U. S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, Central Administrative Support Center, 601 East 12th St., CC32:PAW, Rm. 1756, Kansas City, Missouri 64106

B -- RIGHT WHALE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM PROJECT SOL 52WCNF706010PW DUE 092096 POC Patsy A. Willins (816) 426-6823 ext. 230 The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is acquiring aerial surveys for the right whale early warning system project for a base period of twelve (12)-months and two (2) twelve (12)-month option periods. The primary objective of this work is to reduce right whale mortalities on the winter calving grounds by reducing the possibility between right whales, commercial and other large vessels. A secondary objective is to identify other methods which may increase the effectiveness and efficiency in satisfying the primary objective. This project will also serve as a source of information on the distribution and abundance of marine mammals and sea turtles in the study. The daily aerial surveys shall be conducted in the area extending from 18 km north of Brunswick, Georgia to 18 km south of Jacksonville, Florida under VFR flight conditions from December 1, 1996 through March 31, 1997. A summary report of the aerial surveys shall be provided to the NMFS Charleston Laboratory by May 1, 1997 for the base period of performance. This area shall be surveyed out to approximately 30 km from shore. Survey track lines shall be separated by 5.3 km and flown latitudinally. Track lines shall be flown at 229 m altitude and an airspeed of approximately 160 km/hr. Modifications to enhance the effectiveness of the aerial survey effort may be recommended by the SE Right Whale Recovery Plan Implementation Team Research Subcommittee as new data become available. These may include increased survey effort in select locations within or near the study area. The survey aircraft shall be equipped with electronic positioning equipment and appropriate safety gear for surveying over water. The aircrew shall consist of a pilot, data recorder, and two observers, one positioned on each side of the aircraft. Observers shall be trained and experienced in the identification of marine mammals. A summary report of the aerial surveys shall be provided to the NMFS Charleston Laboratory by May 1, 1997 for the base period of performance. Solicitation No. 52WCNF706010PW will be issued on or about August 12, 1996. All requests must be in writing. Requests may be facsimiled (faxed) to (816) 426-7530. Faxed receipt is the responsibility of the offeror. All responsible sources may submit a offer which will be considered by the Agency.(0201)

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