B -- SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT FOR THE STUDY OF ODOR RECEPTORS AND OLFACTION IN SEA TURTLES

This contract is a sole-source procurement issued by the Department of Commerce, NOAA, intended as a continuation of an ongoing research study at the University of South Carolina on odor receptors and olfaction in sea turtles. The study focuses on identifying and characterizing odor receptors from three species: Loggerhead, Green, and Leatherback sea turtles. The data gathered will be used to evaluate the role olfaction plays in sea turtle behavior and to develop repellant odors to deter sea turtles from interacting with fishing gear, like longline equipment, thereby mitigating unintended bycatch or harm. The contract was posted in June 2002 and is managed through the NOAA office in Seattle, Washington. The procurement is specifically tied to the existing research work, emphasizing the unique capabilities of the University of South Carolina in this specialized biological study. For further inquiries, the contract specialist Paul Reed is the designated contact. This procurement underscores the agency’s commitment to marine wildlife conservation and supports scientific approaches to reducing sea turtle mortality in fishing operations.