SOURCES SOUGHT
V -- Vessel Charter to conduct the Chukchi Acoustic Oceanographic and Zooplankton study
- Notice Date
- 1/10/2012
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 483114
— Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Western Region Acquisition Division, 7600 Sand Point Way, Northeast, Seattle, Washington, 98115-6349
- ZIP Code
- 98115-6349
- Solicitation Number
- AB133F-12-RQ-0205
- Point of Contact
- Levis D Knox, Phone: 206-526-4888, Stephanie M Garnett, Phone: 253 526 6384
- E-Mail Address
-
levis.d.knox@noaa.gov, stephanie.m.garnett@noaa.gov
(levis.d.knox@noaa.gov, stephanie.m.garnett@noaa.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- This is a sources sought request for information The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Marine Mammal Laboratory is seeking a contractor to provide a charter vessel (including crew) for up to 33 days during Aug - Sep 2012. The vessel will transport up to 15 scientists for 29 days to conduct passive acoustic monitoring studies and oceanographic sampling to determine abundance, migratory patterns, acoustic ecology, and foraging ecology of cetaceans and their prey. In addition, biological and population studies of large whales will be continued in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas by deploying radio and satellite transmitters on whales, conducting photo-identification, and biopsy sampling. There may be 4 additional option days used to work additional areas following the main cruise. The cruise will depart from and return to Dutch Harbor, AK. Sonobuoys will be deployed round the clock during the transit to acoustically monitor for the presence of whales. Also during transit to the working area one or more onshore/offshore transects (CTD and net tows) will be conducted. Once in the working area, approximately 30 moorings containing passive acoustic recorders, active acoustic instruments, and a variety of oceanographic instrumentation will be retrieved and re-deployed at predetermined locations throughout the study area. At least six onshore/offshore transects (each consisting of approximately 10 CTD/net tow stations) will be conducted in the study area. In addition, dragging along the seafloor will be conducted in an attempt to recover moorings as necessary from previous years. Additional personnel or equipment may need to be picked up and/or dropped off in Nome, Wainwright, Kotzebue, Barrow, or any other suitable transfer location near the working grounds. In addition to the 29 charter days and the 4 optional charter days, two weeks of dwell time are required in Seattle WA for installation of Government Owned equipment prior to the vessel's departure for Dutch Harbor AK. An additional 2 days in Seattle WA (preferably at the NOAA Sandpoint pier) prior to the vessel's departure for Dutch Harbor AK will be required for on-loading of Government owned equipment. At the conclusion of the charter one additional day will be required for the off loading of the Government owned equipment at either Seattle WA (preferably at the NOAA Sandpoint pier) or at Dutch Harbor AK. If the offeror proposes to off load at Dutch Harbor rather than Seattle the Governments anticipates incurring shipping costs which the Government will add to the proposed price, for evaluation purposes. Vessel, Crew and Accommodation requirements under this charter shall be as follows: Vessel Requirements: V1. Minimum overall length of vessel of 150 feet, and maximum draft of 15 feet. V2. Minimum cruising speed of 10 knots. V3. Clean, uncovered, flush deck space suitable for preparing, assembling, and deploying moorings, preparing and deploying oceanographic equipment and for installation and operation of three winches (described in greater detail below). The deck work area(s) should be clear of the ship's running gear, equipment, and stowage. Deployment and recovery of moorings and oceanographic equipment will be done with a crane extendable to 10' past the side of the vessel and capable of lifting up to 2 tons while fully extended. V4. A-frame on the stern of the ship with a load capacity of at least 3 tons. V5. Either a) space on deck for placing a scientific van (10' x 24') to act as work area and laboratory for science crew; or b) a dry, weather-proof space of equivalent dimensions and a minimum of 80 square feet of desk/counter top space to act as laboratory or work room. This space is in addition to the space requirements listed in specification V3. V6. Weather-proof, heated wheelhouse with room for an acoustic recording station inside the wheelhouse. Space is required for two laptop computers, a portable GPS unit, VHF receivers, and external hard drives (all provided by the scientific party). The station must be situated to allow direct communication with the visual observers and the captain. An accessible AC outlet and the ability to rig two VHF antennas (including welded plates for mounting antenna brackets) in the crow's nest of the ship and route the antennas to the VHF receiver inside the bridge are also required. V7. An outside area suitable for observational work at a height above the water line of at least 15 feet, with a preference for heights greater than 20 feet. This area must be in close proximity to the wheelhouse and on the forward part of the vessel. An aft-house vessel may be suitable if sight-lines from the bridge/flying bridge are not too obstructed by obstacles such as the bow-mast superstructure. V8. Room for a visual observation station inside the wheelhouse or in another interior portion of the ship. This will consist of a laptop computer (provided by the scientific party), positioned close to an AC outlet. V9. Vessel shall be equipped with appropriate modern electronic navigational and communication equipment, including but not limited to: two all-weather radars (36 mile minimum range), VHF radio (one or more fixed installation), synthesized 1-18 mHz SSB radio (one or more capable of communicating with AT&T High Seas Marine Operator), GPS or Loran C navigational equipment (2 sets), and a fax machine capable of obtaining weather information. All communication equipment shall be tested and tuned before the charter begins. V10. Deck or crane-accessible outdoor space (i.e. upper levels) for storage of: 21 AURAL recorders (each 6' x 1' x 1'), 7 oceanographic instruments (each 4' x 3' x 2'), 34 acoustic releases (each 3' x 1' x 1.5'), 18 floats (30" or 40" sphere), 34 railroad wheel anchors (3' diameter stackable: 4 x 1600lbs., 4 x 2400lbs., 17 x 800lbs), two large surface buoys (1- 8', 1- 6' diameter), domed anchor (4' diameter, 1500 lbs.), buoy tower (4' x 4'), two mooring chain boxes (each 4'x4'x3'), a Tucker Sled (5'x4'x5'), a CTD (4' x 4'), instrument cages (4 @ 4' x 4'), ~350 sonobuoys (8 x 1000lb pallets), one 25' rigid hulled inflatable boat (~3,000lbs), and three winches (described below in V11 and V19). The sonobuoys should be accessible on deck in preparation for being deployed overboard for acoustic studies. On deck work area(s) should be clear of running gear, equipment, and stowage. V11. Supply of 110/220 VAC electrical service to the scientific van,(scientific van supplied by the Government) or the laboratory area, and 480VAC 3Phase for operation of the two electrohydraulic winches. All should be in place in good working order and powered before departure from Seattle. V12. Capability for loading and off-loading the scientific party and one 25-foot rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) with outboard motor (~3000lbs) to and from the water (inflatable boats supplied by scientific party). Loading and off-loading of the inflatable boat shall be with a crane extendable to 10' past the side of the vessel and capable of lifting up to 2 tons. Storage of the skiff requires a deck area that is clean and flush of a least one 10' by 27' section. V13. Secure and easily accessible rail cleats to securely tie a RHIB alongside the vessel. V14. Dry storage areas, readily accessible, of at least 400 cubic feet for scientific supplies and equipment. V15. At least 10 cubic feet of freezer space for specimens in the event the supplied science freezers fail; space can be divided between more than one freezer if necessary. V16.Freshwater and seawater (non-firehose) deck hose for washing down plankton nets and cleaning gear. On/off switches should be readily accessible. V17. Will the vessel have an enclosed, weather-proof, temperature controlled area where 2 lab benches (one 3'x6', one 4'x2') can be installed for a seawater filtration system and additional storage space (approx. 6'x2', shelving space ok) within this area for filtration system equipment? This is in addition to the science van. V18. Outdoor sink near the saltwater hose for processing of plankton net samples. V19. Capability to install three winches on deck prior to the ship's departure from Seattle. The dragging winch is 48" x 36", weighs ~3,000 lbs, and will be positioned for deploying gear from the A-frame on the stern. It requires connection to the vessel's hydraulic system (at least 2500 psi). A valve must be placed in line to assure simultaneous operability of the A-frame and this winch. Two electrohydraulic winches will be positioned for deploying equipment over the side of the ship. One of the electrohydraulic winches is 56" x 79", weighs 3,500 lbs., and requires 480 VAC 3 phase electricity. The other is 72" x 80", weighs 4,000 lbs., and can run on either 240 or 480 three-phase power. These two winches will both be used frequently, but not simultaneously, therefore a toggle switch between the two winches or a similar set up may be used. V20. Capability of installing one standard VHF antenna and one YAGI antenna pointing astern as high as possible in the crow's nest using standard Morad antenna brackets. In addition, pass-throughs for the antennas (2) and gps (1) cables into the wheelhouse will be provided. V21. Knuckle crane capable of lifting up to 2 tons while fully extended to deploy at least 25 vertical feet of oceanographic equipment over the rail? Crane must be in good working condition and must not leak onto the deck, as this poses a safety hazard. V22. Crane must be capable of towing equipment (Tucker sled) at a speed of 2.5 knots with an estimated drag of 1-2,000 lbs. while extended to 10' past the side of the vessel. V23. Potable fresh water supply adequate for vessel and personal use of at least fifteen scientists plus crew for up to 5 weeks. If a water maker is not available then a minimum of 12,000 gallons is required. V24 Two (2) washers and two (2) clothes dryers for personal laundry. V25. Muffler on ship must be in good working order to ensure the vessel is as quiet as possible for passive acoustic monitoring operations. V26. The contractor shall provide Arctic-type survival suits in good working condition for all personnel, including crew and scientists. Adequate dry storage space for all survival suits, including those belonging to Government personnel, shall be provided. V27. At the time of submission of the proposal, the Contractor shall provide the Stability Letter from the vessel's Stability Report, certified by a licensed naval architect/marine engineer, which describes the vessel's stability characteristics for the intended charter operations. Recent stability or marine survey reports, pictures, drawings or blueprints should be included along with other required information (Vessel Characteristics and Master/Crew attachments) to assist in the evaluation. V28. A Category I 406 MHZ EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) must be affixed to the exterior of the vessel in a manner approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. V29. The vessel shall carry an up-to-date, well stocked emergency trauma first aid kit. Essential items include, but are not limited to, oxygen therapy bottles and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). In addition, the government shall inspect the kit at least one month prior to the vessel's departure in Seattle to ensure that all items are unexpired and the kit is inclusive of all necessary items. V30. (Desired but not required) Unobstructed deck space (i.e., only a low deck rail) next to the skiff launching location so that the skiff can be lifted and placed in the water with a minimum amount of time spent in the air. V31. (Desired but not required) A drop of less than 12' from the top of the rail to the waterline at the skiff launching location. Crew Requirements: C1. Minimum vessel crew shall be five people and shall consist of captain, engineer-mate, cook-mate, and two (2) deck hands/fishermen. C2. The captain must have a minimum of five years experience as a master of a vessel comparable in size to the vessel selected; C3. A higher rating will be given for captains and crew with experience operating in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas, and especially with mooring deployment and recovery experience as well as whale survey experience. C4. The engineer-mate must be qualified for independently taking over operations of the vessel in the event the captain is absent or becomes incapacitated. C5. The deck hands/fishermen must be able to safely operate the crane. There shall be at least two crew members available on deck for all mooring and skiff launching operations, one to operate the crane and one to assist the science crew. C6. The cook-mate must be experienced in preparing meals for fifteen or more people.. C7. At least one crewman must be currently certified in CPR plus Wilderness First Aid Training, those qualified to suture and administer intravenous medication will be considered to have additional merit. The contractor must provide proof of certification in application. C8. At least one crew member must be formally trained in survival and fire fighting at a level equivalent to that offered by the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owner's Association Accommodation Requirements: (all costs associated with accommodations and meals for crew and party shall be included in the contract price) A1. Accommodations for a scientific party of as large as fifteen that will include female and male scientists. The scientific party will be accommodated separately from the crew, in at least three bunk-rooms. Please provide schematics or descriptions of the number of berths and bunk rooms available to the science party with proposal. A2. Berthing spaces shall be adequately ventilated and free from excessive engine noise and fumes. A3. Clean mattresses, covers, bedding, and blankets shall be provided by the contractor. A4. Suitable sanitary accommodations, including availability of two bathrooms for scientific party use and at least one shower shall be available. Hot, fresh water shower shall be provided at least every second day for each member of the scientific party. The bathroom areas (including head and shower) and hallways shall be cleaned at least twice a week by the crew. A5. Three balanced, nutritious meals shall be provided by the Contractor per day, one of which may be a shore lunch for the scientific party. 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 crew members or other special food requirements will be provided to the Contractor in sufficient time prior to sailing to allow for proper provisioning. Water, juice, soft drinks, fruit, and sandwiches 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. The Government anticipates a Firm Fixed Price type contract. The Period of performance is estimated to be for 29 days with 4 optional days plus transit and dwell time as indicated between 08/01/2012 and 09/30/2012. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 483114 with a size standard of 500 Employees. Please provide the following information: 1) A statement that you believe that your firm has the capability to meet all these requirements and perform these services. 2) Your firm's DUNS number & CAGE code; 3) Your firm's SBA certified small business concern status. Specifically identify if your firm is HUBZone-certified, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, or SBA 8(a) program certified; 4) A brief description of your firm's recent past experience (within past 3 years) performing relevant similar services. All information received in response to this notice shall be treated as Business Sensitive or confidential to the responder, exempt from public release under the Freedom of Information Act. All information shall be provided free of charge to the Government. This notice is not a request for proposal. The purpose of this announcement is to gather information from the market place and any responses received will not be considered an Offer by the responding party and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No telephone inquires will be accepted and requests for solicitation packages will not be granted, as no solicitation has been prepared at this time. When to Submit: Responses are requested by 2PM Pacific Standard Time, Wednesday 25 January 2012. Where to Submit: Responses: Levis.D.Knox@noaa.gov Notice Regarding Solicitation: Please note that this synopsis is for information purposes and to identify potential sources. This notice does not constitute an Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government of any kind. The Government will not pay for any effort expended or any material provided in response to this announcement or any follow up information requests, nor will the Government return any data provided.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/WASC/AB133F-12-RQ-0205/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Alaska Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas, Alaska, United States
- Record
- SN02652008-W 20120112/120110234714-7640b4a24a013f2b3b38465ac23a162f (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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