The Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting information, on behalf of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for Herring and Mackerel Fishery Electronic Monitoring (EM) support.

BACKGROUND

NOAA Fisheries is the federal agency responsible for the management, regulatory compliance, economic data and protection of living marine resources within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. Within the NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), the Fisheries and Ecosystems Monitoring and Analysis Division (FEMAD), Fisheries Sampling Branch (FSB) is responsible for monitoring and observing fishing in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic U.S. FSB collects, processes, manages, and provides fishery dependent data and biological samples obtained from fishing vessels. Collection of these data is mandated or otherwise needed for management under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Atlantic Tuna Convention Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

The DOC/NOAA is seeking the following information:
The Government requests capability statements from all businesses who qualify under General Service Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) 00CORP, The Professional Services Schedule and Services within North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 (Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology)). Company size status for the NAICS Code stated above (small business concern per 13 CFR, educational institution, federal, local or state entity, commercial entity, nonprofit organization, etc.); and socio-economic status for NAICS Code stated above (8(a), hubzone, small disadvantaged business, service-disabled/veteran owned, women owned, etc.).

The interested Contractor response should include how the Contractor could provide and install Electronic Monitoring (EM) units (video cameras and sensors) on up to 12 commercial fishing vessels. See Attachment A-Specifications. The contractor would need to provide support in installing and uninstalling equipment, equipment maintenance, sufficient field support, meeting with industry and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) personnel, conducting outreach, video review, and analysis and report writing. Working under the guidance of the NMFS staff, the contractor would provide initial advice and training on processing the video and sensor data. The processing and data annotation of the electronic data will primarily be the responsibility of the contractor; however, NMFS may assist or audit the data as needed. The Contractor would work with NMFS staff to evaluate the effectiveness of electronic monitoring in the Atlantic herring and mackerel mid-water trawl fisheries.

Note: This announcement is a RFI and no contract will be awarded pursuant to this announcement. The requested information is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied, or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. The response date for this Request for Information is April 13, 2016 at 12:00 P.M. No collect calls will be accepted. All responses to this RFI may be submitted via e-mail to Amy McLiverty, Contract Specialist, at amy.l.mcliverty @noaa.gov. Note: The fax number is 757-664-3648. NO TELEPHONE RESPONSES WILL BE ACCEPTED.