Fishg Identification Training and Specimen Curation

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) is seeking sources capable of performing the Fish Identification Training and Specimen Curation services in Seattle, WA. The requirement encompasses the following work: The Contractors primary responsibility is to provide initial and refresher species identification training to observers deployed in fisheries managed by the NMFS. The secondary responsibility is to provide observer preparation support functions including; building and maintaining the specimen training collection at the AFSC and collaborating with NMFS on the development of species identification training and briefing materials. Specific Tasks: Task 1 - Prepare observers and observer candidates to identify fish and invertebrate species. Each quarter (December-February, March-May, June-August, and September-November), NMFS publishes observer training and briefing courses schedules. Schedules are generally finalized 4-6 weeks prior to the start of each quarter. The Contractor will work directly with AFSC observer training staff to schedule lecture and laboratory times that best fit NMFS' need. The dates for observer training courses are set by NMFS and are based on commercial fishery seasons. They are not flexible and all training occurs on site at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. - Groundfish Observer Initial Training. The AFSC offers 10-12 new observer training courses annually, each of which is three-weeks in duration. For these courses, the Contractor will provide up to five species identification lectures, approximately 20 hours of laboratory time, and proctor fish identification quizzes and exams (an additional 6-10 hours). - Groundfish Observer Refresher Training. The AFSC offers 14-20 refresher training courses (briefings) for experienced observers which are four-days in duration. For these courses, the contractor will provide up to two species identification lecture, providing a review of species as requested by NMFS. Additionally, the Contractor will provide approximately 4 hours of laboratory time and proctor fish identification exams (an additional 4-6 hours). - The NMFS is considering developing a species identification refresher briefing course. If developed the briefing would be targeted towards prior observers that require additional training and tutelage to improve their species identification skills. For these courses the contractor will provide at least two species identification lectures, providing a review of species as requested by NMFS. Additionally, the Contractor will provide approximately 4 hours of laboratory time and proctor fish identification exams (an additional 4-6 hours). Task 2 - Assist in the development of species identification training and testing materials. The Contractor will work with AFSC staff to review, update, and develop testing and training materials. This includes, but is not limited to; the Species Identification Manual and the "Field Guide to the Rockfishes (Scorpaenidae) of Alaska", lesson plans, lecture materials, and test questions. Task 3 - Provide curation of fish specimens. Current restrictions on the use and storage of formalin in the AFSC's observer laboratory require that all fixations of training specimens occur off site. The Contractor shall provide a safe location for this process and provide transportation of the fixed specimens for permanent storage at the AFSC. Specimens must be preserved in formalin (10% formaldehyde), then rinsed of formalin, returned to the AFSC and stored in 70% ethanol. Preservation solutions must be provided by, and stored at, the Contractor's facility. These include formaldehyde (diluted to 10% formalin), and some ethanol (diluted to 70% ethanol). NMFS anticipates no more than thirty gallons of prepared formalin and fifty gallons of 70% ethanol will be needed per year. The preservation and transportation of specimens must be done following all safety requirements of the Government facility and the Contractor's facility. Task 4 - Maintain and build the current teaching collection. The Contractor is required to maintain the training collection at the AFSC. As the primary use of this collection, the Contractor shall routinely assess the quality of the specimens, properly discard damaged specimens, and replace or add needed species. Task 5 - Participate in trainer meetings. The training staff meets at least once per year to discuss changes for the next year's training materials. The Contractor will attend this meeting to provide input on whether the species identification training, materials, and testing needs to be updated as a result of these changes. Other Unique Requirements Key Personnel: The Contractor shall provide an ichthyology graduate student, or personnel with at least a Master's degree in ichthyology, possessing the skills, knowledge, and training to satisfactorily perform the services required under this contract. Place of Performance: The majority of training tasks require performance at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Seattle WA. Fish specimen curation requires performance of work at the Contractor's facility. The Government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract with a period of performance anticipated to be a base and 4 option years, total of 5 years, commencing at time of contact award. The NAICS Code for this requirement is 541620 with a size standard of $14 million. This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise that any procurement action that may be issued for the Government's requirements related onsite operational and maintenance support. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of contractor's information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Your response shall reference this Sources Sought number NFFS7600-12-03262. Your response shall include the following information: - SBA designation (i.e., 8(a), HUBZONE, Women Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned, Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, etc.), - Business Name - CAGE code - Name of Point of contact - Email address - Phone and fax numbers - Size standard of company - All firms responding to this Sources Sought must articulate their capabilities clearly and adequately by providing past experience that is similar to the size, scope and complexity of the requirements in the Statement of Work. Firms should include a description of subcontracting, if any, that will be required to provide technically acceptable services for this requirement. Information must be received by the Contract Specialist, Anita Repanich, at anita.b.repanich@noaa.gov by 4:00 PM PDT on May 11, 2012. Do not call regarding this sources sought notice. Any questions or responses regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to the above address.