This publication serves as notice of intent to procure services for the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Mammal Laboratory located in Seattle, WA on a sole source basis with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The government intends to acquire the services using FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Proposed vendor will conduct stellar sea lion survival studies in Oregon and Northern California.

I. Background
In cooperation with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has been monitoring pinniped distribution, abundance, population trends, seasonal movements, and food habits in Oregon since 1984. In the summer of 2001, ODFW and NMML initiated a new study of the survival of the threatened Steller sea lion in the Pacific Northwest. Steller sea lions occurring from Northern California through Oregon constitute the largest and most important reproductive aggregation of this species in U.S. waters south of Alaska. In cooperation with other studies conducted by NMML and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game throughout the Steller sea lion's range, this project is aimed at obtaining comparative information on population vital rates such as age-specific survival, age at first reproduction, fecundity, as well as describing seasonal movements and distribution. This information, collected from a sub-population that is healthy and increasing in abundance, will be of great value in the assessment of causes of the significant population decline that has been observed from the Western Gulf of Alaska through the Aleutian Islands.


II. Project Objectives
1) In odd-numbered years (2011, 2013, etc.), capture and mark up to 200 Steller sea lion pups at the Rogue Reef rookery in southern Oregon.
2) Monitor the presence, distribution, and abundance of Steller sea lions in general and marked individual animals in particular, using shore and boat-based observations throughout the study area (northern California and Oregon), and possibly installation of automated digital cameras installed at Rogue Reef.
3) Record other data and observations as determined by cooperative planning discussions between NMML and the vendor.
4) Provide summaries of field work and observation data for vendor and NMML databases, and prepare annual reports summarizing project activities.
5) Use resight data of marked individuals to estimate population vital rates in conjunction with NMML staff.

III. Work to be accomplished
1) THE VENDOR will establish and maintain storage/work facilities for this project in Gold Beach, Oregon.
2) This project will be cooperatively directed by the vendor Marine Mammal Research Program Leader and by NMML staff. Data analyses will be conducted cooperatively by staff from both agencies.
3) The vendor and NMML will work cooperatively to conduct observations and data collection activities in the study area.
4) The vendor will consult regularly with NMML staff regarding observation schedules, data collection protocols, data analyses, and preparation of data summaries and project reports.
5) The vendor and NMML will cooperatively plan and conduct biennial sea lion pup capture and marking activities. Both agencies will provide staff and logistics support to accomplish annual field research activities.
6) The vendor and NMML will coordinate and implement field resighting efforts from Northern California through Washington. The vendor and NMML will provide research staff to assist with this effort when it involves extensive boat and field work, primarily in the late spring through early fall period.
7) NMML will assist the vendor with the analysis of data and the preparation of reports for publication, with the understanding that the vendor is expected to be the lead author for these publications.
8) The vendor and NMML will conduct monthly vessel surveys for Steller sea lions in northern California and at Rogue Reef and Orford Reef OR. At least one survey will also be conducted in northern OR near Tillamook Rock.

In order to conduct this research and provide the services required, the vendor must be listed on and possess the proper research permits including a NMFS MMPA research permit, an access permit from the USF&WS and an Endangered Species Act Research Permit to conduct branding studies of Stellar Sea Lions on Rogue Reef. ODF&W possess all these permits, they are the state agency which has the authority, responsibility and ability to conduct the research in cooperation with NMFS. The Government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract with period of performance commencing approximately from April 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012.  The North American Industry Classification System Code for this acquisition is 541690. This notice represents the only official notice. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, all submittals received by the due set forth in this notice will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses must be faxed to Maria Mendoza at (206)527-7513 or provided by e-mail to [email protected]. This is a simplified acquisition.

The Western Acquisition Division, requires that all contractors doing business with this Acquisition Office be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) as of October 1, 2003. After this date, NO award can be made unless the vender 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 offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at www.dnb.com/eupdate or by phone at (800) 333-0505. This procurement also requires bidders to complete online Representations and Certifications at http://www.orca.bpn.gov.

 

 

 

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