U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, WASC, Acquisition Management Division, Contracts Branch A WC31, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Seattle, WA 98115

R -- MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER PROGRAM IN ALASKA SOL 52-ABNF-7-00027 DUE 120896 POC For a copy of the solicitation, call Klint Demetrio at 206-526-4499 or fax a request to fax number 206-526-6025. Copies may not be avail.till after/about 15 days after CBD. For further information, call Contract Specialist Jan Sullivan at 206-526-6032. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service has a requirement for a contractor to hire and deploy approx. 45 fishery observers for the Marine Mammal Observer Program in ten Alaskan nearshore salmon Category I and II fisheries. The purpose of this project is to obtain objective, quantitative data on marine mammal/commercial fisheries interactions in Alaska to determine the levels of mortality and serious injury to marine mammals caused during commercial fishing operations in Alaska. Ten previously unobserved fisheries are proposed to be monitored for one fishing season over the next three years to obtain an initial reliable estimation of mortality and serious injury levels. All ten fisheries target salmon and are state fisheries managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The proposed three-year program is intended to be the start-up phase for implementing a long-term monitoring program for quantitative assessment for making future management decisions regarding marine mammal policy and management in Alaska. The period of performance is from April 1, 1997 through March 31, 1998, with options for two (2) additional one-year option periods. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by this agency. (0306)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0051 19961104\R-0004.SOL)