SOLICITATION NOTICE
B -- Sampling to Evaluate the Effect of Net Marking Lights on the Interaction Rates of Leatherback Sea Turtles in Trinidad's Artisanal Mackerel Gillnet Fishery for NOAA, Mississippi Laboratories, Pascagoula, MS
- Notice Date
- 7/14/2008
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 813312
— Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Central Region Acquisition Division, 601 East 12th Street, Room 1756, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106
- ZIP Code
- 64106
- Solicitation Number
- WC133F-08-RQ-0690
- Point of Contact
- Charlene A. Yaple, Phone: 816-426-7531
- E-Mail Address
-
charlene.a.yaple@noaa.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared and processed in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this announcement. United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Central Region Acquisition Division, (CRAD) is seeking sources capable of provide the services to evaluate the effect of net marking lights on the interaction rates of Leatherback Sea Turtles, in Trinidad's Artisanal Mackerel Gillnet Fishery for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), Mississippi Laboratories, Pascagoula, MS. This notice is hereby issued as WC133F-08-RQ-0690. This RFQ and the following incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-26. CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS The FAR and CAR clauses incorporated into this acquisition are: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (JUN2008) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items (MAY 2008) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions (FEB 2007) 52.212-5 C52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items (Feb (JUN 2008), Section (b) (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (21), (24i), (31), (36) 1352.233-70 Harmless from Liability (MAR 2000) 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority (MAR 2000) 1352.252-70 Regulatory Notice (MAR 2000) 1352.239-73 Security Requirements for Information Technology Resources (Dec 2006) 1352.237-73 Key Personnel (MAR 2000) Program Manager, Onsite Project Coordinator, Fishing Gear Builder, Vessel Captain (Toco Port), Vessel Captain (Matelot Port), Observer (Toco Port), Observer (Matelot Port), Port Sampler (Toco Port) and Port Sampler (Matelot Port). FAR clauses and provisions are available on the internet website: http://www.arnet.gov/far. CAR clauses and provisions are available on the internet website: http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/docs/DOC_Local_Clauses_PM2000-03A2.pdf. STATEMENT OF WORK Sampling Contract to Evaluate the Effect of Net Marking Lights on the Interaction Rates of Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in Trinidad's Artisanal Mackerel Gillnet Fishery C.1 SCOPE OF WORK: The Contractor shall provide equipment, personnel (to include at-sea observers and port samplers) and all other material necessary to complete the work identified below according to the standards, procedures, and requirements outlined in this document. C.2 BACKGROUND: C.2.1 The single largest threat to the Critically Endangered leatherback turtles in Trinidad, and arguably through-out the Atlantic Ocean, is the accidental capture of the species in coastal gillnet fisheries. The entanglement problem in Trinidad also places a severe strain on the ability of fishers to operate economically, and is so severe that many are unable to fish during the leatherback nesting season. In a number of studies, it is estimated that as many as 3,000 entanglements occur each year in Trinidad and that as much as 35% of those entanglements result in the death of the turtle (Fournillier and Eckert 1999; Eckert and Lien 1999; Lee Lum, 2003, Gass, 2005). C.2.2 The Trinidadian fishery with the highest leatherback sea turtle bycatch rate is the surface drift gillnet fishery prosecuted along nesting beaches on the Northern and Eastern coasts. Nets used in this fishery are 10 to 15 meters deep and are often fished in waters less than 25 meters deep. These nets are very effective at capturing a number of species but king mackerel (Scomberomorous cavalla) and Serra Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) bring the highest price and are the most sought after species. Mackerel tend to spend most of their time in the upper portion of the water column, which is why surface drift gillnets are the preferred gear. However, gillnets employed in this fishery may fish deeper than required to catch mackerel, resulting in bycatch of many other species including leatherback sea turtles. C.2.3 In 2006, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) and the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST) initiated cooperative research to examine the effect of fishing depth and net depth or "profile" on target catch and leatherback bycatch rates in the mackerel drift gillnet fishery. The first study compared identical nets fished at different depths (Gearhart and Eckert 2007). Although no sea turtles were captured during this study, results indicated that the upper five meters of the water column was the most productive portion for targeting mackerel. A follow up study was conducted in 2007 during peak leatherback nesting in areas with the highest bycatch rates to examine the effect of net depth or "profile" on target catch and leatherback bycatch rates. Traditional nets 10 meters deep were compared to five meter deep experimental nets designed to target the most productive portion of the water column. The experimental net captured 29 turtles, 68% fewer than the control, which captured 90 turtles. However, results differed between ports with the experimental net reducing sea turtle bycatch by 74% in the eastern port and only 11% in the northern port. Upon further investigation, the use of net marking lights was identified as the potential cause for the disparity observed between ports. The eastern port did not use lights while the northern port used a single light to mark the end of the string of nets. The light was placed in between two experimental nets, which may have confounded results. C.2.4 Following the 2007 study, an informal survey of local fishermen found that many often use lights to mark their nets when fishing near shipping lanes to prevent large vessels from running through their gear. Anecdotal information from several fishermen indicated that they observe many of the interactions in the last portions of the gear where the lights are usually placed. In addition, residents employed by a local conservation organization to monitor the leatherback nesting populations in the area have long been aware of the leatherback's attraction to white light. Only red or amber lights are allowed on the beach during nesting to prevent temporarily blinding the turtles. However, if turtles stray into rivers or other undesirable nesting areas, white lights are used to consistently lead them back to the beach. This information suggests that removing or changing the color of the lights used to mark nets may reduce leatherback sea turtle bycatch in the drift gillnet fishery. Not only will the results of this research be beneficial to gillnet fisheries it may also be applicable to longline fisheries. C.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The work described herein shall be performed over a three month period from on or about August 1, 2008 through on or about November 1, 2008. C.4 DESCRIPTION OF WORK: C.4.1 The goal of this study is to compare catch and bycatch of low profile gillnets lighted with white light vs. red light. The objectives of the study are: a) Compare the catch rates of target species of finfish for each net type. b) Compare the catch rates of bycatch species of finfish for each net type. c) Compare the catch rates of sea turtles for each net type. The Contractor shall conduct sixty fishing trips between on or about August 1, 2008 and on or about November 1, 2008 on traditional fishing grounds along the East coast of Trinidad. The Contractor shall provide two commercial gillnet vessels, one each from the ports of Toco and Matelot, to set and retrieve nets daily. The Contractor shall make up to two sets per fishing trip. The initial sets shall be made at dusk and soak times of all sets shall be at least 4 hours in length. Each vessel shall test red lights vs. white lights using the methodology described herein. Low profile (50 mesh) nets shall be used throughout the study to minimize potential for leatherback sea turtle morality. Lights should be mounted to standardized net marking poles at identical distances off the water. White light controls and red light experimental treatments should consist of Lindgen-Pitman Electralume fishing lights. The Contractor shall use a matched pair experimental design throughout the study with each vessel setting ten 100 yard nets connected to form a single string of nets. The first five and last five contiguous nets shall serve as two separate experimental units. Experimental and control treatments shall be applied to each unit separately with lights mounted at opposing ends and in the middle of each unit to minimize confounding effects. Experimental and control treatments shall be switched between experimental units daily to account for potential vessel proximity bias. Contractor-provided at-sea observers shall record effort and sea turtle bycatch attending trips on the data sheet shown at Appendix 1b by net location and net type, experimental or control. Contractor-provided port samplers shall sample total catch dockside and record catch on the data sheet shown at Appendix 1a by port, species, and net type. C.5 DELIVERABLES C.5.1 The Contractor shall submit the following deliverables: a) Port Sampler Data Sheet for Dockside Sampling - One data sheet per fishing trip. The contractor shall be responsible for proofing all data entries for quality assurance and control. b) Observer Data Sheet for At-Sea Sampling - One data sheet per set. The contractor shall be responsible for proofing all data entries for quality assurance and control. C.5.2 Schedule For Deliverables: The Contractor shall submit all proofed and corrected data sheets to NOAA Fisheries, 705 Convent Avenue, Pascagoula, MS 39567 on or before January 1, 2009, unless otherwise directed. C.5.3 Key Personnel: C.5.3.1 The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Program Manager Onsite Project Coordinator Fishing Gear Builder Vessel Captain (Toco Port) Vessel Captain (Matelot Port) Observer (Toco Port) Observer (Matelot Port) Port Sampler (Toco Port) Port Sampler (Matelot Port) The Contractor shall ensure that persons assigned to this contract in key positions are trained in the sampling protocols and data coding that are required to complete tasks outlined in section C.4.1. C.5.3.2 The Contractor shall obtain the consent of the Contracting Officer prior to making Key Personnel substitutions. Replacements for Key Personnel must possess qualifications equal to or exceeding the qualifications of the personnel being replaced. Requests for changes shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer at least 10 working days prior to making any permanent substitutions. The request shall contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, qualifications of the proposed substitute and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 5 working days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes. C.6. CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: a) Contractor shall have prior experience conducting sea turtle and fishing gear research. b) Contractor's key personnel shall have training in sampling protocols and data coding. C.7. IT Security Clause: The C&A requirements of Clause 1352.239-73 do not apply and a Security Accreditation Package is not required. Appendix 1a. Port sampler data sheet for dockside sampling. Appendix 1b. Observer data sheet for at sea sampling. PRICE/QUOTE: This is an order for commercial services. The line item will be quoted and completed in accordance with the terms and conditions and specifications specified herein including standard commercial warranty for all work and parts. Prices quoted for contract line items shall be firm-fixed-price inclusive of all costs. LINE ITEM No. 0001 Conduct 60 separate fishing trips, using 2 individual commercial gillnet vessels and collect data on the interaction rates of Leatherback Sea Turtles in Trinidad's Artisanal Mackerel Gillnet Fishery between on or about August 1, 2008 and on or about November 1, 2008 in accordance with the Statement of Work. Quantity 1 Job, tiny_mce_marker __________. 52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999) (a) The Government will award one contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors which are listed in descending order of importance and shall be used to evaluate offers: Technical factors when combined are slightly more important than price. 1. Past Performance - The quote shall include information that demonstrates experience conducting sea turtle and fishing gear research as set forth in the statement of work. The quote shall include a list of recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references including contract numbers, point of contract with telephone numbers, email addresses if applicable, and other relevant information. Evaluation of this factor will be based on information provided by references that demonstrate experience performing gillnet fishery/leatherback sea turtle by-catch studies in Northeast Trinidad. 2. Key Personnel - The quote shall provide a list of persons assigned to the key positions detailed in Section C.5.3.1. The quote shall also include the training and experience that each individual assigned as key personnel has received in collecting dockside fisheries data along with gillnet effort data and sea turtle by-catch data aboard commercial vessels. Evaluation of this factor will be based on the type of training and/or length of experience in sampling protocols and data coding. 3. Price. The prices proposed will be evaluated to determine whether the price proposed is reasonable and realistic. The Offeror must provide documentation to determine fair and reasonable. (b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS Offerors are to provide the following to be considered for award: 1. Standard Form 1449 - 1 copy with an original signature and 1 copy; 2. Completed Schedule of Prices - 1 original; 3. All information requested in FAR Clause 52.212-2 - 1 original 4. Completed Representations and Certifications requested in FAR Clause 52.212-3 or proof of registration in the Business Partners Network at www.bpn.gov - 1 original 6. Proof of registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database Any business source, able to provide the services is encouraged to respond to this announcement within 10 calendar days after its publication to Charlene.A.Yaple@noaa.gov The NAICS code for this action is 813312. Central Region Acquisition Division, requires that all Contractors doing business with this officer be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). No award can be made to a company not registered in CCR. For additional information to register in CCR, please access the following web site: http://www.ccr.gov. In order to register, all firms must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800) 333-0505. Contractors should submit their Certification and Representations thru the on-line Business Partner Network (BPN). The BPN is the single source for vendor data for the federal government. Contractors are encouraged to go on-line at www.bpn.gov to complete its representations and certifications. The Government will award the purchase order to the contractor that represents the best value for the work. All responsible offerors may submit a response to this notice that will be considered by the agency.
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- Place of Performance
- Address: Trinidad, United States
- Record
- SN01613491-W 20080716/080714222749-8f65d9fa64ed07e3672ffa985a5303b8 (fbodaily.com)
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