NOAA has requirements for developing satellite tagging methods and habitat models for both telemetry and sighting data for large whales. The National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) conducts various marine mammal research projects in the North Pacific Ocean with relevance for the conservation and management. Satellite telemetry and sighting surveys are two of the methods used for these projects. The contractor shall provide a qualified scientist to develop and apply satellite tagging methods and to develop habitat models for both telemetry and sighting data for large whales. Emphasis will be given to endangered (North Pacific right whales, Eubalaena japonica) or recovering (humpback, Megaptera novaeangliae, and fin whales, Balaenoptera physalus) baleen whales in the North Pacific Ocean, but research to facilitate development of satellite telemetry, particularly follow-up studies to assess possible short and medium term impacts of implantable tags in large whales, may be carried out in other regions. The main objectives of this contract are (1) Develop implantable satellite transmitters and deployment methods for large whales to investigate habitat use, movements, migratory routes and migratory destinations. (2) Develop a study to assess the short to medium term impact of implantable satellite tags in large baleen whales. (3) Develop habitat models using sighting and telemetry data to investigate quantitative relationships between distribution and abundance of large baleen whales and environmental variables. (4) Inform NMML or their collaborators on other research designed to assess distribution/abundance/trends, movements and habitat of cetaceans.

The period of performance will consist of a base year and one one-year option.

Any resulting contract will be awarded as a Firm-Fixed-Price contract. Solicitation documents will be made available for download on or about July 27, 2010 at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. Paper copies of this solicitation will not be issued. Interested parties should use the FedBizOpps [Add To Watchlist] and [Add Me To Interested Vendors] features which provide a notification when the RFP becomes available for download as well as all postings of information associated with this solicitation, thereafter. Each potential offeror is responsible for checking the FedBizOpps website to gain all current information related to the solicitation. The solicitation and any further announcements regarding the solicitation will be posted only at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. The estimated response due date is August 26, 2010; however, the actual date offers are due will be stated within the solicitation documents.

Any questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing via e-mail to the Contract Specialist, Michael Drummond at [email protected].

All vendors doing business with the Government are required to be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). NO award can be made unless the vendor is registered in CCR. For additional information and to register in CCR, please access the following web site: http:///www.ccr.gov/. In order to register with the CCR and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all bidders must also have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800) 333-0505. This procurement also requires offerors to complete the On-Line Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at https://orca.bpn.gov/.

All responsible, responsive sources may submit an offer which will be considered by the Agency.

 

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