Request for Quotation Deepwater Horizon

Transcription

1 Request for Quotation Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration Project Independent Contractor to Provide Alternative Fishing Gear and Related Services Requesting Organization: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation th Street NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC Contact Information: Melanie Sturm Manager, Fisheries Conservation Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 OVERVIEW The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks a qualified independent Contractor to support the procurement, installation, tuning, and training of greenstick and/or buoy gear on pelagic longline vessels in the Gulf of Mexico for the Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration Project (OFRP). The project is supported through a partnership between NFWF and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The successful Offeror will be selected through a competitive process that assesses the Offeror s plan for achieving stated work items, technical qualifications, and cost considerations. The award level will be based on the Foundation s evaluation of the proposal and budget documentation. The Contract Period of Performance is estimated to be seven (7) months. At NFWF s option, the contract may be extended, subject to mutual agreement of the Scope of Work and cost. The selected Contractor must have the ability to begin immediately (within 1 week of offer), with an ability and willingness to travel throughout the Gulf of Mexico. BACKGROUND In 2016, the natural resource Trustees for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill finalized a comprehensive restoration plan for the Gulf of Mexico that includes a settlement of up to $8.8 billion in order to resolve claims for natural resource damages related to the spill 1. Initial research and injury assessments indicated injury to various pelagic fish species as a result of the spill, and therefore the Trustees proposed the Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration Project (formally named the Pelagic Longline Bycatch Reduction 1 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Final Programmatic Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. Available online:

2 Project) through the Phase IV Early Restoration process to compensate for injuries incurred by these species. The project was one of ten included in the Deepwater Horizon Final Phase IV Early Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment 2 released in September The project is designed to restore fish species that were injured as a result of the oil spill by reducing fishing mortality during a temporary, voluntary, six-month repose period each year. During the repose period, participating vessel owners will refrain from PLL fishing and will be financially compensated to offset their loss in revenue. In addition, the project will provide participating vessels with two alternative gear types (greenstick and buoy gear), which can be used to harvest yellowfin tuna and swordfish during the repose period in lieu of pelagic longline gear. According to several studies, these gear types result in low bycatch and bycatch mortality. Working with participants, dealers, and researchers on this portion of the project will also provide an opportunity to study and improve the efficiency of these types of fishing gear over time. The project will be launched as a pilot in 2017 to evaluate implementation, conduct adaptive management, and allow further engagement with vessel owners, fish dealers and other stakeholders. NFWF and NOAA may make adjustments and enhancements for the full rollout of the project in The pilot project will include a four-month repose from March 1, 2017 to June 30, In consecutive years, the repose will be for six months and the project is expected to continue for five to 10 years. Alternative Fishing Gear The selected Contractor will supply, deliver, install, tune, and provide training of alternative fishing gear on participating pelagic longline fishing vessels. The selected Contractor will work closely with NFWF and NOAA staff, in addition to other Project independent contractors of NFWF, including but not limited to, community liaison contractors who will be available to coordinate directly with vessel owners and provide logistical assistance. In November 2016, NFWF received quotations from vessel owners interested in participating in the project and upon review, NFWF and NOAA selected a pool of participants for the 2017 pilot year. All participants have elected to use alternative gear during the pilot year. In addition, NOAA will be conducting research as part of the project in which a research vessel will also be outfitted. A total of eight vessels will therefore need to be outfitted with alternative gear. NFWF will issue a voucher to each participant, which the participant will submit to the selected Contractor to cover all costs associated with alternative fishing gear supply, delivery, installation, tuning, and/or training (NFWF will issue a separate voucher for greenstick gear and buoy gear, respectively). The specification of the individual vessel and gear type to be determined through completion of Task 1 below will factor into the total value of each voucher. NFWF will redeem each respective voucher submitted by the selected Contractor upon NFWF s acceptance of the selected Contractor s proof of successfully supplying, delivering, installing, and tuning the gear, and/or providing training. 2 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Final Phase IV Early Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment. Available online:

3 SCOPE OF WORK The selected Contractor will work closely with, and coordinate among, NFWF and NOAA staff, as well as additional independent contractors. Participation in the 2017 pilot year will be limited to seven (7) vessels located throughout the Gulf of Mexico, in addition to one (1) NOAA research vessel. Scope of work and budget considerations should be based on the following: Seven (7) participating pelagic longline vessels (ranging in size from 55-80ft); One (1) additional vessel (NOAA research vessel); Eight (8) greenstick gear installations; Zero (0) buoy gear acquisitions. The selected Contractor will be expected to provide technical and maintenance support to participants throughout the repose on an as needed basis and report to NFWF any instances of technical support or maintenance requests; maintenance excluding any costs covered by warranty shall be at the expense of the participant. Specific Contractor tasks will include, but may not be limited to the following: Task 1: Determine necessary alternative fishing gear components and installation requirements for each vessel participating in the project. Description: Each participating vessel has a unique configuration and therefore may require unique specifications for installation. As such, the selected Contractor shall determine the specific installation requirements for each vessel through an in-person evaluation of each participating vessel, or by other means as deemed appropriate. Upon completion of Task 1, the selected Contractor shall provide to NFWF a per vessel estimate of each voucher s value, Deliverable: Catalogue of vessel configuration and installation needs for each participating vessel. Timeline: This task should be completed on the participating vessels throughout January Task 2: Install, or otherwise provide, alternative gear to each participating vessel prior to the start of the repose period on March 1, Description: As buoy gear does not require installation, the selected Contractor will be responsible for delivering buoy gear directly to participating vessel owners. Greenstick gear does require installation and therefore, the selected Contractor shall coordinate and execute complete greenstick gear installations on participating vessels. Deliverable: Proof of successful delivery and/or installation via receipt and/or photo documentation, respectively. Timeline: Installations and shipments should be completed throughout February All participating vessels should be fully equipped by March 1, Task 3: Provide participants with initial trainings and resources to ensure effective use and maintenance of the alternative gear. Description: Upon installation and/or delivery of the alternative gear to participants, the selected Contractor shall provide initial training. Trainings may include in-person demonstrations (preferred upon installation of greenstick gear), print or audiovisual resources, or other forms of outreach. Trainings should provide participants with the

4 information necessary to not only use the gear effectively, but also to maintain the gear to ensure durability (participants will be solely responsible for the maintenance of all gear components). Deliverable: Description and verification of training(s) provided to each participant. Timeline: To the extent possible, trainings should occur coincident to installation and delivery of alternative gear and should be completed by March 1, APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 1. Address each item in the Application Criteria below. 2. The application must be limited to a maximum of six (6) pages. Offerors should minimize the use of supplementary materials. 3. Responses must be submitted electronically as an attachment to Melanie Sturm (Melanie.Sturm@nfwf.org), using the following subject line with submission: Response to RFQ for OFRP Gear Provider [name of respondent]. Statements must be provided in Word format or searchable PDF. 4. Responses must be ed no later than 11:59 PM EDT on Tuesday, December All questions should be submitted via to Melanie Sturm (Melanie.Sturm@nfwf.org). In order to provide equitable responses, responses to all questions will be posted online as they are received. Responses will be available here: APPLICATION CRITERIA Offerors must prepare a proposal that will be evaluated on the following criteria. Please organize the proposal based on these sections, limiting statements to no more than eight (8) pages in length. 1. Organizational Capacity & Experience. Detail the organizational capacity and core services provided by the offering company, including but not limited to, fishing gear acquisition, inventory, distribution, installation, and trainings. The Offeror should also detail breath of experience working in the fishing industry both inside and outside of the Gulf of Mexico. Offerors should clearly outline any experience working with pelagic longline gear, greenstick gear, and/or buoy gear either commercially or recreationally (if applicable). In addition, Offerors should list any applicable professional licenses (e.g. certified marine engineer, electrician, etc.). 2. Technical approach. of the Technical approach section should be no more than six (6) pages and should describe the proposed technical approach, timeline, and budget for conducting the Scope of Work described above. The description must include the following components: a. A narrative description of the technical approach, demonstrating a familiarity and proficiency with the tasks outlined. The description should clearly explain how the Offeror will efficiently and effectively accomplish each task. b. An estimated timeline to perform each task in its entirety. In addition, Offerors should estimate the average amount of time needed on a per vessel basis to complete any given task (e.g., anticipated average time per vessel for greenstick installation). c. A detailed budget representing the estimated all-inclusive costs associated with completing each task. Each budget category should be accompanied by a brief narrative description

5 explaining anticipated costs. Descriptions of staff time shall be provided on an hourly basis, including both an hourly rate and the total number of hours anticipated to complete any given task. Services to be provided directly by the Offeror shall include fully-loaded daily or hourly labor rates including salary, fringe, and overhead costs for each staff member. Services to be provided by a subcontractor may be provided as a total cost. The pricing and fee schedule shall include (on a per task basis): i. Evaluation Services (Task 1) Estimated time and effort needed to determine vessel configuration and installation needs (per vessel and cumulative hourly rate). ii. Gear List (Task 2) Complete itemized inventory of all gear components necessary to outfit a commercial pelagic longline vessel with: (1) greenstick gear and (2) buoy gear. Each gear component should include estimates of per unit cost, accounting for any potential cost saving associated with bulk purchase. The inventory should include: brand names/model numbers for each component, quantity, unit cost, and warranty information (if applicable). If there are multiple model/brand options for any given gear components, Offerors may provide multiple options for any given component. Gear inventory should include 4-month estimates for terminal gear items such as lures, hooks, etc. and should represent all components potentially needed to outfit a vessel with the given gear type. iii. Delivery (Task 2) Estimated delivery costs for gear components (e.g., delivery of buoy gear to participants). iv. Installation Services (Task 2) Estimated time and effort needed to complete installation services including: mounting and installation of the greenstick on vessel, hydraulic pumping, welding, tuning, and any other services necessary for successful installation. Hourly rates to be provided on a per vessel and cumulative basis. v. Training Services (Task 3) Estimated rates for time and effort needed to conduct trainings (per vessel and cumulative hourly rate). Budget estimates should also include any anticipated costs associated with generating and distributing training materials. vi. Travel (Task 1-3) Estimated costs for travel and accommodations. Travel expenses should be itemized per task, describing the number and duration of trips anticipated and associated costs. Mileage should be calculated at the GSA 2016 rate of $.54/mile. vii. Other Costs (Task 1-3) Complete description of any other anticipated costs. 3. Project Team. Provide a description of all the individuals or entities that will assist in the execution of this contract, including brief biographies outlining each member s roles and experience. Offerors may utilize subcontractors as needed to execute the scope of work; if subcontractors will be used, they should be identified as a project team member and their role should be clearly defined. Resumes and/or Vitae are not required but may be included as supplementary information if desired and are not included in the page limit. 4. References. Include contact information for three (3) professional references.

6 TIMELINE Offer Deadline: Tuesday, December 13 Tentative NFWF Notification to Offerors: Thursday, December 22 CONTRACTOR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS The selected Contractor must agree to obtain and maintain adequate insurance against liability for injury to persons or property from any and all activities undertaken by the selected Contractor and associated with the signed contract in any way and will have NFWF named as an additional insured on all such policies and provide NFWF with appropriate Certificates of Insurance reflecting such additions within 60 days of the contract being fully executed. The insurance must have (1) Statutory worker s compensation for all employees of the selected Contractor; (2) Commercial General Liability Insurance on an occurrence form for bodily injury and property damage with limits of liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit each occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate; and (3) Business automobile liability coverage owned, hired and non-owned vehicles with limits of $1,000,000 combined single limit each occurrence. The limits listed above may be attained through an umbrella liability policy. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Conflicts of Interest By submitting a Statement of Qualifications in response to this solicitation, the offeror warrants and represents that it does not currently have any apparent or actual conflict of interest, as described herein. In the event an offeror currently has, will have during the life of the contemplated contract, or becomes aware of an apparent or actual conflict of interest, in the event an award is made, the offeror must notify NFWF in writing in the Statement of Qualifications, or in subsequent correspondence (if the issue becomes known after the submission of the Statement of Qualifications) of such apparent or actual conflicts of interest, including organizational conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the contractor, the contractor s employees, or the contractor s subcontractors in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests, or otherwise. Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the offeror, the offeror s employees, or the offeror s future subcontractors in the matter. Upon receipt of such a notice, the NFWF Contracting Officer will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there are any possible actions to be taken by the offeror to reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies NFWF may result in the proposal not being selected for award. 2. Additional Responsibility Matters By submitting a Statement of Qualifications in response to this solicitation, the offeror warrants and represents that it is eligible for award of a contract resulting from this solicitation and that it is not subject to any of the below circumstances: Has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative

7 remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless the agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government; or Was convicted (or had an officer or agent of such corporation acting on behalf of the corporation convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal or State law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless the agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government; or Is listed on the General Services Administration s, government-wide System for Award Management Exclusions (SAM Exclusions), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 C.F.R Part 180 that implement E.O.s (3 C.F.R., 1986 Comp., p. 189) and (3 C.F.R., 1989 Comp., p. 235), Debarment and Suspension, or intends to enter into any subaward, contract or other contract using funds provided by NFWF with any party listed on the SAM Exclusions in accordance with Executive Orders and The SAM Exclusions can be found at