The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Protected Resource Division (PRD) located in St. Petersburg, FL intends to procure services from a qualified Contractor to provide marine mammal bycatch fishery liaison services in the Southeast Region to facilitate two-way communication with commercial fishermen; conduct outreach on current management measures; and contribute to the take reduction plans' effectiveness. This function is in support of Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) that requires NMFS to develop and implement Take Reduction Plans (TRPs) to assist in the recover or prevent the depletion of strategic marine mammal stocks that interact with Category I and II fisheries. The NMFS convenes Take Reduction Teams (TRTs) to develop TRPs to meet short and long-term goals. TRTs consist of a balance of representatives from the fishing industry, fishery management councils, state and federal resource management agencies, the scientific community, and conservation organizations. These teams develop, via consensus, recommendations for a draft TRP for NMFS to consider for implementation. The contractor shall provide and retain the necessary materials, equipment, services, and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to collect updated information regarding fishing operations and to disseminate information through interviews, public meetings, training, dock visits, workshops, and informal means. The anticipated period of performance for this acquisition is for a base period of 12 months, beginning October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010, and four, 12-month option periods. In order for a contractor to be considered for award, they must first meet the following minimum qualifications: 1. Reside in North Carolina, which is required because the marine mammal bycatch for a majority of the take reduction plans occur in North Carolina. This necessitates a need for close proximity to those affected by the plans, reduces travel expenses and increases the ability to conduct weekly communication; 2. Have demonstrated prior experience working with the current commercial fishing industry or marine mammal bycatch issues from North Carolina through the east coast of Florida; 3. Be willing to travel regularly; 4. Have knowledge and understanding of current commercial fisheries and marine mammal fishery interactions from North Carolina through the east coast of Florida; 5. Have a demonstrated knowledge of current Take Reduction Plans implemented along the Atlantic Coast. This acquisition is 100% set-aside for small business concerns. The NAICS code is 541990 and the small business size standard is $7.0 million. All contractors doing business with the Government are required to be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) and the On-Line Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Instructions on how to register in CCR and ORCA are located at: http://www.bpn.gov. In order to register with CCR and ORCA, all offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet number, which may be acquired free of charge by contracting Dun & Bradstreet at https:// www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800) 333-0505. All small businesses interested in accessing a copy of the solicitation must submit a written request to the attention of Jackie Shewmaker via email at [email protected]. Requests must include a company name, contact person, and DUNS number.