Department of Commerce, NOAA, 200 World Trade Center, Room 209, Norfolk, VA 23510-1624

F -- FISHERY OBSERVERS FOR DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VESSELS SOL 52EANF600116. Contact Lynn Phipps, 757/441-6881/Contracting Officer, Melvyn A. DesJarlais, 757/441-6647. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has a requirement to collect scientific, management, compliance and economic data about fisheries through observers place aboard U. S. Domestic and foreign fishing vessels. This data, which cannot be obtained either dockside or while aboard government research vessels, is necessary for the management of fisheries occurring in the U. S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as the management of fisheries occurring on the high seas outside the EEZ. The NMFS also has specific responsibilities concerning marine mammals and sea turtles within state waters as specified under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This work requires deploying certified observers to meet coverage levels prescribed in sea day schedules and to process the data collected by observers to a form for use in fisheries management. The contractor shall support, as specified, the observers during each phase of their employment period, including training, briefing, travel, accomplishing requisite land duties, data collection on fishing vessels, and debriefings. Observers shall collect scientific, management, compliance and other data at sea through interviews of vessel captains and crew, observations of fishing operations, measurements of selected portions of the catch and fishing gear and collection of samples. Data collected once per trip includes data on the vessel, crew, fishing practices and cost of operation. The contractor makes all arrangements and incurs all costs in placing observers aboard all domestic vessels. The contract period of performance will be for one (1) year with four (1) one-year options, to start on or about April 1, 1997. This preliminary information is being made available for information and planning purposes only, subject to FAR Clause 52-215-3, entitle - Solicitation for Information and Planning Purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Quote (RFQ) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contract. The purpose of this release is to provide an opportunity for industry to address questions and concerns regarding the clarity of the NMFS requirements and statement of work. Any comments provided should not be viewed as a method for presenting a specific approach intended to be proposed but as an opportunity to improve an eventual solicitation package. The Government believes industry comment is essential to the success of this program and is receptive to any and all ideas from industry, which would result in limiting unnecessarily constraining requirements, realizing cost savings, or highlighting potential technical or contractual problems areas associated with this effort. The anticipated contract type will be firm fixed price. Draft RFP 52-EANF-6-00116 is scheduled for release on August 8, 1996 and will remain open for comments until 2:00 p.m., local time, August 22, 1996. NMFS desires to meet with potential offerors on August 29, 1996 to discuss their capabilities in performing this requirement and to get further insight into submitted comments on the draft documents being released in this notice. The anticipated release date for the official solicitation is on or about September 27, 1996. Your request for the draft RFQ must be submitted in writing. Fax requests are acceptable. Fax number (757) 441-3786. (215)

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