Project Coordination Services for NMFS/NMML Aerial Survey of Marine Mammals (ASAMM) program.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)/National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) has a requirement for Project Coordination Services for their Aerial Survey of Marine Mammals (ASAMM) program. The National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) conducts research on marine mammals important to the mission of NMFS with particular attention to issues related to marine mammals off the coasts of Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California. This research provides information to various domestic and international organizations. The research also determines status and trends of marine mammal populations and their abundance; stock structure; mortality; and net productivity. To obtain this data, surveys are conducted by ship, aircraft and on land. The following services are anticipated to assist with the Project Coordination for the ASAMM aerial surveys prior to and during the field season: - Identify and determine qualified marine mammal observers to assist with the upcoming surveys; - Schedule personnel to staff the aerial surveys; - Inventory, order, prepare, and ship gear to field sites; - Update the ASAMM observer manual; - Train marine mammal observers and flight team leaders; - Ensure all field logistics (lodging, truck rentals, etc.) are in place; - Implement data quality assurance measures and make determination on whether or not survey protocols should be modified (and how), to meet the project's objectives and to maximize the data quality and utility; - Maintain the scientific integrity and utility of the ASAMM historical database; - Prepare reports summarizing the project's findings and activities (draft and finalize annual reports and technical summaries to BOEM, daily and biweekly reports during the field season); - Write manuscripts intended for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at scientific meetings; - Create maps and tables summarizing the ASAMM data for use by other agencies and researchers. - Conduct both internal and external communication with key stakeholders, which will be a vital element to the success of the project. Therefore, the Contractor will help organize and participate in pre-, mid- and post-field season meetings with NMML, BOEM; and the aircraft provider. Pre- and post-field season meetings with flight-team leaders and intermittent meetings (as needed throughout the year), with the rest of the ASAMM core personnel who work at NMML, will be required. Additionally, the Contractor will be one of the subject-matter-experts for the ASAMM project. Although not representing the government in an official capacity, the Contractor will be expected to attend and present information about the project at scientific and public meetings, such as the annual Alaska Marine Science Symposium and NMFS's Open Water Meetings. Furthermore, the Contractor will work with NMML personnel to foster collaborative relationships with other institutions/key stakeholders, such as: the North Slope Borough, US Geological Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Beluga Whale Committee, Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, Barrow Whaling Captains' Association, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, US Coast Guard, representatives from the oil and natural gas industry, other departments within NOAA, and academia. - Field season. The Contractor shall work with NMML and the aircraft provider to track the survey flight hours to keep the project within budget. The Contractor shall monitor the overall survey effort and assist in decisions to ensure that the project's objectives are being met. The Contractor may make trips to the field to oversee, participate in, and evaluate field operations. At the end of the season, the Contractor will work with NMML personnel to inventory and store field gear. - Perform general duties as needed for ASAMM project mission success, coordinating with the NMML Project Manager. The resulting contract will have a base period of performance from time of award or approximately August 16, 2013 to August 15, 2014, with four (4) option periods, occurring consecutively after the base period. The proposed contract is 100% set-aside for small business. The NAICS code for this procurement is 541620 and the size standard is $14 million. Any vendor desiring to be considered for award must be registered in CCR and ORCA using this NAICS code. All responsible and fully responsive sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the Agency. Any resulting contract will be awarded using FAR Part 12 Commercial Items procedures as a firm-fixed price contract. Interested parties should use the FedBizOpps [Add To Watchlist] and [Add Me To Interested Vendors] features which provide a notification when postings of information associated with this solicitation occur. Each potential proposer is responsible for checking the FedBizOpps website to gain all current information related to the solicitation. All interested parties must respond to this announcement within fifteen (15) calendar days of its publication. All responses must be in writing and are to be sent to Contract Specialist, Linda Gruber at Linda.M.Gruber@noaa.gov or via fax at (206)527-0209. All vendors doing business with the Government are required to be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). NO award shall be made unless the vendor is registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. In order to register with the SAM and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all bidders must also have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at: http://www.dnb.com/ or by phone at (800) 333-0505.