SOLICITATION NOTICE
B -- California Ecosystem Assessment
- Notice Date
- 9/6/2011
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, 325 Broadway - MC3, Boulder, Colorado, 80305-3328, United States
- ZIP Code
- 80305-3328
- Solicitation Number
- NCND6000-11-03344DT
- Archive Date
- 9/13/2011
- Point of Contact
- Doris P Turner, Phone: 303-497-3872
- E-Mail Address
-
doris.p.turner@noaa.gov
(doris.p.turner@noaa.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- (I) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (II) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Submit written quotes on RFQ Number NCND6000-11-03344DT. (III) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-53. (IV) This solicitation is unrestricted and open to all sources. The associated NAICS code is 541990. The small business size standard is $7.0 million. (V) This combined solicitation/synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial services: CLIN 0001 Provide non-personal services to conduct the following in support of the California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (CC-IEA), and nested Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (NBNMS-IEA): (1) Facilitation and Coordination Services, (2) Scientific Analysis, Data Synthesis and Review Services, and (3) Public Scoping and Communications Services as described in the statement of work. (VI) Description of requirements is as follows: SUMMARY The central deliverables for the contract are serving the needs of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary's Ecosystem-based Management (EBM) Initiative including: (1) Facilitation and Coordination Services, (2) Scientific Analysis, Data Synthesis and Review Services, and (3) Public Scoping and Communications Services. These services are necessary to provide scientific and management input for the California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (CC-IEA) and the nested Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (MBNMS-IEA). BACKGROUND The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) provides resource protection through management, research, and education programs that foster public understanding and stewardship of this nationally significant marine ecosystem. The contractor will be responsible for the implementation or completion of strategies and activities outlined in this document and the expected products. SCOPE OF WORK The purpose of the contract is to conduct the following services in support of the CC-IEA and nested MBNMS-IEA: (1) Facilitation and Coordination Services, (2) Scientific Analysis, Data Synthesis and Review Services, and (3) Public Scoping and Communications Services. 1. Facilitation and Coordination Services This task includes facilitation, coordination and collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Sea Grant, State Resources Agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the staff of the West Coast Governors Agreement to support development of the CCIEA and MBNMS-IEA, with particular emphasis on generating outputs to service the needs of management and decision-making bodies. Services rendered should include identifying information needs, providing input on management priorities, and collaborating closely with NOAA scientists to ensure that the MBNMS-IEA is a valuable tool for managers in general, and the MBNMS EBM Initiative in particular. Services will require close collaboration with State, Federal, regional and local agencies and partners to integrate the needs of management agencies into IEA development. Facilitation and coordination must be conducted at the California Current scale, in addition to the nested MBNMS scale. Deliverables a. Written and oral critique, review and input for IEA process and products (i.e. identifying management priorities, developing management scenarios, developing risk assessment, review model performance and identify information needs) to develop IEA b. Written and oral recommendations for CC-IEA and MBNMS-IEA to ensure that products and outputs can be integrated into management and decision-making c. Development of nested IEA focused on Monterey Bay as a pilot for regional IEAs (contractor will provide major support role working with NMFS) d. Written and oral communications with key IEA partners and stakeholders e. Written suggestions for future direction of IEA f. Written realistic management scenarios to test in MBNMS-IEA g. Written plan to conduct risk assessment for MBNMS-IEA h. Oral and PowerPoint Presentations at IEA meetings (travel required) 2. Scientific Analysis, Data Synthesis and Review Services Provide scientific review of IEA approaches, models and outputs; synthesize, review and compile MBNMS specific data; and provide feedback for improving CC- and MBNMS-IEAs. Services are needed to critically review the 2010 DRAFT IEA report to provide suggestions for 2011 and assist with spatial and non-spatial data compilation. Services required include: • identifying major research questions, data needs and limitations; • compiling and synthesizing spatial and non-spatial data; • suggesting additional model needs, analysis and direction for understanding the policy implications of different models to improve the IEA; • collecting additional information through workshops, data analysis, etc. Expertise in developing spatial data layers for identifying research areas, unique/rare features, areas important for protecting ecosystem health, and those areas important for promoting sustainable uses of MBNMS will be essential. The contractor will help evaluate the effectiveness of current and proposed management strategies to achieve EBM objectives. Deliverables a. Oral and written scientific review and input for the CC- and MBNMS-IEA b. Written list of major research questions for IEA c. Co-authored publications and reports from IEA outputs (some travel may be required) d. Data summaries, data analyses and data layers for informing EBM Initiative e. Oral and written recommendations for decision making processes (e.g., NMFS Essential Fish Habitat Review; some travel may be required) f. Spatial data layers for input into EBM Initiative and IEA g. Written review of utility of available data sources (e.g. water quality) to input into IEA h. Oral and written list of recommendations for future spatial and non-spatial data needs i. Written and oral comments evaluating effectiveness of management strategies 3. Public Scoping and Communications Services Assist with coordinating and implementing pilot scoping of the National IEA in the MBNMS including identifying communications needs; developing and distributing communications products; and collaborating with stakeholders, local, state and federal agencies and NGOs to communicate the relevance of the IEA. These services will require: • Close collaboration with NMFS science staff and agency partners to plan IEA scoping process including: setting objectives; identifying audiences, major themes, species of concern, ecosystem services, relevant human activities, / stressors of concern, and connections to specific management actions • Identify communications needs (audience, purpose, format, specific products) for sharing IEA results with diverse audiences • Review, generate and assist with development of outreach products (summaries of IEA, brochures, presentations) tailored to target audiences • Communicate and disseminate IEA results with agency partners, stakeholders, NGOs, and industry via meetings, presentations, publications and web based materials Deliverables a. Oral communications and written plans for objectives, audiences, participant roles, major themes, expectations, directions and extent of pilot scoping in collaboration with partners and stakeholders for FY 2012 scoping of the CC- and MBNMS-IEAs (requires travel) b. Written summary of communications needs and priorities c. Co-authored publications, brochures, reports, presentations for outreach products d. A mock scoping session conducted in FY 2011 to review and critique scoping plan e. Communications (co-develop presentations, conferences, written reports, web sites) on IEA process and findings to agencies, stakeholders, NGOs and industry f. A written list of questions from stakeholders regarding values, indicators for those values, and reference points exemplifying that those values are met for each theme TRAVEL AND OTHER DIRECT COSTS Limited travel and other direct costs will be reimbursed not to exceed $8,000. IT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS The contractor is required to meet the DOC IT Security Program Policy (http://home.commerce.gov/CIO/ITSITnew/IT_Security_Program_Documentation.html). The government will provide the necessary computer equipment and information to perform this contract. All work must be performed upon government furnished equipment and if addition hardware and/or software is needed, the contractor must request the additional requirements from the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The contractor must use government furnished equipment (GFE), which is currently covered by an existing government Certification and Accreditation (C&A) package. The C&A requirements of Clause 73 do not apply, and therefore a Security Accreditation Package is not required. The contractor must consider IT Security controls throughout the lifecycle of this contract as outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-64 (http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-64/NIST-SP800-64.pdf). The contractor shall guarantee strict confidentiality of the information/data that it is provided by the Government during the performance of the task order. The Government has determined that the information/data that the contractor will be provided during the performance of the task order is of a sensitive nature. Disclosure of the information/data, in whole or in part, by the contractor can only be made after the contractor receives prior written approval from the Contracting Officer. Whenever the contractor is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of information/data under the contract, the contractor shall obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer. Knowledge Transfer The contractor shall provide, as necessary, periodic training whenever the contractor introduces new processes, new technology or when the contractor changes existing processes or technology. All processes and technology changes must be thoroughly documented. It is the responsibility of the contractor to mentor government identified personnel regarding the new or changed process or technologies. When there is a transition within the contractor's staffing, the contractor shall be responsible for ensuring the incoming personnel is fully versed on any outstanding project deadlines, roles and responsibilities before the new person arrives on the job. In the case of when the services of the contractor is no longer required, the contractor shall begin the knowledge transfer to government personnel or its designated representative at least three weeks before the final contract termination date. Restrictions Against Disclosure The contractor agrees, in the performance of this contract, to keep the information furnished by the Government and designated by the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer's Technical Representative in the strictest confidence. The contractor also agree not to publish or otherwise divulge such information in whole or part, in any manner or form, nor to authorize or permit others to do so, taking such reasonable measures as are necessary to restrict access to such information while in the contractor's possession, to those employees needing such information to perform the work provided herein, i.e., on a "need to know" basis. The contractor agrees to immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing in the event that the contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement. The contractor agrees that it will not disclose any information described in performance of this activity to any persons or individual unless prior written approval is obtained from the Contracting Officer. Whenever the contractor is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of information/data under the contract, the contractor shall obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer. The Contractor agrees to insert the substance of this clause in any consultant agreement or subcontract hereunder. (VII) Place of delivery and acceptance is Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, N/ORM6X22, 299 Foam Street, Suite D, Monterey, CA 93940. Delivery shall be FOB Destination. (VIII) Period of performance shall be 12 months from date of award. (IX) FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items (June 2008) applies to this acquisition. In addition to written price quotes, offers are instructed to provide a capability statement describing qualifications to perform requirements listed in paragraphs (V) and (VI), and at least two past performance references for jobs of similar scope, including name, E-mail address, phone numbers, etc. Inquiries (Apr 2010). Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to Doris Turner either through email Doris.P.Turner@noaa.gov or faxed at 303-497-7719 no later than Friday September 9, 2011 at 1:00 pm mountain time. (X) FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items (Jan 1999), applies to this acquisition. Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS 1. Ph.D., Masters degree or equivalent experience in the field of marine research and at least three years proven experience in resource management, research and policy issues related to marine and coastal protection. 2. Demonstrated knowledge of marine and ecosystem issues in the MBNMS and other west coast sanctuaries, including fishery-related issues, habitat and ecosystem protection 3. Expertise in marine ecology, fisheries biology, spatial and data base analysis. 4. Demonstrated ability and experience in developing recommendations, plans and policies to address ecosystem protection, including fishery-related activities, habitat protection, MPAs and other coastal issues. 5. Knowledge of existing federal, state, and local programs, funding sources, public and private partners that could be used to implement resource management plans and experience in coordinating complex multiagency implementation of ecosystem protection plans. 6. Ability to evaluate proposed projects and plans to assess impacts to natural resources, and recommending corrective actions including evaluating and utilizing ecosystem monitoring data to inform resource management decisions 7. Skill in communicating complex technical subjects for professional and lay audiences. 8. Knowledge and skill in conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and collaborative planning among participants with diverse backgrounds and conflicting interests. Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a), and award will be made on an all or none basis to the firm offering the best value to the Government. (XI) The offeror must submit a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (Oct 2010) with its quote. The offeror shall complete the annual representations and certifications electronically at http://orca.bpn.gov. (XII) The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (June 2010), applies to this acquisition. (XIII) The clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (Aug 2011) applies to this acquisition. The following clauses under subparagraph (b) apply: 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (DEC 2010) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Apr 2009) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)). 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755). 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (July 2010) (E.O. 13126). 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999). 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246). 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Sep 2010)(38 U.S.C. 4212). 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Oct 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793). 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (SEP 2010) (38 U.S.C. 4212). 52.223-18, Contractor Policy to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Sep 2010) (E.O. 13513). 52.225-3, Buy American Act-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (June 2009) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332). The following clauses under subparagraph (c) apply: same as above. (XIV) The following clauses are also applicable to this acquisition: 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated By Reference (Feb 1998), This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html (End of Clause) The following additional terms and conditions apply: 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jul 2010) (Effective March 1, 2011) 52.214-34, Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991) 52.214-35, Submission of Offer in U.S. Currency (Apr 1991) 52.217-8, Option to Extend (Nov 1999) 52.228-5, Insurance - Work on a Government Installation (Jan 1997) Department of Commerce Clauses: 1352.201-70, Contracting Officer's Authority (Apr. 2010). The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price. [75 FR 10570, Mar. 8, 2010; 75 FR 14496, Mar. 26, 2010] (XIV) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating does apply. (XV) Quotes are required to be received in the contracting office no later than 10:00 A.M. MST/MDT on September 12, 2011. All quotes must be emailed (PREFERRED) to the attention of Doris.p.Turner@noaa.gov. The fax number is 303-497-6163. (XVI) Any questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Doris Turner, Purchasing Agent, at email address, Doris.P.Turner@noaa.gov.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/MASC/NCND6000-11-03344DT/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: 299 Foam Street, Suite D, Monterey, California, 93940, United States
- Zip Code: 93940
- Zip Code: 93940
- Record
- SN02563035-W 20110908/110906234957-fe1a21e46b5b3c97f50e093ab274489e (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |