feet by 6 feet, one must be 4 feet by 2 feet) can be installed for a seawater filtration system, a chemical titration system and additional storage space (approximately 6 feet by 2 feet, shelving space). The 4 feet by 2 feet bench should be installed near a sink that includes the continuously flowing surface seawater system. The other three benches may be located external to this room and do not need access to a sink, but will be using fluidics and wet chemistry. Space provided does not have to be permanent part of vessel but can include modular lab space with electrical outlets, sinks/water hookups, and lighting.
3.1.15 Minimum of 6 feet by 3 feet of deck space near the saltwater hose for a table to process zooplankton net samples.
3.1.16 Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use of at least twenty-two (22) scientists plus crew for entire cruise. A minimum of 1,500 gallons per day is required.
3.1.17 Two (2) clothes washers and two (2) clothes dryers for use by scientific party for personal laundry.
3.1.18 Provide Coast Guard approved survival suits and Type I personal flotation devices, which are in compliance with operational safety standards, for all personnel including crew and scientists.
3.1.19 Provide access to satellite internet for the scientific party. Internet data requirement minimum is 512Kbps download speed (shore to ship) and 256 upload speed (ship to shore), with unlimited data usage.
3.2 MORE FAVORABLE VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS
3.2.1 Maximum draft of 20 feet.
3.2.2 Cruising speed of more than 8 knots.
3.2.3 Capable of reaching bottom depths with CTD up to 4,500 meters depth.
3.2.4 Weatherproof area to store all spare gear and packaging. Vertical shelving, several feet deep, (multiple shelves with a combined length of 60 feet total), capable of holding several hundred pounds per shelf and equipped with tie down points. This space would be so that this gear can be readily accessible.
3.2.5 Room for twelve (12) feet of dry bench space with alternating current (AC) outlets to be used for computer work.
3.2.6 A 10 cubic feet of freezer space for samples collected. Freezer should be able to store samples at negative 30 degrees Celsius. If necessary, space may be divided between multiple freezers. The required space does not need to be separate from the vessel's food stores.
3.2.7 Capacity to supply distilled water for use by the scientific party. Distilled water supply directly from evaporators is preferred to a reverse osmosis purification system. Supply of an ultrapure water filtration unit, making water purified to 18 ohms, is highly preferred.
3.3 CREW REQUIREMENTS
3.3.1 Vessel and Crew must be capable of conducting scientific operations 24 hours a day.
3.3.2 Captain must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a master of a vessel comparable in size to the vessel selected and at least one year experience aboard the vessel.
3.3.3 Additional consideration may be given for captains and crew with experience operating in the Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage.
3.3.4 The crew assisting the scientists must be able to safely operate ship equipment for CTD, zooplankton tows, and buoy deployment. There shall be at least two (2) crew members available on deck for all scientific operations 24 hours a day, one to operate winches and deployment equipment and one to assist the scientific party.
3.3.5 The cook-mate must be experienced in preparing nutritionally balanced meals for twenty-two (22) or more people, including vegetarian meals and/or specific food requirements such as gluten free, kosher foods, or avoidance of particular food because of allergies that would be described in advance of the cruise.
3.3.6 In the case that the conductive oceanographic electro-mechanical cable or wire rope needs to be re-terminated at sea, the ship's crew would need to provide electronic engineering assistance to do so. Initial connection and termination prior to the start of the cruise would be completed by NOAA.
3.3.7 At least one crew member must be currently certified in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Medical Person in Charge (MEDPIC) training or equivalent.
3.3.8 At least four (4) crew members must be formally trained in survival skills and firefighting at a level equivalent to that offered by the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association (http://www.npfvoa.org/index.html).
3.4. ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS
3.4.1 Accommodations for a scientific party of as many as twenty-two (22) that will include female and male personnel. The scientific party shall be accommodated separately from the crew.
3.4.2 Berthing spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from excessive engine noise and fumes.
3.4.3 Clean mattresses, covers, bedding, and blankets shall be provided by the Contractor.
3.4.4 Suitable sanitary accommodations, including availability of at least five (5) bathrooms for scientific party use and at least five (5) showers shall be available. Hot, fresh water shower shall be provided. The crew shall clean common spaces and hallways at least twice a week.
3.4.5 Three (3) balanced, nutritious meals shall be provided by the Contractor per day. All meals shall include fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetarian meals may be required for some members of the party. Any food allergy information of prospective scientific party members or other special food requirements will be provided to the Contractor at least one (1) week prior to sailing to allow for proper provisioning. Water, juice, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks shall be available throughout the day. Due to the nature of the operation, meal hours must be flexible. The Captain and Chief Scientist will set meal hours that are mutually agreeable on a daily basis. During 24-hour operations, nutritious meals that meet any special dietary needs must be available for scientific and crew personnel outside of normal meal hours. This requirement can be met by easy access to substantive food (e.g., refrigerated leftovers) in the ship's mess.
3.4.6 Smoking shall be prohibited in all interior spaces occupied by or utilized by the Scientific Field Party. No smoking may take place near oceanographic equipment deployed on deck or samples secured on deck to avoid contamination.
Mark Caban, Contracting Officer, Phone 303-497-6875, Email mark.caban@noaa.gov - Darrin S Moore, Contract Specialist, Phone 303-497-5588, Fax 303-497-3163, Email Darrin.Moore@noaa.gov
