TITLE: NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center Protected Species Branch Turtle Tagging and Satellite Tag Data Collection The Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting proposals, on behalf of National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Protected Species Branch (PSB) for contractor support of turtle tagging and satellite tag data collection. A comprehensive research program to assess the abundance and spatial distribution of marine mammals, sea turtles, and sea birds in US waters of the western North Atlantic Ocean has been established as an inter-agency agreement (IA) between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries Service). The research program is called Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS). The goal of AMAPPS is to coordinate the data collection and analysis efforts of the NOAA Fisheries Service Northeast and Southeast Fisheries Science Centers and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Birds to accomplish six primary objectives: 1) Collect broad-scale data over multiple years on the seasonal distribution and abundance of marine mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds), sea turtles, and sea birds using direct aerial and shipboard surveys of coastal US Atlantic Ocean waters; 2) Collect similar data at finer scales at several (approcximately 3) sites of particular interest to NOAA partners using visual and acoustic survey techniques; 3) Conduct telemetry studies of sea turtles, pinnipeds and seabirds to develop corrections for availability bias in the abundance estimate and to collect additional data on habitat use and life-history, residence time, and frequency of use; 4) Explore alternative platforms and technologies to improve population assessment studies; 5) Assess the population size of surveyed species at regional scales; and 6) Develop models and associated tools to translate these survey data into seasonal, spatially-explicit density estimates incorporating habitat characteristics. PSB has a requirement for data from satellite tags on 20 juvenile and adult loggerhead sea turtles in the southern U.S. Mid-Atlantic region, ideally off of Virginia and northern North Carolina. Additionally, the requirement includes additional work to assess sea turtle availability bias by 1) conducting experimental detection trials, 2) comparing estimates of availability bias based on aerial survey data verses satellite tag data, and 3) using simulations to evaluate various methods for combining sea turtle behavior and line transect data. SCOPE As a part of this the AMAPPS initiative, NEFSC PSB seeks to obtain information from at least 20 satellite tags on loggerhead sea turtles captured (via dipnet or other appropriate means) in near shore or inshore Mid-Atlantic waters. NEFSC also seeks to improve the estimation of availability bias for loggerhead sea turtles in Mid-Atlantic waters. REQUIREMENTS In support of the operation of tagging the loggerhead sea turtles and tracking via satellite tag data, the Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services, and facilities to perform the following services: 1. Provide a seaworthy vessel for capturing and sampling loggerheads in offshore waters in Virginia and Northern North Carolina. 2. Supply all necessary gear to sight, capture, tag, and sample 20 loggerhead sea turtles. 3. Have minimum of four (4) qualified contractor vessel crew personnel available to sample 20 loggerhead sea turtles. 4. Produce a final report which includes the methods used for capture, handling, and sampling; the data collected; a discussion on any unusual or unexpected events, as well as a list of recommendations for improving similar projects in the future. Additionally, the Government may exercise optional items for the following work: 1. Deploy twenty (20) model turtles in turbid areas which includes the Chesapeake Bay and in clearer areas which includes the Mid-Atlantic offshore at various depths and various angles. Repeatedly fly over the models with a survey plane and conduct the detection trials in accordance with AMAPPS observing protocols. 2. Estimate availability bias. 3. Conduct experimental detection trials and analyze data to determine the depth at which turtles were available to be seen and its relationship to turbidity levels A Request for Proposals (RFP) will be available on or about March 30, 2012 through the Government-wide point of entry website at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. The due date for proposals is May 3, 2012. The solicitation and proposed fixed-price contract will be issued utilizing the procedures identified in FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, and FAR Part 15, Contracting by Negotiation and will be evaluated on a best value basis wherein the following factors, 1-4, listed in descending order of importance, when combined, are significantly more important than Factor 5. Price; Factors: 1. Experience; 2. Sampling Plan; 3. Corporate Resources (e.g. vessels, planes, and supplies); 4. Past Performance; 5. Price. Each potential offeror is responsible for checking this website to gain all the updates or amendments to any and all documents. No paper copies of the solicitation will be issued. No telephone, facsimile, or written requests will be accepted. All responsible sources doing business with this office must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and obtain a DUNS number by calling 1-800-333-0505 in order to receive an award from this office. Contractors may access the site at http://www.ccr.gov to register and obtain information about the registration process. ORCA is a web-based system that centralizes and standardizes the collection, storage, and viewing of the Representations and Certifications required by the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Potential offerors are highly encouraged to complete the online provisions within the Representations and Certifications at their earlier convenience at https://orca.bpn.gov. All responsible, responsive sources may submit an offer which will be considered by the Agency. Questions regarding this solicitation should be addressed to Faith.Smith@noaa.gov with courtesy copy to Brendon.Johnson@noaa.gov.
