R -- North Pacific Right Whale Aerial Surveys

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), conducts research on marine mammals important to the mission of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and NOAA, with particular attention to issues related to marine mammals off the coasts of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. The North Pacific right whale Eubalaena Japonica was severely depleted by whaling in the past two centuries. The current size of the eastern population is estimated at fewer than 100 individuals and this stock is considered critically endangered; its current distribution is known only from records in a relatively limited area of the southeastern Bering Sea, and from a few occurrences in the Gulf of Alaska. Historical catch and sighting data indicate that right whales were abundant and widely distributed in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska in summer and early autumn. The NMML has a requirement for the performance of aerial surveys to determine distribution and abundance of cetaceans within the North Aleutian Basin. The aerial surveys shall take place in the North Aleutian Basin in the Bering Sea during the months of July and August 2008 and 2009, focusing on the regions currently designated as Right Whale critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act, and proposed oil and gas sale lease areas in the Southeastern Bering Sea. The Government will provide the survey aircraft. Reconnaissance flights and line transect surveys will be flown to determine, through observation, the distribution and abundance of North Pacific Right Whales and other cetaceans within the North Aleutian Basin. When encountered, Right Whales and other large cetaceans shall be photographed. The aerial surveys will require an experienced scientific team comprised of a Project Coordinator/Principle Investigator, Field Project Leader and three Observers. The Principle Investigator must demonstrate knowledge of aerial survey methodology. The Principle Investigator and Field Project Leader shall plan and coordinate the aerial surveys in consultation with NMML to determine the survey effort area. Observers shall have experience photographing and identifying marine mammals from aircraft, and be familiar with computer software used to collect sightings, survey conditions, and position data. The vendor shall compile the survey data, photographic images, and provide final field reports and raw data (including photographic images) to NMML within two months of the end of the survey for each survey period. Deliverables will include electronic files containing all raw data including photographic images, a report summarizing all survey effort, sightings, and environmental conditions. This procurement is open to all interested parties. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered by the Agency. For this procurement, the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541712, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). Any resulting contract will be awarded as a firm-fixed price contract. The period of performance is for one (1) base year with one (1) additional one-year option period. Solicitation documents will be made available for download on or about April 1, 2008 at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. Paper copies of this solicitation will not be issued. For a copy of the solicitation, please utilize the FedBizOpps feature [register to receive notification] as well as [register as an interested vendor] to receive e-mail notification upon release of the solicitation. Each potential offeror is responsible for checking the Fedbizopps website to gain all current information related to the solicitation. The solicitation and any further announcements regarding the solicitation will be posted only at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. Questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Loren Frei, Contracting Officer, at Loren.Frei@NOAA.gov or via telephone at (206)526-6370. All vendors doing business with the Government are now required to be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). NO award can be made unless the vendor is registered in CCR. For additional information and to register in CCR, please access the following web site: http:///www.ccr.gov/. In order to register with the CCR and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all offerors must also have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800)333-0505. Additionally, this procurement also requires offerors to complete the On-Line Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at https://orca.bpn.gov/.