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

A -- BAA FOR ALTERNATIVES TO TURTLE EXCLUDER DEVICES (TEDS) SOL 52WCNF606083PW DUE 091196 POC Patsy Willins (816) 426-6823 ext. 230 BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces availability of the BAA - Solicitation No. 52WCNF606083PW, is under the provisions of FAR 6.102(d)(2). This BAA constitutes the solicitation and no formal Request for Proposal will be issued. This BAA is issued to obtain research and development proposals by academic institutions and the shrimp industry that identify methods to reduce the incidental capture of sea turtles in shrimp trawls, alternative to the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). The TEDs, deflector devices usually consisting of large oval metal grates inserted into the cod end of a shrimp trawl net, are currently required to be used in shrimp trawl nets by regulations issued under the Endangered Species Act. CONTRACT AWARD - The solicitation is open to all commercial firms (including small business/minority business enterprises), organizations interested in scientific research, colleges and universities and nonprofit research institutions. A cost reimbursement contract is contemplated. For awards made to a commercial business, a Cost Plus-Fixed- Fee type contract (see FAR 16.306) is anticipated. For any awards made to Colleges/Universities or nonprofit research institutions, a cost type contract (see 16.302) is anticipated. The range of funding is from approximately $350,000.00 to $480,000.00. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Any alternative method proposed for reducing incidental capture of sea turtles must target a 97% reduction in turtle takes, the current approval criteria for TEDs. In addition, proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria: (A) New and innovative solutions to the problem of shrimp trawl-related sea turtle mortality; (B) The feasibility/practicality of implementing proposed TED alternatives throughout the shrimp industry; (C) Inclusion of a specific research plan which would demonstrate the alternative method's effectiveness relative to the 97% criteria listed above OR feasibility of conducting such testing if not included in the proposal; and (D) The availability of qualified personnel with the requisite expertise to accomplish the tasks as proposed. Past Performance, as indicated must be evidence such as published research reports, commercial experience with fishing techniques and fishing operations, pertinent to the offeror's proposed technical approach. Submission of three (3) copies of the technical proposal and three (3) copies of the cost proposal will be required by 3:00 p.m. CST on September 11, 1996 p.m. All proposals must be in writing. Facsimile (faxed) copies of the proposals will not be accepted. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered by the Agency. (0208)

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