SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- MESOAMERICAN REEF CONNECTIVITY NETWORK
- Notice Date
- 7/21/2011
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division-KC, 601 East 12th Street, Room 1756, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106, United States
- ZIP Code
- 64106
- Solicitation Number
- NFFN7600-11-05870SLW
- Point of Contact
- Sharon L. Walker, Phone: (816)426-7470
- E-Mail Address
-
sharon.walker@noaa.gov
(sharon.walker@noaa.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division, (EAD) is soliciting sources for the International Capacity building in Mesoamerican reef connectivity research network between National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Fisheries Science Center and Colegio de La Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico in the lionfish density, connectivity and recruitment in Mexican Caribbean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Mesoamerican reef connectivity network (ECOSUR/UM/NOAA/MARfund) has been carrying out connectivity research in the Mesoamerican Reef eco-region since 2004. Surveys of recruitment of commercially and ecologically fishes to nursery areas have been carried out with concurrent oceanographic observations at Xcalak National Park in Mexico. This has served as a case study and created opportunities for capacity building in the region in the form of technology transfer and training of trainers with a management and conservation application. This is a two part project. 1) Lionfish (Pterois volitans) has rapidly become established in the western Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, yet little is known about its density, recruitment and dispersal in the region. Lionfish threatens local fish communities especially during their vulnerable juvenile stages. Previous observations indicate that lionfish are present in deep and shallow waters and have more varied thermal tolerances, habitat variability and recruitment patterns. During underwater visual surveys, lionfish can be counted, removed, measured and later sampled for otoliths. Otoliths can be used to establish and update growth curves to include in population modeling and management of fishery resources. The objectives are to quantify lionfish densities in deep and shallow waters and use otoliths to create an age and growth curve for the Mexican Caribbean region. 2) In order to respond to the lionfish invasion in the region, additional information is needed regarding the transport patterns that influence recruitment into coastal MPAs that are located along the barrier reef and nursery areas for recruiting juvenile fishes. This project would create a network of instruments for building time series to detect variability and determine patterns that influence recruitment of lionfish and important coral reef fishes that are also transported in the region. Description of Work 1) The study areas will include seven MPAs in the Mexican Caribbean along a north-south axis, such as, Parque Nacional Isla Contoy, Parque Nacional Cancún-Nizuc, Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Puerto Morelos, Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel, Reserva de la Biosphera Sian Ka'an, Reserva de la Biosphera Banco Chinchorro, and Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak (Mexico-Belize border). The work plan includes at least one intensive survey in each MPA by ECOSUR Staff led by Dr. Eloy Sosa Cordero to quantify lionfish density at MPAs in deep and shallow waters. At each MPA we will conduct 20-40 strip transects (scuba) in shallow water (< 20 m) following NOAA sampling protocols taking into account habitat features and depths. In four selected MPAs conduct 20-40 standardized video-transects in deep waters (20 - 65 m) to detect lionfish and measure its density. A recruitment index will be developed, based upon the counts of juvenile lionfish, as well as combined with data obtained from otoliths. After density assessments, lionfish will be removed and preserved. Measurements will include habitat, depth, sex, length, weight, otoliths and tissue. Otoliths will be prepared and aged. Samples will be curated at ECOSUR and a reference collection maintained. 2) The work plan includes deployment, monitoring, data downloads and processing of moored oceanographic equipment by ECOSUR staff led by Dr. Laura Carrillo. This work will complement a simultaneous study led by Dr. Eloy Sosa Cordero to quantify lionfish densities at MPAs in deep and shallow waters along the Mesoamerican barrier reef. Continuous observations of water temperature and currents will be uploaded to the internet while the data archived, and processed by ECOSUR staff. The study areas will include MPAs in the Mexican Caribbean such as Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel, Parque Nacional Isla Contoy, Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak. The intended acquisition is for services for which the Government intends to acquire from one source under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The only known source is EL Colegio De La Frontera Sur Carr. This is not a request for proposal. The anticipated period of performance is 15 months from date of award. After results of this market research are obtained and analyzed, NOAA may conduct a competitive procurement and subsequently award a Purchase Order. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified during this market research stage, then any competitive procurement that resulted would be conducted as a small business set-aside. Interested firms shall provide, in writing, the company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and business size. Any other specific and pertinent information as it pertains to this particular area of procurement that would enhance our consideration and evaluation of the information submitted will be considered by the agency. Responses can be faxed to 816-274-6983 or sent via email to Sharon.walker@noaa.gov. Central Region Acquisition Division, requires that all Contractors doing business with this officer be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). No award can be made to a company not registered in CCR. For additional information to register in CCR, please access the following web site: http://www.ccr.gov. In order to register, all firms must 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. Contractors should submit their Certification and Representations thru the on-line Business Partner Network (BPN). The BPN is the single source for vendor data for the federal government. Contractors are encouraged to go on-line at www.bpn.gov to complete its representations and certifications.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/CASC/NFFN7600-11-05870SLW/listing.html)
- Record
- SN02505932-W 20110723/110721234840-9d53065450adfad8613064e632c4cf5f (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |