Sources Sought Notice – DECKHAND SERVICES FOR NOAA RESEARCH VESSEL

Notice Type: Sources Sought Notice

Posted Date: 03-JUL-14

Office Address: Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Western Acquisition Division-Boulder; 325 Broadway - MC3 Boulder CO 80305-3328

Subject: DECKHAND SERVICES FOR NOAA RESEARCH VESSEL

Classification Code: 19 - Ships, small craft, pontoons & floating docks

Solicitation Number: NCND6021-14-01207

Contact: JOY A. RICHARDSON, Phone 303-497-4973, Email [email protected]

Setaside: Total Small BusinessTotal Small Business

Place of Performance (address): CHANNEL ISLAND NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARYSANTA BARBARA, CA

Place of Performance (zipcode): 93106

Place of Performance Country: US

Description: Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Western Acquisition Division-Boulder

STATEMENT OF WORK Requisition Number: NCND6021-14-01207 Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Research Vessel Deckhand Services I. INTRODUCTION

Background Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) requires the non-personal services of a part-time deckhand to help support missions conducted aboard the Research Vessel SHEARWATER and other sanctuary research vessels, home-ported in Santa Barbara, CA. The position is subordinate to the Senior Operator-in-Charge (OIC) and Second OIC/First Mate. The vessels support research, education, public outreach, maritime heritage, and emergency response-related operations for CINMS. Most operations are conducted in partnership with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as local colleges, universities, high schools, and non-governmental organizations (NGO). R/V Shearwater's primary mission is to serve CINMS and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS); the vessel occasionally supports other National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program areas. The vessel embarks on both day trips and overnight voyages lasting up to five days in duration. R/V Shearwater operates 50-120 days per year, spending the majority of her time working around the five northern Channel Islands. For every five days at sea, approximately one maintenance day in port is required in addition to a winter repair period of up to eight weeks. ONMS operates a variety of research vessels and occasionally cross decks crew.

Objectives The deckhand position is needed to participate in research cruises up to five continuous days in duration as well as conduct basic vessel maintenance.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES

1.) Assist OIC(s) with vessel activities including docking, anchoring, launching, recovering and operating the skiffs, deploying and recovering scientific equipment, and operating the ship's crane, winches and A-frame to ensure safe and efficient operations. 2.) Perform routine and emergency maintenance as required on vessels' engines, generators, compressor, decks, superstructure, interior and other equipment as directed by OIC(s), in accordance with NOAA procedures and manufacturers' recommendations. Document all work completed in the vessel maintenance log. 3.) Inventory, inspect, and maintain safety equipment in accordance with NOAA procedures, as directed by OIC(s). 4.) Assist OIC(s) to ensure all scientific equipment is installed and operating properly and that all research, education, and outreach goals are met. 5.) Follow orders given by the OIC(s) and Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC) while the vessel is away from port, as well as follow NOAA small boat policy, vessel operations manuals, vessel standing orders, MARPOL, and COLREGS. 6.) Read and be familiar with the vessel operations manuals, vessel standing orders, and the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual. 7.) Operate R/V Shearwater's skiffs in accordance with NOAA small boat policy and the vessel operations manual. 8.) Operate cranes, anchor winches, scientific winches, and A-frame. 9.) Stand late night anchor watch, ensuring safety of the vessel at anchor, and alerting the OIC of any potentially threatening situations. 10.) Act as a representative of the sanctuary while underway and maintain good professional relations with the crew, passengers and visiting researchers. 11.) Exercise prudent judgment at all times. Be willing, able and capable of responding to shipboard emergencies and actively participate in drills. 12.) Crewmembers shall not operate a boat or assist with operations within eight hours of having consumed alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or drugs that may detrimentally impact cognitive or motor abilities. The consumption of these substances is prohibited onboard NOAA small boats. Any person under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics will not be permitted aboard the small boat. 13.) Maintain currency on all required certificates during the performance period of the contract. 14.) Invoice for services at least once per month while actively working, and maintain records of all invoices throughout the life on the contract. 15.) As authorized by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), use of a Government vehicle for official purposes to perform the mission of CINMS. Must have a valid California driver's license, obey all motor vehicle traffic laws of the state and local jurisdiction, as well as follow GSA Fleet policies and procedures.

III. REQUIRED MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1.) Licensing and Certifications (copies must be provided) a. USCG Auxiliary Boating Skills and Seamanship course, or equivalent; OR USCG license (any tonnage) b. Current Red Cross or equivalent certification in CPR with AED and First Aid 2.) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities a. Detailed knowledge of research vessel operations including oceanographic instrumentation, remotely operated vehicles and ship support of dive operations. b. Knowledge of marine diesel engines, diesel generators, air compressors, marine electronics, and hydraulic lifting equipment (crane, winch, A-frame, anchor windlass). c. Ability to work with researchers, educators, docents, students, VIP's/guests, etc., and fulfill role of a sanctuary representative. 3.) Additional Requirements a. The contractor must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends, evenings, and nights. Position occasionally includes varied mealtime hours and watch schedule. b. The contractor must be able to lift 50 lbs, work outdoors and offshore in all ocean and weather conditions, work in small spaces such as engine rooms, and safely work and live a aboard a vessel at sea for up to five days. The vessel is often subject to pitching and rolling. The contractor must be able and willing to perform all tasks mentioned under "Responsibilities." c. Additional information: Applicants are subject to a background check. This is a non-smoking work environment. Valid California driver's license is required. Alcohol and illegal substances/drugs are strictly prohibited aboard the vessel, as well as any person under the influence.

IV. DESIRED KNOWLEDGE

1.) Licensing and Certifications (copies must be provided) a. Valid 100-Ton United States Coast Guard Master, Near Coastal License desired. b. Completed NOAA Small Boat Component Course. This is required training as defined in the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual for any operator of NOAA small boats. If the contractor does not currently have this course, they will need to complete it before they are qualified as a small boat operator. 2.) Detailed local knowledge of the five northern Channel Islands, including Santa Barbara, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands; local knowledge of the Santa Barbara Channel, including prevailing weather conditions and common traffic patterns. 3.) Familiarity with local agencies and organizations with whom CINMS frequently works, including Channel Islands National Park, United States Coast Guard, United States Geological Survey, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, University of California, Santa Barbara (multiple departments), local non-profit organizations and non-government organizations, and local high schools, colleges, museums, societies, aquaria, etc. 4.) Detailed understanding of prevailing weather patterns throughout both the islands and the Santa Barbara Channel; familiarity with the ways in which weather patterns vary within the sanctuary, and understanding of weather avoidance tactics (i.e. locating safe places to "hide"). 5.) Previous experience aboard CINMS vessels is greatly desired.

V. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE Period of performance is one year from the date of award, but approximately only 60 days at sea, with four one-year (60 days at sea) option periods.

VI. BUDGET The contractor shall submit a cost proposal in accordance with the tasks outlined above, calculated for 60 days at sea (based on a 12 hour day) during a one year period, as well as an hourly rate for in port maintenance. While underway, the contractor will not be required to be on watch in excess of twelve hours per day. While in port, no more than eight hours of work per day is authorized.

VII. TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT: The contractor may be required to support vessel operations in a port other than Santa Barbara Harbor, Ventura Harbor, or Channel Islands Harbor. The sum of $200.00 dollars shall be available to cover other direct costs as approved by the Contracting Officer (CO).

VIII. SUPPLIES: The contractor can be reimbursed for supplies needed for the above mentioned deliverables at the discretion of the CO.

IX. INVOICING: No more than eight hours of work each day is authorized for in port and dry dock periods without prior approval of the CO. No overtime pay authorized. The contractor must keep an ongoing timesheet for submitting his or her time. The contractor is to submit an invoice with time sheet no later than the 10th of the following month of which services were performed. Invoices with time sheets shall be submitted to the Vessel Operations Coordinator for approval at:

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Vessel Operations Coordinator UCSB Bldg 514, MC 6155 Santa Barbara CA 93106

There are no benefits included in the contract, and the contractor is responsible for taxes and insurance.

X. IT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: The Certification and Accreditation (C&A) requirements of 48 CFR 1352.239-73 do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

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 COR.

The contractor will be using government furnished equipment (GFE), which is currently covered by an existing government Certification and Accreditation (C&A) package.

Link/URL: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/MASC/NCND6021-14-01207/listing.html