V -- Modification to existing contract; Sole Source for Dive Days of Manned Submersible to Conduct a Survey of Yelloweye Rockfish

The contract modification pertains to an existing agreement with Delta Oceanographics for the charter of a manned submersible and support vessel to conduct a yelloweye rockfish survey in the untrawlable area of the US-Vancouver International Pacific Halibut Commission region. This is a sole source requirement, highlighting the necessity of using the DELTA submersible, which has been utilized in prior historical surveys to ensure consistency and integrity of the research data. The survey will take place over ten dive days scheduled for August 2002 and 2003, emphasizing the need for continuity across coast-wide research conducted by various federal and state agencies, universities, and laboratories along the West Coast. The use of the DELTA submersible is critical because it allows duplication of equipment from previous studies, maintaining consistent data collection methods. The contract is managed by the Department of Commerce's NOAA office based in Seattle, Washington, with Kristina Rodabaugh as the contact person for additional information. The work supports scientific research efforts aimed at understanding yelloweye rockfish populations in areas inaccessible to trawling, and the unique capabilities of the DELTA submersible are essential to the success and continuity of this longitudinal study.