U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, Central Administrative Support Center, 601 East 12th St., CC31:PAW, RM 1756, Kansas City, MO 64106

A -- BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATIN MOINTORING SOL NFFN2100600065PAW DUE 081696 POC Patsy A. Willins (816) 426-6823 x 230 SERVICES SOURCES SOUGHT - The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is acquiring Bottlenose Dolphin Population Monitoring in Pine Island Sound, Florida. The NMFS is responsible for assessing, monitoring, and protecting marine mammals in U.S. coastal waters. The objectives are: 1) The establishment of a current population size and vital rate parameter database for long-term population trend detection to allow eventual detection of large-scale (halving or doubling) inter-annual changes in relative abundance and/or production of bottlenose dolphin stocks in Pine Island Sound; 2) Investigation of possible long-term residency of bottlenose dolphins in Pine Island Sound; 3) Establishment of a current dorsal fin photograph catalog of identifiable bottlenose dolphins in Pine Island Sound. The proposed action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. If no qualified responses are received, the Government intends to contract with Chicago Zoological Society, Conservation Biology Department, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 for the required services. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability by submitting a required qualifications statement. In order to be considered, firms must furnish information about their capability to provide services that will satisfy the Government needs. All proposals received within forty-five days after the date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be issued O/A July 19, 1996. (0187)

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