Conduct Study on the Entanglement of Large Whales

The Eastern Region Acquisition Division (ERAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting quotes, on behalf of the Protected Species Branch of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Woods Hole, MA, for a study requirement to evaluate photographic, scarring, necropsy and other data obtained from North Atlantic large whales observed interacting with or entangled in fishing gear over the past two decades to determine how large whales (especially rights and humpbacks) become entangled. The goal of the planned study is to evaluate the behavior of large whales that leads to entanglement in fishing gear. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the unrestricted acquisition is 541690. The small business size standard is $7.0M. Work elements may include: 1. Analysis of relevant data to assess how humpback and right whales may encounter gear and how they respond to those initial encounters. 2. A comparative analysis of the two species to clarify how specific behaviors or morphology affect entanglement, including its severity. 3. Exploration of existing zooplankton resource data to develop a vertical profile risk model for right whales. 4. Workshops to bring together relevant scientist to: a. Develop a synoptic understanding of whale behavior from the multiple sources b. Evaluate known entanglements by reverse engineering each event with disentanglement teams, whale biologist, and fishermen. 5. Development of a detailed research plan of directed studies on whale behavior as it relates to entanglements in fishing gear. The primary product of this work will be a report in scientific paper format documenting results of the study. The period of performance will be September 20, 2009 through September 19, 2010 with one twelve-month option period. The solicitation and proposed fixed price contract will be issued utilizing 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 technical factors 1 - 3, when combined, are significantly more important than price: (1) Explanation and adequacy of the methodology to be employed (2) Evidence of experience with the analysis of large whale behavior and entanglements (3) Previous successful experience with government funded research. All responsible sources may submit a quote that shall be considered by the agency. To be eligible for award, vendors must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR): www.ccr.gov and obtain a DUNS number by calling 1-800-333-0505. Prospective contractors are also required to complete electronic annual representations and certifications at http://orca.bpn.gov in conjunction with the required CCR registration. A copy of the solicitation will be attached to this announcement as a downloadable Word file on or about August 13, 2009. Quotes will be due on or about August 27, 2009. A hard copy of the solicitation will be provided in response to a written or faxed request received directly from the requestor. Telephone requests for hard copies will not be honored. Requests for hard copies of the solicitation may be faxed to (757) 664-3656. Amendment no. 001 is posted to provide responses to vendors' questions.The due date of the solicitation is extended to September 2, 2009.