R -- Notice of Intent to Award a Contract to Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife, Colorado State University

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the National Marine Fisheries Service based in Seattle, Washington, plans to award a contract to Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife at Colorado State University. The contract focuses on assessing the post-partum pup survival of Steller sea lions along the coasts of southeastern Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. This effort aims to gather important data on the species' survival rates following birth to better understand population dynamics in these regions. This acquisition is classified as a simplified procurement with an estimated value below $100,000. The contract, identified by solicitation number WASC-2-1290, was publicly posted in July 2002. The work will primarily be overseen by the NOAA office in Seattle, although the precise locations of the fieldwork span several coastal areas across multiple states and Canada. This contract supports NOAA's broader mission to conserve and manage marine resources through scientific research.