Inactive

Update 7/25: Extended due date to Friday, August 9, 2024 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION AND GRANTS OFFICE MARKET RESEARCH REQUEST FOR INFORMATION OCEAN CHARTERS FOR INTEGR... Update 7/25: Extended due date to Friday, August 9, 2024 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION AND GRANTS OFFICE MARKET RESEARCH REQUEST FOR INFORMATION OCEAN CHARTERS FOR INTEGRATED WEST COAST FISHERIES SURVEY This is a Request for Information (RFI), for market research purposes, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10 Procedures. This is not a solicitation, nor does it guarantee a solicitation will be issued. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. This is not a request for proposals and it does not obligate the government in any manner. Background The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts fishery-independent acoustic trawl surveys of the California Current Ecosystem (CCE) that address NOAA’s mission to provide critical data on stock abundances and distributions of Pacific hake (Pacific whiting) and multiple coastal pelagic fish species (CPS). The Integrated Ecosystem & Pacific Hake Acoustic Trawl Survey is conducted jointly with Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada, extends from Point Conception, CA, to Dixon Entrance, AK, 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 species of coastal pelagic fish species (CPS) including: Pacific sardine, Northern anchovy, Pacific and Jack mackerel, and Pacific herring. 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 charter vessels covering the U.S. portion of the California Current Ecosystem from the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S.-Canada border. The desired actions of the IWCPS survey are to: 1) collect active acoustics and biosampling data for accurate stock assessments to ensure these fisheries remain productive and sustainable into the future; and 2) collect oceanographic and environmental DNA (eDNA) data throughout the water column to monitor changing ocean conditions, understand shifts in species distributions and their impacts on fisheries, 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. The following reports detail the data collections and analyses of the two surveys: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/43727 https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/50894 This SSN is to identify potential charter vessels with configurations to support oceanographic sampling efforts for the IWCPS, in coordination with a NOAA FSV, and for feedback on the draft work scope, attached. Vessel specifications The following outlines the expected minimum requirements for lab and deck space and other specifications/capacities: 1) Vessel dimensions and overall capacity Minimum length of the vessel 65 ft Minimum/average vessel cruising speed of 9-10 kts Capable of surveying at least 35 nm offshore Oceanographic winch Seawater desalination system on board to provide fresh water supply 2) Onboard laboratory An onboard laboratory space located in the interior space of the vessel separate from fish processing areas for processing eDNA and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) samples that can be sanitized for sample processing. Minimum square footage 300 sq feet. Have access to the “Scientific Seawater System” surface sea water line in or near the assigned lab. Have access to onboard Distilled water source in or near the assigned lab space. Shall be outfitted with a sink, counter space to support a work area where laptop computers, microscope, and other equipment can be used and at least four 110v outlets to plug in laptop computers and other equipment. Shall contain storage space for materials to be used in the laboratory, as well as eDNA or HAB samples collected. Shall be free / clean from fish to prevent contamination of eDNA samples with biological material. -20 freezer (-80 preferable) for HAB sample storage for chlorophyll samples and particulate domoic acid samples. 3) Chemical storage cabinet: To safely store flammable liquids and harsh chemicals, such as formalin, ethanol, and sodium acetate buffer, on board the vessel. 4) Equipment storage: A minimum of 250 cubic feet of below deck storage for equipment is required. 5) Berthing accommodations: The vessel shall be capable of accommodating at least five (5) and up to fourteen (14) scientists. It shall have marine heads (toilets) and shower facilities that are clean and sanitary to reasonably accommodate scientists and vessel crew and shall provide sleeping quarters, work spaces, and a galley that is adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke. Bunks, linens and blankets, shall be provided to scientists. 6) Internet/comms systems: Internet access and communications equipment shall be provided. 7) Provisions: Vessel shall be capable of carrying provisions for at least ten (10) days at sea (DAS) 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. Oceanographic/Environmental sampling specifications The following outlines the desired oceanographic data collection systems, to be collected on an oceanographic charter vessel, including key data collection systems and associated data streams: 1) CTD rosette + deck unit/data cable system (Note, the Government may provide the CTD so vessels with the deck unit/cable are encouraged to respond) Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) rosette: Capable of measuring subsurface water properties and collecting water samples at specified depths with casts up to 500 meters deep between the 50- to 1500-m isobaths. CTD outfitted with the following sensors, 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) Deck unit/cable for realtime interface with CTD: 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. 2) Scientific seawater flow through system: Seawater supply to onboard laboratory to support underway and stationary water sample collections. 3) Distilled or deionized water: Access to/source of distilled or deionized water for cleaning/sterilizing eDNA filtration equipment and the collection of eDNA negative controls. 4) Hull-mounted thermosalinograph and flow-through fluorometer: To provide continuous measurements of sea-surface temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a. 5) Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP): A hull-mounted ADCP capable of profiling the water column to the 600-800 meter depth range, such as a Teledyne Ocean Surveyor 75 kHz system. The system should be linked to the necessary POSMV, gyroscope, and GPS connections in good working order. There should be an accompanying Data Acquisition System (DAS) on the ship’s computer, ideally using the UHDAS hosted and supported by the University of Hawaii. 6) Integrated weather system: Continuously sample and record air temperature, barometric pressure, and wind speed and direction using the ship’s integrated weather station. Desired specifications for Ancillary sampling 1) Winch to deploy plankton nets: Winch to sample zooplankton and phytoplankton at various depths in the water column 2) Platform for visual observations: Above sea level platform to make visual observations for surveys of seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals The NAICS code for any support charter vessels is anticipated to be 483114 with a size standard of 500 employees. Requested Information Responses to this notice shall be limited to five pages or submitted through Google Forms. Vessel blueprints or vessel specification sheets can be uploaded through the Google Form. Are you a potential vendor for charter vessel support? If so, please provide: The organization’s Unique Entity ID (UEI) number and proof of SAM registration if applicable (www.sam.gov). The size classification of the organization under the appropriate NAICS code, and if the organization is classified as a small business, HUBZone small business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business, Woman-owned small business and/or 8(a) certified small business. Vessel specifications, including the square footage of lab space(s), and relevant model numbers for vessel-provided sampling equipment and sensors if applicable For any specifications that are not currently available, whether you have the capabilities to meet specifications in the future (e.g. adding a winch is feasible but not meeting length requirement can’t be changed) Any additional information you would need to consider this opportunity. 2. For participation in the 2025 Integrated West Coast Pelagics Survey, please let us know of the following information: Availability: Dates your vessel may be available from June 1-September 30, 2025 Duration: Total days-at-sea (DAS) available in above date range Trip DAS capacity: Minimum and Maximum DAS capacity/duration per leg Amount of lead time/notice needed before finalizing survey schedule Rough estimate of daily rate, exclusive of fuel (fuel will likely be a reimbursable expense based on actual costs) Interest in option periods for up to five years of surveying 3. Any comments or feedback on draft work statement, especially any specifications or requirements that you believe may be overly restrictive. 4. Please add any comments, concerns, or feedback not reflected in previous questions. Capability statements and other responses shall be submitted to Sarah Waugh at sarah.waugh@noaa.gov or through the Google response form no later than 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Friday, August 9, 2024. Please do not call regarding this notice. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to the above e-mail address and will be accepted anytime. An amendment may be posted if necessary, so firms are encouraged to “follow” this announcement for future actions. Link to Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4_PRxUaH3UyFIQWNtHuiqHJQLEAIQ4K2MdbL_Cn-51qM0ow/viewform?usp=sf_link Note: Offerors must have active System for Award Management (SAM) registration to be eligible for award, but do not need to have registration at this time. Due to potential delays in registrations; however, interested vendors without SAM.gov registration are encouraged to start the process now. Small businesses may reach out to Apex Accelerators, an official government contracting resource that provides free assistance related to registration and other contract opportunities. This request is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of contractor's information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.