• Image Processing: Processing of images to ensure there is no double counting of sea lion individuals in areas where the images overlap. Essentially ‘map' the images in order to ensure that areas of overlap do not result in double counted sea lions.
• Development of image training set: A sample of counted images in two different formats that can be used to annotate sea lions and develop a training set will be provided. For all images, corresponding Excel files of counts (by age-sex class, pup, and non-pup) corresponding to the image filename for all the images described above have been created.
• Automated Count/Target Detection: Machine learning algorithm to detect and count sea lions by five age-sex class-all five, ideally, but at minimum by non-pups (counts of juvenile, adult female, sub-adult male and bulls aggregated) and pups, resulting in an aggregated output by site and age-sex class. A method that allows biologists to review counted images to run checks to insure accuracy or conduct corrections is required.
• Integration with VIAME: Developed within NOAA's VIAME framework2 to quickly process imagery, identify and classify detections, and record counts by age-sex class into a legible output that can be exported to Excel. It is imperative that the interface or GUI be cost effective but user-friendly for biologists (non-computer scientists).
• Creation, delivery and training of a final Steller Sea Lion Count Program: Capability of creating a finalized, accurate and robust Count Program for counting Steller sea lions over the course of the base and option period and a two day training session including a written manual for reference, future training, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting is required.

This procurement is being conducted under Acquisition of Commercial Items in conjunction with Simplified Acquisition Procedures, only one source is reasonably available. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for these item is 518210.

This notice of intent is not a formal solicitation or request for competitive proposals. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be accepted. No award will be made on the basis of quotations or offers received in response to this notice.

Interested parties may submit their interest and capabilities no later than Tuesday, August 22, 2019 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. E-mail statements will be accepted but senders are responsible for ensuring the complete transmission and timely receipt. All inquiries shall be sent via e-mail to: [email protected]. The government intends to negotiate a firm-fixed price contract with a one year base period and one one-year option period for a Steller Sea Lion Count Program with Kitware, Inc.

The intent of this synopsis is for informational purposes only. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement for future requirements. A determination by the government not to compete this action is based on this notice and solely within the discretion of the government.