SOLICITATION NOTICE
V -- Vessel and Observer Support for Northern Marianas Survey
- Notice Date
- 4/25/2014
- 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), PIFSC, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96818, United States
- ZIP Code
- 96818
- Solicitation Number
- WE-133F-14-RQ-0408
- Archive Date
- 5/20/2014
- Point of Contact
- STEPHANIE M. GARNETT, Phone: (808) 725-5356
- E-Mail Address
-
STEPHANIE.M.GARNETT@NOAA.GOV
(STEPHANIE.M.GARNETT@NOAA.GOV)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- (i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation 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 solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) The solicitation number for this procurement is WE-133F-14-RQ-0408 and is hereby issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). (iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-72 dated January 30, 2014. (iv) This procurement is 100% set-aside for small business concerns. The associated NAICS code is 541990 with a corresponding small business size standard of $14.0 million. (v) Contract Line Item Numbers See the Standard Form 18 which is included as a separate attachment on FBO. (vi) Description of Requirements I. BACKGROUND The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) requires assistance in the collection of occurrence, group size, and tissue sampling for assessment of abundance and population structure of cetaceans in the central and western Pacific. The PIFSC will be conducting small boat surveys in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in June-July 2014 to add to our growing database of species occurrence, individual identification photos, and tissue samples for assessment of stock structure and abundance in this region. The surveys in Guam and CNMI will take place around the islands of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. II. PURPOSE The purpose of this purchase order is to secure assistance with collection of species occurrence, identification photographs, and biopsy samples during a PIFSC-lead cetacean survey effort in Guam and the Marianas. The PIFSC cetacean program staff will lead the survey effort, including the determination of daily survey routes and priorities. The contractor must provide daily vessel charter services in addition to three skilled cetacean observers to assist PIFSC with this project. The contractor must have previous experience conducting cetacean surveys from small vessels in moderate to poor sea conditions, as well as experience with collecting location data, providing group size estimates, and collecting behavioral observations of cetaceans. In addition, the contractor must have prior experience in the collection of tissue samples from cetaceans using a crossbow, and knowledge of and experience with proper sample handling protocols, and the skills and expertise to deploy LIMPET satellite tags onto medium and large-sized odontocetes and baleen whales. Personnel requirements : Three skilled cetacean observers are required for this contract. Each of the three observers must have the following qualifications: •- at least three years of cumulative field experience, including from small boats •- able to identify all common tropical cetaceans to species in the field •- able to accurately estimate group size •- able to evaluate cetacean behavior •- experience taking high-quality identification photographs with digital SLR cameras •- experience collecting and processing biopsy samples. In addition, at least member of the survey team must have the following qualification: •- experience programming and deploying LIMPET satellite tags onto medium and large-sized cetaceans Vessel requirements : Small vessels must be chartered on Guam, Rota, and Saipan by the contractor for this project. Small vessels must have the following characteristics: •- be at least 20 feet long, and able to safely carry at least 4 passengers •- capable of maintaining survey speeds of at least 9 kts •- have an endurance of at least 7 hours continuously on the water and range of at least 150km without refueling (i.e. the ability to circumnavigate any of the islands) •- maintain all appropriate safety equipment, meeting Coast Guard and NMFS Small Boat Safety Program inspection requirements •- be configured such that satellite tagging, biopsy sampling and photo-identification can be conducted from the bow while maintaining clear communication with the vessel captain •- some larger vessels inappropriate for satellite tagging, but optimized for better sighting conditions may be considered for occasional use during the survey Further, it is desirable for vessels to have the following additional characteristics: •- have twin engines for safety and maneuverability •- a flying bridge capable of accommodating at least 3 observers •- maintain good maneuverability around small cetaceans •- allow the survey team to drive the vessel during tagging operations III. CONTRACT TASKS A. Tasks The Contractor will be required to organize small boat surveys in the waters surrounding Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota. The Contractor will fulfill the following requirements: § Work with PIFSC personnel to carry out surveys in Guam and CNMI. § Make arrangements with (and pay for) charter vessels that will be used for conducting cetacean surveys § Provide three qualified marine mammal observers, including payment of associated travel to/from Guam/CNMI and lodging, vehicle rental, and M&IE during the survey period. § When necessary, the Contractor may be responsible for inspecting and driving the chartered vessel and is required to have NOAA small boat certification training § Be responsible for finding accommodations and making travel arrangements to Guam and while in Guam and CNMI § Collect photo-id data and biopsy samples § Deploy up top 15 SPOT5 and MK-10 LIMPET satellite tags onto cetaceans § Process daily survey data and photos per instruction from PIFSC staff § Process biopsy samples per instructions from PIFSC staff § Collect acoustic data from select species when opportunities arise. B. Deliverables § Complete photo data set, including proper file naming scheme, addition of IPTC fields and geospatial data per PIFSC-provided protocol § Completed and verified sighting data, photo, biopsy, and tag deployment information entered into provided database format § Biopsy samples processed, properly stored in frozen state, and mailed periodically or hand-carried to PIFSC office for long-term storage § Assist with project reporting, including formulation of text, tables, and figures as needed. IV. GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED AND CONTRACTOR-PROVIDED PROPERTY The Government will provide the observation equipment, computer systems and all other equipment required for the contracted tasks above. The Contractor will provide personal effects that might be desired while in Guam and CNMI. The Contractor will obtain accommodations and means of transportation to and while in Guam and CNMI. The Contractor will obtain use of charter vessels for all small boat surveys in Guam and CNMI. When necessary, the contractor will obtain fuel for the small boat surveys. The Contractor will obtain ice for daily storage of biopsy samples aboard the small boat and proper frozen storage of processed biopsy samples. V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES: The Contractor shall be required to complete and submit all data and samples collected, including a dataset log from the marine mammal surveys throughout operations of the field season. The Contractor will be instructed by the PIFSC on the sampling protocol, on the format of the dataset logs, and also on the schedule for delivering the data and samples. (vii) Date(s) and Place(s) of Delivery and Acceptance/FOB Point. The purchase order shall begin on or about May 6, 2016 and end April 30, 2014. Place of Delivery: NOAA/NMFS/PIFSC 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 All deliveries shall be FOB Destination. All Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses listed below are available for download at https://acquisition.gov/far/ (vii) A statement that the provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, applies to this acquisition and a statement regarding any addenda to the provision. (viii) 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following evaluation factors apply: The Government will issue an order resulting from this RFQ to the responsible quoter whose quotation results in the best value to the Government, considering both price and non-price factors. The following factors will be used to evaluate quotations: Factor A -- APPROACH AND CAPABILITIES - Quoters will be evaluated based on their corporate and individual qualifications to perform the work; adequacy of equipment, materials and facilities proposed; and experience with the types of operations identified in the solicitation ; familiarity with vessel charter operators and survey conditions in Guam and CNMI study areas; the choice of charter vessels, including information on vessel capabilities and the ability to provide proof of NMFS Small Boat Safety Program and USCG inspections before the purchase order will be awarded; and access to appropriate permits to facilitate continuity of surveys and all data collection in the event that PIFSC staff are not aboard the vessel. Factor B -- PAST PERFORMANCE -- Performance by the quoter and its subcontractor(s) as it relates to all solicitation requirements will be evaluated. The evaluation will include the quality of services previously performed, timeliness of performance, customer satisfaction and indication of ability to improve performance through proactive management. Evaluation of this factor will be based on the information contained in the proposal and information provided by references. The government may evaluate past performance by contacting references and/or other sources and may also consider other information available. Factor C -- PRICE Although price is the least important evaluation factor, it will not be ignored. The degree of importance of the proposed price will increase with the degree of equality of the proposals in relation to the other factors on which selection is to be based. The government reserves the right to make an award to other than the lowest priced offer or if the contracting officer determines that to do so would result in the best value to the government. Note that any and all costs associated with proposal preparation, are the responsibility of the quoter and will not be reimbursed by the government. (ix) The quoter must submit a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (NOV 2013), with its quote. (x) The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (SEPT 2013), applies to this acquisition. (xi) The clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (JAN 2015) applies to this acquisition. The following clauses under subparagraph (b) apply: (4), (8), (10), (14), (25), (28), (30), (31), (32), (33), (34), (40), (44) and (50). The following clauses under subparagraph (c) apply: None. (xii) The following additional clauses are also applicable to this acquisition: Department of Commerce Clauses: 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority 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. 1352.209-73 Compliance with the laws (APR 2010) The contractor shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations which deal with or relate to performance in accord with the terms of the contract. 1352.209-74 Organizational Conflict of Interest (APR 2010) (a) Purpose. The purpose of this clause is to ensure that the contractor and its subcontractors: (1) Are not biased because of their financial, contractual, organizational, or other interests which relate to the work under this contract, and (2) Do not obtain any unfair competitive advantage over other parties by virtue of their performance of this contract. (b) Scope. The restrictions described herein shall apply to performance or participation by the contractor, its parents, affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries, and successors in interest (hereinafter collectively referred to as "contractor") in the activities covered by this clause as a prime contractor, subcontractor, co-sponsor, joint venturer, consultant, or in any similar capacity. For the purpose of this clause, affiliation occurs when a business concern is controlled by or has the power to control another or when a third party has the power to control both. (c) Warrant and Disclosure. The warrant and disclosure requirements of this paragraph apply with full force to both the contractor and all subcontractors. The contractor warrants that, to the best of the contractor's knowledge and belief, there are no relevant facts or circumstances which would give rise to an organizational conflict of interest, as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5, and that the contractor has disclosed all relevant information regarding any actual or potential conflict. The contractor agrees it shall make an immediate and full disclosure, in writing, to the Contracting Officer of any potential or actual organizational conflict of interest or the existence of any facts that may cause a reasonably prudent person to question the contractor's impartiality because of the appearance or existence of bias or an unfair competitive advantage. Such disclosure shall include a description of the actions the contractor has taken or proposes to take in order to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate any resulting conflict of interest. (d) Remedies. The Contracting Officer may terminate this contract for convenience, in whole or in part, if the Contracting Officer deems such termination necessary to avoid, neutralize or mitigate an actual or apparent organizational conflict of interest. If the contractor fails to disclose facts pertaining to the existence of a potential or actual organizational conflict of interest or misrepresents relevant information to the Contracting Officer, the Government may terminate the contract for default, suspend or debar the contractor from Government contracting, or pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law or this contract. (e) Subcontracts. The contractor shall include a clause substantially similar to this clause, including paragraphs (f) and (g), in any subcontract or consultant agreement at any tier expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The terms "contract," "contractor," and "Contracting Officer" shall be appropriately modified to preserve the Government's rights. (f) Prime Contractor Responsibilities. The contractor shall obtain from its subcontractors or consultants the disclosure required in FAR Part 9.507-1, and shall determine in writing whether the interests disclosed present an actual, or significant potential for, an organizational conflict of interest. The contractor shall identify and avoid, neutralize, or mitigate any subcontractor organizational conflict prior to award of the contract to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer. If the subcontractor's organizational conflict cannot be avoided, neutralized, or mitigated, the contractor must obtain the written approval of the Contracting Officer prior to entering into the subcontract. If the contractor becomes aware of a subcontractor's potential or actual organizational conflict of interest after contract award, the contractor agrees that the Contractor may be required to eliminate the subcontractor from its team, at the contractor's own risk. (g) Waiver. The parties recognize that this clause has potential effects which will survive the performance of this contract and that it is impossible to foresee each circumstance to which it might be applied in the future. Accordingly, the contractor may at any time seek a waiver from the Head of the Contracting Activity by submitting such waiver. 1352.245-70 Government Furnished Property (APR 2010) The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the contractor. The contractor shall be accountable for, and have stewardship of, the property in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the contractor in accordance with provisions of the "Government Property" clause included in this contract. Item No. Description Quantity Delivery date Property/Tag No. 0001 Observation Equipment All At Award At Award 0002 Computer Equipment All At Award At Award The following additional terms and conditions apply: 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) (a) Except as stated in paragraph (b) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern: (1) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government. (2) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an "I agree" click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., "click-wrap" or "browse-wrap" agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause. (3) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. (b) Paragraph (a) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures. 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013) (a) Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor. (b) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the Prompt Payment Act. (c) Include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items. 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/these address (es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ The following additional terms and conditions apply and are incorporated by reference: 52.245-1 Government Property (Apr 2012) (xiii) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating does not apply. The following provisions apply: 1352.232-70 AGENCY PROTESTS (a) An agency protest may be filed with either: (1) The contracting officer, or (2) at a level above the contracting officer, with the appropriate agency Protest Decision Authority. See 64 FR 16,651 (April 6, 1999). (b) Agency protests filed with the Contracting Officer shall be sent to the following address: National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818. (c) Agency protests filed with the agency Protest Decision Authority shall be sent to the following address: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Assistant General Counsel for Finance and Litigation Contract Law Division Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Room H5882 Washington DC 20230 FAX: (202) 482-5858 (d) A complete copy of all agency protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel within one day of filing a protest with either the Contracting Officer or the Protest Decision Authority. ( e) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the General Counsel Chief, Contract Law Division, Room 5893 Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20230. FAX: (202) 482-5858 1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims Protests (APR 2010) (a) A protest may be filed with either the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court of Federal Claims unless an agency protest has been filed. (b) A complete copy of all GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon (i) the Contracting Officer, and (ii) the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel, within one day of filing a protest with either GAO or the Court of Federal Claims. (c) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the General Counsel Chief, Contract Law Division Room 5893 Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20230 FAX: (202) 482-5858 (xiii) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating does not apply. (xiv) Quotes are required to be received in the contracting office no later than 10:00 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST) on April 23, 2014. All quotes must be emailed to the attention of Stephanie.M.Garnett, Contracting Officer at: stephanie.m.garnett@noaa.gov. To be considered, firms must furnish detailed information concerning their capability to provide the required services. Such information shall include (at a minimum): company name, telephone number, address, DUNS number, email address, Standard Form 18, a price proposal and a technical proposal demonstrating the firm's capability to meet the specified requirements. All vendors doing business with the Government are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award of a purchase order. Vendors may register with SAM by calling 1 (866) 606-8220. In order to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/companylookup.htm. (xv) All questions pertaining to this requirement shall be submitted in writing to the attention of Contract Specialist listed above.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/WRAD/WE-133F-14-RQ-0408/listing.html)
- Record
- SN03348664-W 20140427/140425234016-54f18b7520a0c066ae69c6b88b796e97 (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 |