Mid-Water Trawl Nets

The Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting quotes, on behalf of the Ecosystems Surveys Branch of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for Mid-Water Trawl(s). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) conducts an annual survey to estimate the population abundance of Atlantic herring in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank regions. A pelagic trawl is used during this survey to provide scientific samples of the species composition and biology (e.g., length, weight, age, diet, maturity, and gender) of the fauna acoustically observed with scientific echo sounders. The trawl catch data are not directly utilized for abundance estimates and thus the tow duration, location, depth, and tow characteristics such as mouth opening or wing spread are not standardized for these surveys. Because the trawl data are not used in the abundance estimates, the mid-water trawl design and physical specifications has not required standardization. Over the past 10-12 years, the NEFSC has used two basic types of mid-water trawls: a "high-speed rope trawl" and an "Irish herring mid-water trawl". Both have proved useful, each with its advantages and limitations. Due to a variety of factors, the NEFSC has used a hybrid of these two nets over the past two years (the "front and back ends" of the Irish trawl and the cod end of the rope trawl), and this hybrid has been successful at capturing the organisms of interest. The contractor shall design and construct a mid-water trawl. This net should be of similar design to NOAA's existing mid-water trawl with improvements in construction and material as specified. This is a 100% Total Small Business Set-aside. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the acquisition is 114119 Other Marine Fishing. The small business size standard is $4M. The solicitation and proposed fixed-price contract will be issued utilizing FAR Part 12 and the test procedures identified in FAR Subpart 13.5, Test Program For Certain Commercial Items and will be evaluated on a best value basis wherein the following factors 1 - 3, listed in descending order of importance, when combined, are significantly more important than price: (1) Net design; (2) Experience; (3) Past Performance; and (4) Price. All responsible sources may submit a quote that shall be considered by the agency. To be eligible for award, vendors must obtain a DUNS number (this may be done by calling +1 (555) 000-0000) and be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR): www.ccr.gov. Prospective contractors are also required to complete electronic annual representations and certifications at http://orca.bpn.gov in conjunction with the required CCR registration. The solicitation will be available electronically on or about May 25, 2011 via FedBizOpps at www.fedbizopps.gov. Amendments to the solicitation will also be provided on the Internet using the same protocol listed above. Telephone requests for hard copies will not be honored. Hard copies of the solicitation may also be provided in response to a written or faxed request received directly from the contractor. Requests for hard copies of the solicitation may also be faxed to +1 (555) 000-0000. Quotes will be accepted electronically at the following email address: contact@example.gov and via facsimile at +1 (555) 000-0000.