NOAA, WASC, Procurement Division WC3, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Seattle, WA 98115

V -- VESSEL CHARTER, ANTARCTIC MARINE LIVING RESOURCES SUPPORT SOL 52ABNA600001 DUE 061595 POC For a copy of the solicitation call 206-526-6425. For further information call contract Specialist Guiomar M. Silva-Azevedo at 206-526-6034 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking to charter a fisheries research vessel to support the U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources program. The vessel will operate out of Punta Arenas, Chile, and conduct research in the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula. A one year charter with options for three additional years is anticipated. The first year's cruise will commence O/A January 1, 1996, and will consist of a shakedown/equipment test cruise followed by two (2) 30-day research legs, and port calls for a total of 70 calendar days (63 underway days). Each option year will have an option for an additional 30- day research leg which, if exercised, would start O/A December 1, and total 103 calendar days (93 underway days). The scientific research includes: bottom fish surveys, bioacoustic surveys, physical oceanography, phytoplankton studies, zooplankton surveys, and seabird and marine mammal observations. Small boat operations for logistics support of a field camp on Seal Island will be conducted from the vessel. The capability of conducting stern trawling operations, including being capable of sustaining a bollard pull of 30,000 lbs, is not required for the first year's cruise but is required for the option year cruises. A suitable vessel shall have clear open deck space of 93 m^2 (1000 ft^2) for stowage of scientific gear, four (4) side sampling stations for over-the-side sampling and towing, an on deck catch processing area or working space of at least 18.6 m^2 (200 ft^2), and an area to be used as a marine mammal and bird observation platform. The vessel shall have an ice-strengthened hull, have a minimum sustained cruising speed of 12 kts, have the capability to maintain steerage at 2.0 kts in calm water for accomplishing scientific tows with drags up to 2,000 lbs, have an operational endurance of 30 days and an operational range of 10,000 nautical miles, have deck equipment to support the deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, supplies and small boats (Zodiacs), and have scientific laboratories. Deck space for three (3) mission support vans (6.1 x 2.4 m or (20 ft x 8 ft)) may be required if shipboard laboratory space is inadequate. The vessel shall provide meals and berthing for 19 to 30 scientific personnel. Access to electronic output from ship's gyro and navigation equipment is required. Environmental monitoring instrumentation (e.g., Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, thermosalinograph, CTD rosette sampler) is desired. Hull mounting of Government supplied transducers is also required. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which will be considered by the agency. (0086)

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