The Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting quotes, on behalf of Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) for the validation, upgrade, and support of the sea surface temperature (SST)-chlorophyll (CHL) front detection Belkin O'Reilly algorithm (BOA). Background: The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is the research component of National Oceanic and Atmospherics' (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the Northeast Region. NEFSC has an ongoing research program to use remotely-sensed data collected by satellites to monitor the spatial, seasonal, inter-annual and decadal variability in sea surface temperature and phytoplankton productivity of the Northeast United States continental shelf ecosystem, and understand how oceanographic variability influences fisheries productivity and the living marine resources within this region. The Northeast U.S. ecosystem is oceanographically diverse owing to its location at the confluence of the warm northward Gulf Stream and cold southward Slope Current. There is a complex pattern of oceanic fronts in the Northeast region due to interaction of strong tidal currents and topography in areas such as Georges Bank, Nantucket Shoals, Bay of Fundy, and the Scotian Shelf. Such oceanic fronts represent major biogeographical/ecosystem boundaries and are often associated with zones of elevated primary and secondary productivity. There are numerous reports in the scientific literature summarizing the importance of oceanic fronts to fisheries. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) fronts, regions of sharp gradients in ocean surface temperature, can be detected by using satellite data. The methods for quantifying SST fronts from satellite data were developed and refined by oceanographers at the University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) and published in the scientific literature (Cayula & Cornillon 1992). Climatology of SST front statistics has also been developed and published by GSO, for the North9ast US coastal region. The Northeast US coastal region is the principal focus area for this contract. Fronts or strong gradients in Chlorophyll (CHL), an index phytoplankton abundance and production, are also evident in remotely-sensed surface data collected by satellite ocean color sensors. Recently, methods have been developed to quantify both CHL and SST fronts (Belkin and O'Reilly, 2009) however this new method Belkin O'Reilly Algorithm (BOA) requires validation and may require modifications. Scope: The purpose of this project is to validate, upgrade, and support the SST-CHL front detection (BOA) algorithm. Requirements: (a) Base Period (Year 1) The contractor shall validate the BOA SST-CHL front algorithm by comparing results from the BOA with in situ and satellite data (Year 1). Satellite data, from sensors AVHRR on NOAA satellites and MODIS Aqua on NASA satellites, will be provided by NOAA-NEFSC, Narragansett Laboratory and will consist of high resolution (I-km) data. Data collected from shipboard surveys (in situ data) will also be provided by NOAA-NEFSC, Narragansett Laboratory. A written progress report summarizing the work performed and the results and conclusions shall be completed by the end of the period of performance. (b) Option Period (Year 2) The contractor shall upgrade and modify (as needed) the BOA. A written final report summarizing the work performed and the results and conclusions shall be completed by the end of the period of performance; and (i) The contractor shall prepare a technical report (manuscript), to eventually be published in the Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, detailing the results of the BOA validation. References: References related to this work include oceanographic and remote sensing scientific technical reports and journals, technical scientific references and literature on oceanic fronts, accepted computer, statistical and analytical methods for satellite data processing, computer security policies and agency policies and directives. (a) Cayula, J.F., and P.c. Comilion. 1992. Edge Detection Algorithm for SST Images. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology 9(1):67-80. (b) Belkin, I.M., O'Reilly, J.E., 2009. An algorithm for oceanic front detection in chlorophyll and SST satellite imagery. Journal of Marine Systems 78(3), 317-326. The proposed contract is unrestricted. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the acquisition is 541712 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). The solicitation and proposed fixed price contract will be issued utilizing FAR Part 12 and 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 factors 1 - 2, listed in descending order of importance, when combined, are significantly more important than price: (1) Experience; (2) Past performance; and (3) Price. All responsible sources may submit a quote that shall be considered by the agency. To be eligible for award, vendors must obtain a DUNS number (this may be done by calling 1-800-333-0505) and be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR): www.ccr.gov. Prospective contractors are also required to complete electronic annual representations and certifications at http://orca.bpn.gov in conjunction with the required CCR registration. The solicitation will be available electronically on or about August 11, 2010 via FedBizOpps at www.fedbizopps.gov. Amendments to the solicitation will also be provided on the Internet using the same protocol listed above. Telephone requests for hard copies will not be honored. Hard copies of the solicitation may also be provided in response to a written or faxed request received directly from the contractor. Requests for hard copies of the solicitation may also be faxed to (757) 664-3636. Quotes will be accepted electronically at the following email address: Brian.O'Boyle@noaa.gov and via facsimile at (757) 664-3636.
