99 -- CHARTER OF MONKFISH FISHING VESSEL

Notice Date

September 12, 2000

Contracting Office

Department of Commerce, NOAA, 200 World Trade Center, Room 209, Norfolk, VA 23510-1624

ZIP Code

23510-1624

Solicitation Number

EASC-00-0129

Response Due

September 20, 2000

Point of Contact

Michelle Morales, Contract Specialist (757) 441-6526, or Melvyn DesJarlais, Contracting Officer (757) 441-6647

E-Mail Address

Click here to contact the Contract Specialist (Michelle.R.Morales@noaa.gov)

Description

This is a combined synopsis/request for quotation (RFQ) for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only request for quotation; quotes are being requested, as written requests will not be issued. The following information is provided: a. RFQ number: EASC-00-0129 b. This RFQ and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-19. c. This action is not a small business set-aside. The Standard Industrial Classification Code is 4499. d. Line Item(s): 01. The contractor shall provide the personnel, equipment, materials and facilities necessary to charter one monkfish fishing vessel to survey monkfish resources in the Southern New England region. e. Description of Requirement: General. The Population Dynamics Branch in the Resource Evaluation and Assessment Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), Woods Hole Laboratory is requesting the charter of one monkfish (Lophius americanus) fishing vessel. The vessel shall be involved in conducting sampling f the monkfish population in U.S. waters in the southern New England region. The purposes of the sampling will be (1) to sample a subset of NEFSC bottom trawl survey stations for comparison with samples taken by the R/V/ Albatross IV, (2) to conduct depth-stratified sampling along the southern New England continental shelf (130-225 fathoms), and (3) to assess the seaward boundary of the stock. Specific Tasks and Responsibilities. Period of performance. The charter period shall not exceed seven sea days. A sea day is defined as any part of the calendar day spent steaming to or from a vessel's home port and Wood's Hole for the purpose of conducting the survey, and the days actually spent conducting the survey. Conducting the survey is defined as steaming to each station, towing at each station location and laying-to due to bad weather or equipment failure. The vessel shall be at the homeport dock on or about Monday, September 25, 2000, prepared with the necessary fuel, food and crew to conduct a 7-day cruise. Loading of the scientific staff and their equipment will be done at a mutually agreed time prior to the beginning of the cruise. Immediately following the loading of the scientific party and equipment, the cruise will depart and will be completed on or about October 1, 2000. Cruise Operations. Prior to the commencement of charter, the vessel will be made available to NEFSC scientific staff, on a mutually-agreed upon date(s), to inspect the vessel, install any scientific equipment, and to meet with the vessel captain and owner. Any software, gear, nets and/or equipment installed on each vessel for the purpose of conducting the chartered cruise will be removed and returned to NMFS at the end of the cruise. While at sea, the vessel captain is responsible for the operation of the vessel and safety of the scientific staff and crew, the crew is responsible for the operation of the vessel, fishing operations and assisting with processing of the catch. Any damage to the charter vessel and its gear, or any fixed fear at sea, which occurs during the cruise is the responsibility of the vessel captain. The Chief Scientist will be in charge of the cruise track and overseeing the scientific sampling. The cruise will take place in US waters in the southern New England region, ranging from the areas around Hudson Canyon to Veatch Canyon in water ranging from 30-240 fathoms. Fishing will occur day and night, on 8-hour watches at pre-determined, random station locations provided to the captain prior to departure for his/her review. As standardized 30-minute tow time (time net is in contact with the bottom) will be conducted at each station at a vessel speed of 3.5 knots. Provisions. Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel cook for 5 scientists per vessel. Meats shall be included at each meal along with two vegetables and desert or fruit. Milk, coffee, tea, water, cold juice and soft drinks shall be available at all times. Meals shall be prepared during each day for which the vessel is chartered. Vessel Requirements. Permits and Registrations: USCG Safety Inspection Certificate Insurance: Each charter vessel shall provide certification of adequate maritime insurance coverage. Vessel and Gear Specifications. Minimum specifications are: Fuel and potable water capacity to operate continuously for 7-10 days; sufficient berth space for crew and five scientists; minimum crew and captain, mate, engineer and cook; vessel and gear capable of trawling on and off the continental shelf in waters 40-400 fathoms deep (winches holding at least 600 fathoms of wire, two sets of nets); six-inch twine throughout the net; crew knowledgeable and experienced with conditions in the target sampling area; well-lit, sheltered scientific work area with table; satellite navigation system (DGPS), VHF, UHF, aircraft band radios, cellular phone, weather facsimile machine, LORAN, and at least two radar units; sonar and echosounders (frequencies of 50kHz and 200 kHz); equipment to monitor vessel speed, direction and bearing, air temperature, sea surface temperature, wind speed and direction and water depth; survival suits for crew, captain and five scientific staff per vessel. Facilities. Clean bunk space and lavatory facilities (hot water shower and sink with toilet) for five scientists per vessel; freezer space for storage of biological samples; mess facilities for concurrent seating of five scientists per vessel. Crew. Adequate crew size to operate the vessel and to support fishing operations. Costs. If a vessel is not steaming or towing at sea, for reasons other than safety, malfunctioning of necessary equipment to steam or tow or at the request of the Chief Scientist, reimbursement shall be for food costs only. Award Criteria. Award will be made to the offeror that presents the best value to the government based on price and price related factors. Proof of adequate maritime insurance coverage shall be provided with any responding quote. Special Note: One copy of the quote shall be mailed to each of the following addressees not later than September 20, 2000. a. Department Of Commerce, NOAA, EASC Attention: Michelle Morales 200 World Trade Center, Room 209 Norfolk, VA 23510 b. National Marine Fisheries Service Northeast Fisheries Science Center Attention: Steven Murawski 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 f. The provisions of 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items, applies. g. Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items, with the offer. h. FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions, applies to this action.

Web Link

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20000914/99SOL007.HTM (W-256 SN495719)