Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Survey Mitigation Research Survey

Active

Contract Opportunity

Sources Sought Number: FD-2025-071

Notice Type: Sources Sought Synopsis

Title: Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Survey Mitigation Research Survey

Response Date: January 10, 2025

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS and is not a pre-solicitation announcement. The purpose of this Market Research and Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified U.S. Domestic businesses, which could include Small Business, HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Women Owned Small Business firms and even Large Businesses. Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis will be used by the Government in making appropriate acquisition decisions.

BACKGROUND:

NOAA Fisheries performs standardized, scientific surveys to assess changes in abundance and population metrics of fish, invertebrates, and protected species over space and time. In response to the potential disruption of long-running (some more than 30 years) survey missions, the Southeast Fisheries Science Center has developed a survey mitigation plan intended to guide the development and implementation of a program to mitigate impacts of wind energy development on fisheries surveys in the Southeast region. Construction of wind turbines along the U.S. East Coast allows for some feasibility testing of survey methodologies adapted for data collection within and around wind farms. This project aims to identify and develop new survey approaches and will require the contracting of vessel(s) that can support several scientists and deploy and recover multiple types of survey gear near the offshore wind turbines located at the CVOW pilot area over the course of 7 days.

INTENDED USE/PURPOSE:

We will test the feasibility of using the following methodologies within and around wind farms: Diver surveys, video trap surveys, Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Echosounder, Multibeam, CTD, Uncrewed Aerial Systems, Water collection, Benthic sample collection, Uncrewed Underwater Systems. Although a single vessel is preferred, NOAA will also consider multiple vessels working together as an alternative.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ESSENTIAL SALIENT FEATURES:

1. Vessel must have, in proper working order, all required United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved safety, navigation, and communication devices and equipment.


2. Vessel shall have sufficient fuel capacity to support operations for seven full days at sea without refueling.


3. Vessel shall have a rear deck area clear of obstructions for setting up, stowing, rinsing, and dismantling survey gear.


4. Vessel will be able to maintain station using dynamic positioning


5. Vessel must have an indoor dry counter area suitable for project scientists to use Government provided laptops and other small electronic equipment. The workspace shall include access to adjacent electrical outlets (120 VAC, 60 Hz).


6. The contractor must provide clean and sanitary berthing accommodations for up to 8 male and female Government personnel. Personnel may share berthing arrangements, but must allow for separate rooms for male and female personnel. Berthing spaces must contain at least one drawer or closet per occupant for stowage of clothing and personal gear, lighting, ventilation, emergency exit, and separated from machinery or fuel tanks. Quarters and furnishings shall contain fireproof installations and CO monitors where applicable.


7. Berthing requirements, including the number and gender of Government personnel, will be provided by the Project Lead approximately two weeks prior to departure. The Project Lead and Captain will work together on a detailed berthing plan to accommodate the gender mix of the Government personnel, taking into consideration the current complement of the vessel.


8. Vessel must have a potable fresh water supply for vessel and personal use (including showers and laundry) for all personnel aboard for the duration of the charter. The potable water system shall have dedicated tanks (treated and coated), ventilated with insect screens installed (if appropriate), and a dedicated potable water hose with filters that remove particulates including rust.


9. Vessel must provide clean linens including mattresses, clean fitted sheets, pillows, and towels for Government personnel.


10. The vessel must have a minimum of two heads and two freshwater showers available to Government personnel. Additional heads/showers are desired but not required and may be given additional consideration during technical evaluation. The vessel shall provide sufficient soap, toilet paper, and paper towels for the number of personnel on-board and the duration of the charter.


11. All indoor vessel workspaces, berthing, and galley spaces must be adequately ventilated and free from tobacco smoke, excessive engine noise, and hydrocarbon fumes.


12. The vessel must be able to maintain underway status, including all engine-room functionality, for the entire duration of the charter. The vessel must be able to maintain all housekeeping, deck, and other necessary services while underway or while on-station (at anchor or otherwise).


13. Vessel Captain and crew shall comply with waste management, in an effort to reduce marine debris pollution, vessel regulations as described in Section V of the MARPOL Convention. The vessel is required to have a storage facility, with or without a trash compactor, to retain all refuse, or a means to incinerate this refuse so that it is not disposed of at sea.


14. The contractor must provide a Captain, appropriately licensed by the USCG for the gross tonnage of the vessel, for the duration of the charter. The Captain shall be competent in the use of navigation and safety equipment. The Captain shall have experience launching and recovering scientific equipment, navigating busy waterways, and operating in the offshore environment. The Captain will work directly with the chief scientists for matters pertaining to deck layout, berthing arrangements, trip itinerary, planning, and operations. The Captain will be familiar with all contract and Statement of Work requirements.


15. The contractor must provide adequate crew to meet USCG safe manning levels and provide appropriate crew to safely conduct the required operations. The contractor must provide skilled individuals on the vessel capable of crane operations and line handling for launch and recovery of all small boats and cargo.


16. Captain and crew must have all required and necessary qualifications, licenses, and certifications appropriate to their position. All contractor crew will be physically capable of performing all required tasks during the charter. The contractor will provide the TPOC with the captain and crew qualifications for those individuals that will be sailing on the charter at the pre-charter meeting or no less than 14 days prior to departure.


17. All contractor and government personnel must comply with NOAA and SEFSC personnel conduct policies including: EEO, workplace harassment, substance abuse, safety, and environmental awareness. A zero tolerance policy for any type of harassment will be enforced. The contractor must provide safe, efficient working conditions and accommodations to the Government personnel free from violence, threats of violence, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and other disruptive behavior. The contractor, its agents, subcontractors, and employees, including the Captain and crew of the vessel must not harass, assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, threaten, interfere with or make unwelcome advances toward any member of Government personnel. Violation under this clause may result in termination of the contract, at the discretion of the Government under the Default Clause, and consequent liability of the contractor to the Government for any costs incurred, as well as debarment, suspension or similar action from future participation in Government contracts. Violation of the contractor’s obligations under this clause may result in criminal and/or civil prosecution of the person(s) involved by either the Government or affected Government personnel, as provided by applicable law, as well as adverse performance evaluation under the terms and conditions of this contract.


18. During the charter period, the possession or use of intoxicating substances and/or illegal drugs, by any person, is not permitted and may be grounds for termination of this contract by the Government.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE:

The cruise must be completed between April 1, 2025 and April 16, 2025.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 483114 with a size standard of 550 employees.

Interested firms shall provide, in writing, a brief narrative (no more than 3 pages in length) and documentation to support your firm’s capability and experience specific to meeting this requirement herein and include your firm’s name, address, point of contact, telephone number, SAM UEID Number, CCR CAGE Number, business type and size (i.e., small, large, non-profit, educational, etc.). Any response that does not include this information will not be considered. The Government will review your response to determine if your firm has the experience, knowledge and capability to provide the items as specified above. DO NOT PROVIDE A GENERIC CAPABILITIES STATEMENT. Only respond with a detailed capabilities that clearly shows capabilities to meet the above specific requirements.

This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. Nor does this request for information constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that any procurement action may be issued for the Government’s requirements.

No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise because 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.

All contractors doing business with the Government are required to be registered and active with the System for Award Management (SAM) website.

NOTE: THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT CONSIDERED A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BUT A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. No solicitation document is available. No contract will be awarded based on responses received to this notice.

Responses shall reference Sources Sought FD-2025-071 and be sent to Amy.Gilliland@noaa.gov

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